About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a motivated and compassionatePre-Operative Assessment Nurse to join our dedicated surgical services team. You will play a vital role in ensuring patients are clinically prepared for surgery through comprehensive assessments, patient education, and collaborative multidisciplinary working.
The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing patients undergoing elective surgery, identifying potential risks, coordinating investigations, and supporting patients throughout their surgical journey to ensure safe and effective care.
The Trust appreciates and values the contribution international nurses bring to the NHS. We also understand the support overseas nurses need to gain full registration once in the UK (via OSCE) and therefore we only recruit internationally to fill nursing vacancies when we can ensure support is in place. At this present time we aren't in a position to offer that support and therefore will not accept applications from overseas nurses who only have Part 1 NMC registration. If that position changes in future we will clearly advertise our opportunities for international nurses to join our nurse team here in Bolton. Thank you for your understanding.
Main duties of the job Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments for patients undergoing elective procedures.Obtain and review medical histories, medications, and clinical investigations.Identify and escalate potential risks that may impact surgical suitability.Request and interpret investigations in line with local protocols.Provide patients with information and education regarding their surgical pathway.Liaise effectively with anaesthetists, surgeons, theatre teams, and other healthcare professionals.Maintain accurate patient records and documentation.Ensure compliance with national guidelines, Trust policies, and patient safety standards.
About us
We have a long and proud history of caring for generations of local people and can trace our roots all the way back to 1814 with the first hospital in Bolton - the Bolton Dispensary in the town centre.
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust was formed in 2008 and, in 2011, we became an integrated provider with community health services joining the trust. Covering a catchment area that also incorporates parts of Bury, Wigan and Salford, we deliver hospital and community based services from the Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth and from 20 health centres across Bolton, to a catchment population of 310,000+ people.
The Royal Bolton Hospital is a major hub within Greater Manchester for women's and children's services and is the busiest single ambulance-receiving site in Greater Manchester. We're structured in four clinical divisions - Community Services, Families and Diagnostics, Medicine, and Surgery and are led by a Board of Directors. As an NHS Foundation Trust we're accountable to our members and have a Council of Governors to represent the views of patients, public, staff and partners.
Buildings, names and models of care have changed over the centuries, but one thing has remained constant and is prevalent among our 6,718 staff members: the enduring commitment to providing the best health and care for the people of Bolton.
Job description Job responsibilities Job Title
Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse
Department Surgical Services / Pre-Operative Assessment Unit
Reports To Pre-Operative Assessment Lead Nurse / Matron
Job Purpose The Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse is responsible for providing a high-quality pre-assessment service for patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. The post holder will assess patients' fitness for surgery, identify and manage potential risks, coordinate necessary investigations, and provide information and support throughout the patient's surgical journey.
The role is integral to ensuring patients are optimally prepared for surgery, reducing last-minute cancellations, and promoting positive patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities Undertake comprehensive nursing assessments for patients scheduled for elective surgery. Obtain and evaluate medical histories, current medications, allergies, and previous anaesthetic experiences. Identify and escalate clinical concerns that may affect surgical suitability. Request and review diagnostic investigations in accordance with local policies and protocols. Perform clinical skills including venepuncture, ECG recording, observations, and relevant screening assessments. Refer patients to anaesthetists, consultants, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals as required. Ensure patients receive appropriate advice regarding fasting, medications, postoperative recovery, and discharge planning. Support patients in making informed decisions regarding their treatment and care. Patient Care Responsibilities Deliver compassionate, patient-centred care at all times. Provide clear verbal and written information regarding surgical procedures and pre-operative preparation. Address patient concerns and anxieties, offering reassurance and support. Act as a patient advocate, ensuring individual needs are recognised and met. Communication and Teamwork Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre staff, ward teams, and primary care providers. Participate in team meetings and service development initiatives. Maintain professional relationships with patients, relatives, and colleagues. Governance and Quality Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant patient records. Adhere to NMC Code requirements, Trust policies, and national guidelines. Participate in audits, quality improvement projects, and risk management activities. Report incidents, near misses, and safeguarding concerns in accordance with organisational policies. Professional Responsibilities Maintain current NMC registration. Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development. Participate in clinical supervision, appraisal, and mandatory training. Support the learning and development of students and junior staff where appropriate.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Professional registration Essential
NMC registration Evidence of recent professional development
Desirable
ECDL/BCS Level 1 ENB998 /Mentorship Module
Skills & Experience Essential
Good communication skills Clinical skills Basic computer literacy Enquiry / problem solving skills
Desirable
Pre Op assessment experience Venepuncture ECG recording
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.
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 Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Address Bolton Foundation Trust Hospital
minerva road
Bolton
BL40JR
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.boltonft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)