Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical and Patient Care
•    Contribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the department which includes assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting qualified staff in the overall care of the patient during the peri and post-operative period, maintaining a high standard of patient care within agreed departmental standards, policies and procedures. 
•    Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, appreciating each member of the team's needs and role.
•    Establishing effective communications between departments, relaying messages to and from the surgical team and liaising with personnel outside the Operating Theatre.
•    To communicate effectively, respectfully and in a timely manner within the team. Understand the principle of confidentiality. Communicating and acting in a manner that always maintains the patient’s confidentiality and dignity.
•    Capture and maintain accurate patient data/documentation. 
•    Participating in meetings of Theatre Department staff.
•    Participating in the safe collection, transfer and return of peri-operative patients. Assisting in the safe movement of patients throughout the unit.
•    Assisting in positioning the patient for surgical procedures.
•    Preparing tables/trolleys and beds as appropriate.
•    Preparing the ophthalmic operating theatre and assisting the ophthalmic surgical team.
•    Checking the environment and equipment for cleanliness and carrying out cleaning procedures e.g. operating tables, lights etc.
•    Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner by checking and selecting and opening of sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.
•    Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.
•    Assisting in gowning and gloving.
•    Actively participating in 8 sequential steps to Safer Surgery (formely known as WHO Checklist). 
•    Participating in swab, instrument and needle count.
•    Check theatre instruments and other extras with the scrub nurse.
•    To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.
•    To work alongside all staff in all areas of the ophthalmic patient pathway–outpatient clinics and day care including admissions and discharge areas.
•    To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.
•    To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.
•    To attain competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, ECG when required.
•    To act as a chaperone when required.

Financial and Performance Management
•    Act responsibly when utilising the Department’s resources to ensure sound financial stewardship.
•    Support the directorate in the delivery of the Cost Improvement Programme
•    Make sure all safety checks are carried out and signed for as appropriate. Any faults with equipment are acted on and reported appropriately and these are carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Personal Development
•    To keep up to date with current requirements
•    Take responsibility for maintaining own professional growth, identifying training needs and maintaining a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development.
•    Maintain up to date knowledge utilising literature, journals and technical guides.
•    Complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and adhere to all local and trust policies
•    Exercise accountability at all times and to be aware of own development needs/ limitations and actively seek to address these and raise awareness in others