The Practice Educator for Theatres role is open to Registered Nurses (RN) and Operating Department Practitioners (ODP).
The role encompasses working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across theatre services, as well as supporting students and universities across Northamptonshire.
The post holder will play a key role in facilitating education, training, and professional development within the theatre environment, ensuring staff are supported to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. This includes working closely with clinical teams, higher education institutions, and learners at all stages of their development.
Design, deliver, and evaluate education programmes for theatre staff (scrub, anaesthetics, and recovery)
Support induction, preceptorship, and transition programmes for new staff and students
Identify training needs through appraisal, audit, and service requirements
Facilitate simulation-based learning and clinical skills training
Ensure staff maintain competencies aligned with national standards (e.g., AfPP, NMC, HCPC)
Act as a clinical expert in perioperative practice
Support staff in developing advanced clinical skills and safe practice in theatres
Promote adherence to policies, protocols, and infection prevention standards
Ensure safe use of specialist theatre equipment and techniques
Provide supervision, coaching, and mentorship within clinical areas
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close adverts once sufficient applications have been received.
We recognise that AI tools can support application writing; however, candidates are asked to keep their use to a minimum. Responses should reflect your own experience, skills and knowledge, as over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in generic answers that do not accurately represent your abilities.
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) brings together Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. As a group, we are committed to improving services for our communities through collaboration, modernising care delivery and striving for excellence. Working together enables us to share expertise, strengthen services and create greater opportunities, and there may be a requirement to work across sites depending on service needs.
Our Excellence Values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage. UHN welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. Candidates who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.
1. Education, Training & Development
Design, deliver, and evaluate education programmes for theatre staff (scrub, anaesthetics, and recovery)
Support induction, preceptorship, and transition programmes for new staff and students
Identify training needs through appraisal, audit, and service requirements
Facilitate simulation-based learning and clinical skills training
Ensure staff maintain competencies aligned with national standards (e.g., AfPP, NMC, HCPC)
2. Clinical Practice Support
Act as a clinical expert in perioperative practice
Support staff in developing advanced clinical skills and safe practice in theatres
Promote adherence to policies, protocols, and infection prevention standards
Ensure safe use of specialist theatre equipment and techniques
Provide supervision, coaching, and mentorship within clinical areas
3. Student & Learner Support
Support pre-registration students (nursing, ODP) and apprentices
Work closely with universities and placement providers
Ensure high-quality learning environments within theatres
Provide feedback, assessments, and documentation of learning outcomes
Support practice supervisors and assessors in their roles
4. Quality, Governance & Patient Safety
Promote evidence-based practice and continuous professional development
Support clinical audits, competency assessments, and service improvement initiatives
Participate in incident reviews and contribute to learning from events
Ensure compliance with mandatory training and competency frameworks
Contribute to maintaining a safe, effective, and high-quality perioperative service
5. Leadership & Professional Development
Act as a role model for professional standards and clinical excellence
Support staff in career development and progression (e.g., specialist roles, leadership)
Lead or contribute to education-related projects and innovations
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient pathways
Maintain own professional development and educational skills
6. Communication & Collaboration
Work collaboratively with theatre teams, education teams, and external partners
Communicate effectively with staff at all levels
Facilitate educational meetings, workshops, and briefings
Provide guidance and support in complex clinical or learning situations
