Role Summary
Our theatre team is expanding, and we’re looking for a dedicated, experienced theatre practitioner (Operating Department Practitioner or Registered Theatre Nurse) to join the senior team within our Main theatre suite. This is an opportunity to bring your clinical expertise into a fast‑paced, supportive environment where patient care, teamwork, and professional growth truly matter.
What We’re Looking For
- HCPC‑registered ODP or Registered theatre nurse with a range of general surgery knowledge and experience
- Strong clinical judgement and the ability to stay calm under pressure
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- Commitment to patient safety and evidence‑based practice
- Willingness to develop through ongoing training and CPD
- The ability to run an operating list and lead a theatre team within a variety of specialities
About this role
The post holder will be based within General theatres and will be responsible for the safe and effective running of operative lists within a variety of specialities. You will be expected to work clinically, help the Clinical Nurse manager to line manage a number of theatre staff and participate in the day to day coordination of the Theatre Departments both in and out of hours.
Our Main theatre department covers a wide range of specialities: Colorectal, Upper Gi, Urology, MaxFax & ENT, Plastic & Breast, Orthopaedic Trauma, 24 hour general emergency cover, and we have recently open a state of the art Hybrid vascular suite. We also have two DaVinci robots that are shared between General surgery, Urology, ENT and Gynaecology.
We work closely with colleagues in our other theatre departments such as our orthopaedic theatres, centre for women’s health and our community sites, so we do ask for flexibility when needing to support other areas.
Shifts include weekends, Bank holidays, nights and On calls including emergency general and maternity cover.
About the Role
For more information on our department please click the link below.
More information about the role
- Leading a team to deliver high‑quality perioperative care across several specialities
- Helping the CNM to line manage a number of theatre nurses, ODP’s and Healthcare support workers
- Supporting consultants and theatre colleagues to ensure safe, efficient surgical lists
- Preparing and maintaining clinical environments to the highest standards
- Acting as a patient advocate throughout their surgical journey
- Contributing to service development and continuous improvement initiatives
- Teaching and supporting students and new starters
Training, Development, and Career Progression
We believe in investing in our team members. You will receive a comprehensive in-house induction in addition to the Trusts own induction programme, access to training courses and support from other Sisters/Team leaders within the department.
Our commitment to your growth doesn't stop there. Our Clinical Educators are embedded within the department, ready to provide guidance and encouragement whenever you need it. Additionally, our Royal Devon-wide Buddy scheme offers further support to foster your success.
Whether you’re aiming to enhance your leadership skills or specialise in a specific area, we are dedicated to supporting your ongoing professional development through courses and mentoring.
If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional perioperative care and want to work in a team that champions growth, compassion, and clinical excellence, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore more about General Theatres - https://rdehospital.pagetiger.com/cnzwlje/1
Interview date: To Be Confirmed
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours
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)
Please note, this is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
For further information please contact: Michelle Bowes michelle.bowes@nhs.net 01392 402454 or Lee Galvin lee.galvin@nhs.net 01392 402368 or Caroline Thompson caroline.thompson14@nhs.net 01392 402409
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.
