Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse

Permanent and Fixed-Term Opportunities Available

We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse to join our dedicated POAC team at Musgrove Park Hospital.

In this rewarding role, you will autonomously assess children and young people undergoing a wide range of elective surgical procedures requiring general anaesthetic. You will deliver high-quality, evidence based clinical assessments, ensure all required investigations are completed, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective perioperative care.

Paediatric POAC experience is desirable but not essential - we are looking for someone with at least a solid understanding of paediatric surgical pathways and a willingness to develop specialist skills.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated children's nurse who is passionate about delivering outstanding care, developing specialist skills, and contributing to a supportive and forward-thinking paediatric service.

• Provide comprehensive nurse led preoperative assessments for paediatric elective surgery patients, both face to face and via telephone.
• Undertake and interpret relevant investigations including ECGs, MRSA swabs, blood tests, baseline observations, height/weight measurements, and glucometer readings.
• Liaise with anaesthetics, surgical teams, children's inpatient areas, day surgery, and outpatients to resolve clinical queries and plan safe care.
• Work independently within scope of practice and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Maintain accurate patient records, clinical documentation, and written reports.
• Deliver excellent communication and support to children, young people, and their families, adapting information to varying levels of understanding.
• Promote public health principles, offering lifestyle guidance when appropriate.
• Participate in clinical governance, audits, quality improvement, and evidence based practice initiatives.
• Support induction of new staff and students; contribute to staff development and team leadership.
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, confidentiality, and equality & diversity.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Clinical & Patient Care Responsibilities

• Deliver autonomous preoperative assessments, identifying potential medical risks and planning appropriate care.
• Request and review investigations, acting on results, and escalating concerns to anaesthetic or surgical teams.
• Ensure all relevant investigations and results are collated prior to admission.
• Provide specialist advice to paediatric clinical areas, supporting safe surgical pathways.

Communication & Relationships

• Build strong professional relationships across the multidisciplinary team.
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with children, families, carers, and colleagues.
• Overcome barriers to understanding and ensure families feel informed and supported.

Planning & Organisation

• Manage and prioritise own workload and support team workflow.
• Attend surgical clinics to complete timely assessments.
• Ensure safe staffing and clinic coverage across a 5day service.
• Contribute to developing and updating preassessment protocols.

Professional & Service Development

• Stay up to date with evidence based practice and emerging clinical guidance.
• Support clinical audits, research, governance, and service improvements.
• Maintain NMC registration and engage in continual professional development.

Leadership & Supervision

• Assist with induction and training of new staff and students.
• Participate in annual appraisal and support team development.

Administrative & Information Responsibilities

• Use Trust digital systems to record…