Staff Theatre Nurse -UPMC Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:
The post holder will work as an integral member of the Nursing and Multidisciplinary team in the operating theatre suite / endoscopy suite involved in the provision of evidence based care to the patients who attend for surgery. We are recruiting nurses in theatre, endoscopy and anaesthetics and recovery. The following services are provided at Whitfield Hospital, General Medicine, sub specialties include but are not limited to: Respiratory, Care of the Elderly and Gastroenterology; Cardiology. Surgical including but are not limited to: general surgery, ophthalmology, gynaecology, ENT, orthopaedics, plastics, urology, vascular surgery and oral surgery. A Peri Operative staff nurse may be assigned to any area within Anaesthetics, Scrub, Circulating, Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) or Endoscopy within their scope of practice. This is a 12 month fixed term contract.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Professional Responsibilities
Nurses are expected to practice according to the Code of Professional Conduct as laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and Professional Clinical Guidelines.
Adhere at all times to the Nursing Board code for nurses and ensure that subordinate staff do likewise.
Adhere to Whitfield Hospital Guidelines / Policies / Protocols.
Work within their scope of practice and take measures to continuously develop and maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.
Provide and maintain a caring, efficient and highly professional nursing service to all patients in his / her care.
Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.
Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient at all times.
Assume responsibility for and coordinate the management of the ward area in the absence of the CNM I/CNM II.
To undertake the role of mentor/buddy where requested and to facilitate the orientation and development of new staff
Actively participate in anaesthetics, scrub, and circulating, PACU or endoscopy room duties as is required.
Prepare equipment and instruments according to the individual needs of the patient and Consultant Surgeon/Gastroenterologist, as well as involvement with the updating of consultant preference cards.
Assist in the smooth and effective running of the Endoscopy Unit.
Assessing, planning, delivering and evaluation of patient care in the endoscopic room.
Ensure effective teamwork by good communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team to enable continuity of care and a safe environment for patients and staff, following local protocols and standards.
Awareness of the effective management of resources within the department.
Participate in education, training and development of other staff.
Ensure all equipment is checked prior to use and any faults reported to the line manger immediately.
Help to control cross infection by observing departmental policy regarding theatre attire, the maintenance of a clean working environment, decontamination and sterilisation procedures and asepsis.
Prepare patients for endoscopy procedures under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Maintain up to date knowledge and skills within endoscopy and the profession of nursing.

Scrub / Circulating
Provide nursing care for patients undergoing surgery.
Assist consultant surgeons in all surgical procedures.
Maintain standards of nursing care in pre-operative and post-operative planning, implementation and patient care.
Be aware of the multifaceted needs of theatre patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families.
Prepare the operating room for all elective scheduled procedures.
Maintain the principles of aseptic techniques in performing surgical scrub, setting instruments, gowning, gloving as needed for each surgical procedure.
Ensure that controlled drug records are kept in accordance with standard recognised legal and professional practice.
Ensure the correct counting procedures are adhered to throughout the patient stay in the operating room.
Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice.

Qualifications & Experience:

Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses kept by NMBI or be entitled to be so registered.
Basic Life Support Training.
2 years Theatre Nursing experience.
A relevant Theatre qualification is advantageous.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.

Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC

A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.

Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.