Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

Posting date:	23 February 2026
Salary:	£24,937.00 to £26,598.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£24937.00 - £26598.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	02 March 2026
Location:	Gloucester, GL1 3NN
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	C9318-26-0163

Summary

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities Under supervision: Assess patients in theatres and associated areas, exercising professional judgement to establish patient centred goals and to accept, plan, initiate, modify, refer or cease treatment within prescribed limits Recognise disease and trauma processes relevant to perioperative care Change practice to account for new developments or changing contexts in what constitutes best practice in perioperative care, through effective change management Respond appropriately to emergency situations Conduct appropriate diagnostic, monitoring, treatment and therapy procedures safely and effectively Undertake anaesthetic, surgical and post-anaesthesia care interventions including managing airways Cannulation, catheterisation and manual handling/positioning of patients Select appropriate techniques and equipment; undertake and record thorough assessments and investigations Maintain Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Life Support qualifications where appropriate Provide individualized care for patients prior to and throughout surgery or other procedures including reassurance and support Use a wide range of clinical skills to provide a safe environment during the administration and maintenance of anaesthesia Assist anaesthesia with the use of medical devices, equipment and medications. Assist with the securing and maintenance of the patients airway and stability during anaesthesia Prepare of a wide range of specialist equipment and devices Position the patient to optimize surgical access, maintaining patient safety and dignity Maintain a sterile working area; safely and effectively perform aseptic techniques (including scrubbing, gloving and gowning) Perform scrub skills according in accordance with Perioperative Care Collaborative statement Select, prepare and provide the correct sterile surgical equipment to the surgeon and be accountable for all surgical instruments, equipment and swabs throughout the procedure Anticipate the requirements of the surgical team, responding appropriately and effectively Ensure the correct management of clinical specimens Observe and monitor the patients vital signs. Monitor airway, breathing and circulation Maintain the patients airway, identifying and responding to changes in their condition Monitor and record fluids balance and administer prescribed fluids appropriately Monitor the effects of drugs and take appropriate action in response to significant change Accurately calculate and record prescribed drug dose Assess and monitor individuals pain status and administer prescribed pain relief appropriately Communicate effectively the handover of the care of the patient Professional Development, Education and Training Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies and BSc (Hons) Level 6 qualification within agreed timeframes Seek support/guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered Participate in tri-partite meetings with the Trust and University Management and Leadership Effectively lead manages and delegate to colleagues, working as part of the surgical team Work collaboratively throughout the patients perioperative journey with the surgical team and others Use the evidence base to promote innovation and improvement in operating department practice Actively participate in audit, training and review activities Manage yourself in emergency and stressful situations Demonstrate self-awareness and impact on others Reflect on own practice and challenge self and others Provide effective communication and information Safeguard confidential information, relating to patients at all times, consistently applying data protection principles Apply a range of communication strategies and skills within the multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and dignity Use effective communication skills to support the patient at different stages of their care Identify barriers to communication, their potential impact and strategies for management Ensure your own behaviour supports others to work in ways that are consistent with individuals' beliefs and preferences, that regard diversity positively and that support anti-discriminatory practice Maintain care records that are fit for purpose and process them according to legislation Formulate care plans including setting of timescales Analyse and critically evaluate information collected and appropriately act upon it Planning and Organisation Plan and manage competing demands of job role, study and placement activities Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals Deliver effective care in accordance with the perioperative care pathway overseen by a Registered Operating Department Practitioner or Registered Nurse Communications and Working Relationships Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services Using a range of communication tools, interpret and present clinical information to patients and their families/carers in ways that can be clearly understood, recognising individual needs and overcoming any barriers to communication Provide good counselling and advocacy skills to support staff, patients and carers Develop and maintain communication with people about difficult matters or difficult situations Provide accurate, timely and relevant patient progress and handover information using both written and electronic systems Demonstrate inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team where necessary Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance Ensure ability to manage electronic records system understanding the need to protect access (ID, passwords, and swipe cards) Attend and actively participate in department meetings Maintain confidentiality at all times, as required by legislation and Trust policy Raise concerns with regards to risk, danger, malpractice or wrongdoing by following the Trust Whistleblowing policy and supporting processes Professional Standards and Behaviours Adhere to the policies and procedures required as an employee of GHNHSFT Ensure activities are in accordance with the Association for Perioperative Practice (2022) Standards and Recommendations for Perioperative Practice Practice within the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners Practice in a manner that uphold the Trusts values at all times Demonstrate care, compassion, confidence, courage, communication and commitment for patients at their most vulnerable Recognise and take account of the needs and diversity of individuals Shape or structure practice according to evidence-based practice Practice in a manner ensuring equality and act as an advocate for patients Maintain the patients dignity at all times Demonstrate an open, honest and courteous approach to patients, carers, relatives and colleagues Equality and Diversity Must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc Working Conditions/Effort Communication with all levels of staff throughout the Trust on a daily basis Communication with staff from other NHS Trusts, private organisations and medical companies etc. Participation in manual handling activities and working with chemicals regulated by COSHH May be required to work in all theatre areas/surgical specialities as designated Required to stand for extended periods within normal working conditions Required to fulfil all shift patterns Workload unpredictable - frequent exposure to emergency situations Required to handle unpleasant materials (with appropriate infection control procedures) including blood and body fluids etc. Act as advocate for patients and seek advice from Team Leader when necessary