Sister​/Charge Nurse​/Senior Operating Department Practitioner

Overview

Sister/Charge Nurse/Senior Operating Department Practitioner – Band 6. The post is based in Cardiothoracic Theatres at Freeman Hospital, providing 24/7 cover with shift rotation, night duty and possible on-call commitment. 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week. Urgent treatment centres. Previous post registration experience. Relevant specialist qualification.

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the busiest and largest NHS hospital trusts in the country with around 16,000 staff and an annual budget of £1.7 billion. We provide a wide range of hospital and community services and support people with rare and complex medical, surgical and neurological conditions, cancers and genetic disorders. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from under-represented groups.

We are committed to sustainability and Net Zero targets as part of our NHS strategy.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for motivated, flexible and dynamic Sisters/Charges Nurses/Senior ODPs to work within the Cardiothoracic Theatres Anaesthetic and Recovery Team at Freeman Hospital. The Cardiothoracic Theatres unit comprises five operating theatres, six cardiac catheterisation laboratories and a 6-bed recovery area, undertaking adult and paediatric cardiothoracic surgery, transplantation, ECMO, ventricular assist devices and cardiothoracic emergencies. The anaesthetic team also covers departments off-department in MRI, CT, IR and Radiotherapy.

• Provide skilled anaesthetic and recovery care for a variety of adult, paediatric and congenital cardiothoracic surgical cases
• Ensure high quality care and a safe environment for patients
• Lead the theatre team, manage resources effectively for optimal clinical outcomes
• Handle emergencies with skill and expertise
• Serve as a mentor and role model for junior colleagues
• Participate in staff performance management and appraisals
• Drive positive change and foster a patient-centred care culture
• Participate in out-of-hours service 24/7
• Provide skilled care to patients throughout their perioperative journey
• Act as patient advocate and ensure patient wishes and beliefs are considered in decisions in collaboration with the family
• Maintain safe and effective patient care in line with theatre and Trust policies
• Maintain accurate and legible records in line with Trust policy and NMC/HCPC standards
• Actively monitor and promote high standards of care, including audits
• Mentor students and new team members
• Maintain a culture where infection control is intrinsic to care delivery

We are a flexible-working friendly organisation and will consider arrangements that suit service needs and staff. The Trust serves around 2 million patient contacts annually from locations including Royal Victoria Infirmary, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Dental Hospital, and other sites. Applicants should refer to the documents available for staff benefits and broader information about the Trust.

• To support the Senior Sister / Charge Nurse / Senior ODP, acting as a deputy when the Senior is absent
• Provide effective support and leadership to staff, patients and carers within the theatre or department
• Act as a role model, teacher and supervisor for junior staff and students
• Ensure systems are in place to provide safe, effective care at all times
• Be an effective member of the multidisciplinary team
• May be required to participate in an on-call rota

Knowledge – Essential:
Evidence of achievements and ongoing professional development; understanding of professional accountability in a leadership role; awareness of NHS policy context; understanding/experience of safeguarding; meets NMC/HCPC requirements for mentorship where relevant.

Skills – Essential:
Good IT skills.

Experience – Essential:
Previous post-registration experience; specialist qualification if relevant; relevant and recent clinical experience. Desirable:
Audit/research experience.

Qualifications – Essential:
Registered Nurse (appropriate to branch) / ODP; current NMC/HCPC registration;
Diploma in health-related subject (prepared to take degree-level study). Desirable:
Degree in health-related subject; relevant specialist qualification.

Please note:

Applicants will be shortlisted via Trac. The job description includes details on DBS checks, references, and the potential requirement for Disclosure. The post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and related UK requirements.

Interview date
:
Wednesday 25 February 2026