About this role
Job summary
The post holder is responsible for the pre-operative assessment of children and young people scheduled to undergo a variety of surgical procedures and investigations requiring a general anaesthetic.
The role will primarily involve undertaking comprehensive pre-operative assessments via telephone, ensuring children and their families are prepared for admission and surgery. The post holder will complete a nursing assessment, obtaining relevant medical history, identifying potential risks or concerns, and ensuring all required investigations and results are completed, reviewed and documented. Where clinically indicated, arrangements will be made for baseline measurements and any additional assessments required before admission.
The post holder will provide information, advice and support to children, young people and their families throughout the pre-operative pathway, ensuring appropriate planning before admission and during their hospital admission.
Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, including anaesthetists, surgeons, children's unit and day surgery teams, the post holder will communicate concerns that may affect surgery or anaesthesia, supporting timely decision-making and patient safety.
The post holder will contribute to the ongoing development, evaluation and continuous improvement of the service, ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care in line with best practice.
Main duties of the job
Undertake comprehensive nurse-led pre-operative assessments for children and young people undergoing elective surgery or investigations requiring a general anaesthetic, primarily via telephone. Assess medical history, current health, medications, anxiety, allergies and previous anaesthetic history, identifying and escalating any clinical concerns to the multidisciplinary team. Ensure all required investigations, documentation and referrals are completed to support safe, timely surgery and minimise avoidable cancellations. Provide information, advice and reassurance to children, young people and their families throughout the pre-operative pathway, promoting informed decision-making and reducing anxiety. Liaise with surgeons, anaesthetists, ward, day surgery and outpatient teams to coordinate care and optimise patient outcomes. Maintain accurate patient records and work in accordance with the NMC Code, Trust policies and safeguarding requirements. Contribute to audit, quality improvement and the ongoing development of the pre-operative assessment service.
About us
Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Job description Job responsibilities
Undertake comprehensive pre-operative assessments for children and young people undergoing elective surgery, primarily via telephone, with face-to-face assessments introduced as the service develops. Assess medical history, current health, medications, allergies, and previous anaesthetic history, identifying and escalating any concerns to the multidisciplinary team. Ensure all required investigations and documentation are completed to support safe surgery and minimise cancellations. Provide information, advice, and reassurance to children, young people, and their families regarding their surgical journey. Liaise effectively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ward and theatre teams to coordinate care. Maintain accurate patient records and work in accordance with the NMC Code, safeguarding, and Trust policies. Participate in service development, audit, and quality improvement activities while contributing to the ongoing development of the pre-operative assessment service.
Person Specification
Essential Essential
Registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Children's Nurse (RN Child) with evidence of ongoing professional development
Essential Essential
Experience of caring for children and young people in an acute paediatric setting, with the ability to undertake holistic nursing assessments and recognise and escalate clinical concerns appropriately.
Essential Essential
Communication and Organisational Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to undertake telephone assessments, provide information and reassurance to children and families, prioritise workload effectively, and work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable Desirable
Pre-operative Assessment Qualification/Competency Completion of a recognised pre-operative assessment course or evidence of competency in undertaking pre-operative assessments, or willingness to work towards this within an agreed timeframe.
Desirable Desirable
Relevant Clinical Experience Experience of working within a paediatric surgical, day surgery, pre-operative assessment or perioperative setting, including coordinating the elective patient pathway.
Desirable Desirable
Experience of clinical audit, service improvement or quality improvement initiatives, with competence in using electronic patient record systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Berkshire Hospital
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)