Staff Nurse, Elective Surgery


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£33,677 - £40,996
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Ashford, TW15 3AA
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	29 Jul 2026
Closing date:	9 Aug 2026

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Summary

The post holder will be responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic and general surgical procedures in a busy elective surgical ward. The role involves caring for patients throughout the perioperative pathway, ensuring excellent clinical standards are maintained while promoting positive patient outcomes and experiences. The successful candidate will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with the NMC Code, Trust policies, evidence-based practice, and national guidelines. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, clinical competence, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and development. Clinical ResponsibilitiesDeliver high standards of nursing care to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures, including total hip replacements, total knee replacements, shoulder replacement surgery, spinal surgery, and minor elective trauma procedures.Provide care for patients undergoing a variety of general surgical procedures, including bariatric surgery, Upper GI surgery, gynaecology surgery, breast surgery, colorectal surgery, urology surgery, and day case procedures.Undertake comprehensive patient assessmentsto identify individual care needs and develop appropriate care plans.Monitor patients physical and psychological condition, recognising and responding promptly to any deterioration or changes in clinical status.Safely administer medications, intravenous therapies, and treatments in line with Trust policies, NMC standards, and local protocols.Support patients with all aspects of post-operative recovery and rehabilitation, including pain management, wound care, mobilisation, nutrition, hydration, and discharge planning.Promote enhanced recovery principles and early mobilisation programmes to support positive patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospital length of stay.Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient care, assessments, observations, and interventions using electronic and paper-based systems as required.Escalate concerns appropriately and contribute to the management of deteriorating patients using recognised clinical assessment tools and escalation pathways.Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control to ensure a safe, clean clinical environment at all times.Communication and Patient ExperienceCommunicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, carers, and members of the multidisciplinary team.Provide patients and families with clear information, support, reassurance, and health education throughout the patient journey.Promote dignity, privacy, equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery.Contribute to maintaining a positive patient experience by delivering compassionate, patient-centred care and responding appropriately to patient feedback and concerns.Team Working and LeadershipWork collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, effective, and safe patient care.Support junior staff, newly qualified nurses, student nurses, apprentices, and healthcare assistants within the clinical environment.Participate in ward meetings, handovers, safety briefings, and multidisciplinary discussions.Act as an effective role model, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude within the workplace.Contribute to maintaining safe staffing levels and support the operational needs of the service by working flexibly across clinical areas when required.Quality, Governance, and Professional DevelopmentMaintain professional registration and practice in accordance with the NMC Code and Trust policies.Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects to support continuous improvement within the service.Adhere to safeguarding policies, health and safety requirements, infection prevention procedures, and risk management processes.Participate in mandatory training, competency assessments, appraisal processes, and continuing professional development activities.Take responsibility for maintaining and developing one's own clinical knowledge and skills to ensure safe and effective practice.Contribute to the ongoing development and success of the service by actively participating in education, innovation, and quality improvement initiatives. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the service to meet the needs of the patients and the organisation while maintaining the highest standards of professional nursing care.

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