Detailed job description and main responsibilities

 To undertake allocated duties in relation to the individualised care of the patient as 
identified by the RN/ODP in accordance with theatre/BCUHB policies/procedures.
 To be involved in the preparation of the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit on a day to day basis, 
ensuring the correct equipment is available
 Liaise with other departments to ensure that ongoing equipment will be available
 Assisting in the maintenance of stock levels as well as assisting with the ordering of 
individual stock items needed. Reporting any discrepancies.
 Ensure environment is conducive to patient safety and comfort, initiating reports of any 
faults of failures in:- heating, lighting, ventilation and equipment
 Assist in the cleaning of the environment, including patient trolleys and PACU equipment
 Assist with unpacking and correctly storing all medical/surgical goods coming into the 
department
 Correct disposal of dirty linen, suction liners and clinical waste, including sharps boxes in 
accordance with theatre ODSOP and BCUHB policy
 The safe handling of waste products in relation to personal protection as regards the 
threat of injury from sharps
 Ensure that any changes in patients condition or circumstances are reported immediately 
to the appropriate person/RN/ODP in charge
 Utilise transferable skills within level of competence
 The post holder must perform within the code of conduct for healthcare support workers 
in Wales (2011) and under supervision of RN/ODP, and understand own role, its limitations 
and scope of practice.
PATIENT CARE:
 Undertake practical patient care and respect the patient’s right to privacy, dignity and 
confidentiality at all times
 Have an understanding of the patient’s individual needs
 Assist with the positioning of patients, onto trolleys or beds, ensuring the patients comfort 
and safety during operative procedures taking into account each individual patient 
problem, eg. stiff/arthritic limbs, which may make positioning difficult
 Assist in the preparation of PACU for an operating list ensuring that all necessary resources 
are available; report to person in charge any problems before the list start.
 Act as a member of the team- to assist and anticipate the needs of the “PACU nurse” ie. As 
a runner for instruments, sutures, dressings, disposal. 
 Ensure that agreed ODSOPS for theatre and protocols for BCUHB pertaining to the delivery 
of patient care in the operating department are adhered to
 Ensure that records of patient care are accurately recorded
 Use equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and report any faults 
CAJE Reference/Date:
3
immediately.
 Assist theatre staff in the handling of specimens according to departmental ODSOPS
 Assist with the handling and safe transfer of specimens to the relevant Pathology service 
and replenish sample pots
 Assist the PACU staff in the transfer of the clean and contaminated instruments and waste, 
in accordance with departmental ODSOP
 Make constructive suggestions as to how services can be improved for patients and 
colleagues 
 Contribute to the assessment, planning and care delivery within scope of competence 
under the supervision of RN/ODP.
 Accurately record all assessment and care delivery delegated by the RN/ODP
COMMUNICATION:
 Communicate with patients, hospital staff and visitors, in a respectful manner ,which 
promotes self-esteem and standards of professionalism
 Ensure the person that has overall responsibility for the management of the Post 
Anaesthetic Care Unit is informed of matters that effect the continuity of the operating 
session
 Conduct interpersonal communication in a manner, which does not cause a distraction to 
other members of the PACU team
 Liaise with other departments and collect or deliver items as necessary and ensure 
effective transfer of information
 Accurately input information onto the theatre information system
 Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times
 Demonstrate a personal commitment to equality and diversity.
 Identify and take action when own or others behaviour undermines equality and diversity.
 Make use of the theatre information system (TIS) and other relevant IT systems required in 
the clinical environment.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
 Demonstrate knowledge of available resources and their uses for patient care, ensuring 
safe and cost effective use
 Be open to change, and have some awareness of its implementation
 Minimise wastage using good working practices
 Maintain agreed stock levels, including monitoring expiry dates of disposable items
 Safely store sets and items arriving from sterile supplies
EDUCATION:
 Recognise the need to keep up to date with the relevant information required to carry out 
the role
 Explore personal strengths and weaknesses with a view to self improvement and have a 
clear plan for own personal and professional development as part of the yearly appraisal 
process
 Participate with the training of students and new staff within the constraints of the role
 Assist in the audit process by collecting data as requested by senior colleagues
 Take responsibility for maintaining own personal development to provide evidence for 
PADR and KSF progression
CAJE Reference/Date:
4
 Seek and reflect on feedback from the team and supervisors and adapt own practice if 
necessary.
 Make an active contribution to developing the workplace as a learning environment 
HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK/INFECTION CONTROL
 Adhere to the infection control policies with regard to aseptic techniques and assist in 
maintaining the clinical environment in a manner which promotes hygiene and the health 
needs of patients and staff
 Ensure all areas are clean and tidy and functional for each patient
 Ensure the correct transportation of hazardous materials in compliance with health and 
safety regulations observing security issues involved with handling such materials as per 
theatre ODSOP
 Undertake work activities consistent with the assessment and management of risk ie. By 
identifying the risks and hazards encountered by self and colleagues during the working 
day, when they arise, minimising the risk where possible and reporting them to the person 
in charge and via Datix.
 Attend all health, safety and security statutory and mandatory training as required.
 Have a good understanding of relevant clinical standards and audit, and participate in 
audit, when required to do so, recognising that regular audit supports quality 
improvement in service delivery.
PERSONAL:
 Maintain a professional and caring manner at all times towards patients, colleagues and 
visitors to the department
 Work at all times as part of the multidisciplinary health care team promoting good working 
relationships
 Through the appraisal process evaluate personal performance and development and agree 
care development needs and training requirements
 Participate in all mandatory training and ensure familiarity with fire and safety regulations
 Practice with full regards to theatre ODSOPs and BCUHB policies
 Promote equal opportunities for staff and patients in accordance with BCUHB policies
 Undertake such duties as may be required, and are consistent with the responsibilities of 
the grade