Role Summary
The South West Ambulatory Orthopaedic Centre (SWAOC) at Nightingale Exeter have an amazing opportunity for you to join our multidisciplinary team and be part of a fast-growing service. Located close to the M5 services we are in a great geographical position for both staff and patients. Staff are able to park on site. There are some catering facilities on site, however due to site expansion and developing these are constantly changing. Staff areas all have a range of tea and coffee making facilities, cold fridge storage and microwaves for staff use.
The team at SWAOC are excited to be able to give patients a day surgery or short stay option for orthopaedic surgery which traditionally has meant an inpatient stay at an acute hospital.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We are looking to recruit a Band 5 Nurse who will have the opportunity to be involved throughout the patient pathway at SWAOC including;
• Pre-operative assessment
• Admission
• Preparation for theatre
• Post op care
Although desirable and preferred, no experience of Orthopaedics or day surgery is required as you’ll receive full training when you join our friendly and supportive team. At Nightingale we pride ourselves on staff wellbeing and development and as such there are many opportunities for career development.
As part of a Multidisciplinary team the post holder will be expected to assist in all areas of short stay surgery. This post will be based within the SWAOC at Nightingale. Following supervised training and support, the post holder will carry out assigned duties to their level of capability, ensuring patients always receive a high standard of care.
SWAOC combines the best of the UK’s established pathways in a single facility and although initially concentrating on hip and knee arthroplasty we have expanded the service to include foot and ankle surgery, soft tissue knee surgery and spinal surgery. We complete pre-operative assessments and assist in running non-sedated spinal and hip injections lists through diagnostics. We are always looking to develop our service further and take on new challenges.
Our pathways are therapy and nurse combined so this is a fabulous opportunity for you to be part of something collaborative and amazing.
It would be an advantage for applicants to have knowledge and clinical skills in an orthopaedic or day unit setting. This post is being offered on a permanent basis.
We are providing excellent and innovative care to our patients and are ready to expand our team to enable us to provide this same service for many more patients.
If you are as excited as we are to provide this amazing service to the patients from all over the South West then please submit your application by the closing date – we look forward to welcoming you to our tea
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week. Shift work: early 07:30 - 15:30, late 12:00 - 20:00 or long days 07:30 - 20:00 or nights 19:30 - 08:00. This post is being offered on a permanent basis with flexible working arrangements considered. Currently we work Monday - Saturday but this may expand to a 7 day a week service in the future.
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
For further information please contact: Katharine Littlejohns Clinical Nurse Manager on katharine.littlejohns@nhs.net or Sarah Lewis, Clinical Matron at Sarah.Lewis84@nhs.net
Pay: The salary advertised for this position reflects the Agenda for Change 2026-7 rates, inclusive of a 3.3% pay award implemented from April 2026. If you join before this date,, remuneration will be based on the 2025-6 pay bandings (Pay scales for 2025/26 | NHS Employers)
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
