Scrub Nurse/ODP - Theatres Band 5
The Band 5 Staff Nurse / Theatre Nurse is a key member of the Planned Care Division, working within the Day Surgery Unit to provide safe, effective and high‑quality perioperative care. As part of the multidisciplinary theatre team, the post holder upholds excellent clinical standards, supports colleagues, and ensures compassionate, patient‑centred care throughout each surgical pathway.
This full‑time role (37.5 hours per week) reports to the Matron and Clinical Nurse Lead. The nurse primarily works in the Day Surgery Unit but may be required to undertake weekend shifts or cross‑site duties depending on service needs.
Although positioned at Band 5, the post holder is expected to demonstrate reliability, professionalism and growing clinical autonomy. They contribute to theatre efficiency by supporting the coordination of care, maintaining smooth theatre flow, and communicating effectively with patients, families and the wider clinical team. Trust values must be consistently demonstrated in all aspects of practice.
The role may also involve acting as a deputy to more senior staff, such as a Junior Theatre Sister, taking responsibility for delegated clinical and educational tasks, and supporting team development.
Working both independently and as part of a team, the nurse helps maintain a safe surgical environment through strong infection control practice, safeguarding awareness, and evidence‑based clinical care.
The Band 5 Scrub Nurse is responsible for delivering safe, high‑quality intraoperative care by maintaining a sterile environment, preparing theatres appropriately, and ensuring all instruments and equipment are ready for each procedure. They scrub for a range of surgeries, anticipate the needs of the surgical team, manage instruments and devices throughout operations, and complete all required surgical counts accurately in line with Trust policy. They are also responsible for the safe disposal and handling of sharps, swabs, and instruments.
The post holder supports efficient theatre flow by assisting with case turnaround, coordinating with the wider multidisciplinary team, and engaging in all required safety processes, including the WHO Surgical Checklist.
Professional practice must align with NMC/HCPC standards, Trust guidelines, infection control requirements, and local policies. The Scrub Nurse maintains high standards of documentation and patient safety, escalating equipment issues, near‑misses, and incidents appropriately, and contributing to clinical governance activity.
They play a key role in education by supporting learners and junior staff, demonstrating best practice, and engaging in continuous professional development to maintain and expand their own skills. The role also includes responsibility for equipment checks, safe operation of specialist devices, and supporting stock management to ensure cost‑effective and reliable service delivery.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.
The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
The Band 5 Theatre Nurse is responsible for delivering high‑quality perioperative care while upholding Trust values and professional NMC standards. As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder provides expert support within the intraoperative environment, ensuring safe and effective care throughout the patient journey. The role involves both autonomous practice and close teamwork, with an expectation of developing specialist theatre skills and contributing to the overall efficiency and safety of the operating department.
The post holder will also act as a positive role model, supporting colleagues, participating in quality initiatives, and leading delegated clinical or service responsibilities as required.
Main Responsibilities
1. Clinical Responsibilities
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised patient care using appropriate perioperative frameworks.
Prepare operating theatres ensuring all required instruments, equipment, and consumables are available and fit for use.
Scrub for a variety of surgical procedures, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and wider team.
Maintain sterility and uphold infection prevention measures throughout the procedure.
Undertake and document all surgical counts (swabs, needles, instruments) accurately and escalate discrepancies immediately.
Note: Scrub nurse is solely responsible for sharps, swabs and instrument management.
Safely manage and dispose of sharps and surgical waste following policy.
Assist with positioning, prepping, and supporting the patient safely before and during surgery.
Support safe transfer of patients between theatre areas, including handovers.
2. Theatre Coordination & Team Support
Contribute to the smooth running of theatre lists and assist in turnaround between cases.
Communicate effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs, nurses, porters, and wider MDT.
Participate in WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and escalate concerns appropriately.
Support senior staff, acting as deputy when delegated by the Sister / Charge Nurse.
3. Professional Standards & Governance
Work in accordance with NMC standards, Trust values, local policies, and theatre protocols.
Maintain accurate contemporaneous documentation and ensure confidentiality at all times.
Report incidents, near misses, and equipment faults, supporting learning and improvement.
Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and monitoring of safety metrics.
4. Education, Training & Development
Support orientation and teaching of learners, junior nurses, and HCAs, helping identify learning needs and providing supervision, demonstration, and feedback.
Engage in CPD activities, including competency development, theatre rotations, and specialist training opportunities (e.g., perioperative nursing course, QI projects).
Maintain up‑to‑date clinical skills and participate in mandatory training and appraisal (PDR).
5. Equipment & Resource Management
Check, prepare, and operate specialised theatre equipment safely.
Contribute to stock control, procurement, and equipment ordering according to service needs.
Ensure appropriate action is taken when equipment issues arise, preventing delays to surgery.
6. Patient Care & Advocacy
Provide reassurance and support to patients throughout their perioperative journey.
Act as a patient advocate, ensuring dignity, privacy, and comfort are maintained.
Challenge unsafe practice and raise concerns in line with speaking‑up policy.
7. Leadership & Team Culture
Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and Trust values in all interactions.
Support colleagues, contribute to a positive working environment, and promote effective teamwork.
Take responsibility for delegated tasks and lead small projects as assigned by senior nursing staff.
