PACU Practitioner

Overview

An exciting opportunity has occurred in our Theatre department working in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU). The successful candidate will work as part of the PACU team covering a 24 hour emergency service as well as elective surgery, working a variety of shift patterns to include day, night and weekend work. The transformation of services within UHD will provide future development opportunities within other specialties.

Cross site working is expected to support the service when needed.

Note: This role requires an active UK NMC registered Nurse (Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing) or HCPC registered ODP (Dip (HE) Operating Department Practice).

Base

Location:

Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Interview date: 16th February 2026

• To deliver safe quality care for patients during their perioperative phase of care.
• To support and assist in the management and organisation of care provision within the Operating Theatre Department.
• Promote good working relationships and collaborative working with the multi-disciplinary team, both within the department and the rest of the Trust.
• To apply and promote best evidence based practice within own scope of practice.
• Act as an effective role model by developing and demonstrating effective organisational and leadership skills.
• To contribute to service improvements.
• To act in a manner in keeping with the relevant code of conduct.
• To uphold and enhance the good standard and reputation of the trust.

UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Women’s, DEN, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of a wide range of surgical procedures and PACU procedure.
• Responsible for participation in the co-ordination of PACU area.
• Ability to perform a range of duties including; treating patients with dignity, respect and preparation in all aspects of care.
• Awareness of the needs of team, support other practitioners working in peri-operative care, cleaning of the department and safe handling of equipment.
• Contribute to quality improvement and audit.
• Contribute to the effective management of resources.
• Demonstrate competence with current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice.
• Ensure that the correct cleaning and storage of equipment is undertaken.

Essential criteria

• NMC registered Nurse (Advanced Diploma/Degree in Adult Health Nursing) or HCPC registered ODP (Dip (HE) Operating Department Practice)

Desirable criteria

• Learning and Assessing in Practice (or equivalent teaching/mentoring qualification)

Essential criteria

• Experience of working within UK guidance, regulations and procedures.
• Experience of caring for patients with acute and long term conditions.

Desirable criteria

• Leadership abilities to work in Anaesthetics, Scrub, Recovery

Essential criteria

• Ability to recognise the deteriorating patient
• Able to work unsupervised and on own initiative

Desirable criteria

• IV administration and administration of blood products

Essential Criteria

• Understanding of the surgical patient pathway through the hospital

• Flexible working pattern to meet demands of the service
• Highly motivated
• Patient focused

Desirable criteria

• Situational awareness and management of self and others (Human Factors)