Recovery Practitioner Theatres PACU

Job summary

We are seeking enthusiastic and motivated Registered Nurses or Operating Department Practitioners(ODP) to join our Recovery Team. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).

A willingness to undertake a dual role within the perioperative environment, including developing competencies in Scrub and/or Anaesthetic practice, is highly desirable. Successful candidates will be supported through a structured competency programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to work across multiple theatre specialities and areas of practice.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Current NMC or HCPC registration.
• A commitment to providing safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to prioritise and work effectively in a busy clinical environment.
• A willingness to participate in a flexible rota, including weekends, nights, and on-call duties where applicable.
• A desire to expand their perioperative skills by undertaking a dual role in Recovery and either Scrub or Anaesthetic practice, supporting workforce flexibility and enhancing patient care across the theatre complex.

In return, we offer a comprehensive induction programme, clinical support, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work within a dynamic multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding perioperative care.

Main duties of the job

To provide high-quality, safe, and effective care for patients recovering from anaesthesia and surgery within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). The post holder will assess, monitor, and support patients throughout the immediate post-operative period, ensuring timely recognition and management of actual or potential complications while maintaining the highest standards of patient-centred care.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care to patients recovering from local, regional, and general anaesthesia.
• Receive and assess patients admitted to PACU following surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Monitor and interpret patients' physiological observations and respond appropriately to any deterioration in condition.
• Maintain airway patency and support ventilation and oxygenation as required.
• Recognise and manage post-operative complications, escalating concerns promptly to senior staff or medical teams.
• Administer medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and oxygen therapy in accordance with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Assess and manage pain, nausea, vomiting, and other post-operative symptoms.
• Ensure patients meet agreed discharge criteria prior to transfer to wards, critical care, day surgery, or discharge home.
• Provide compassionate care, maintaining patient dignity, privacy, and comfort at all times.
• Facilitate effective communication with patients and relatives throughout the recovery period

About us

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.