Recovery Nurse - Gynaecology, ENT & General Surgery

Recovery Nurse - Gynaecology, ENT & General Surgery

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Recovery Nurse to join our weekend theatre team at James Paget NHS Trust. This role offers the opportunity to work within a high-quality surgical service, supporting patients across specialties including general surgery, ENT, and gynaecology.

As a Recovery Nurse, you will play a vital role in delivering safe and effective post-operative care, ensuring patients are closely monitored and supported during their immediate recovery phase. You will be responsible for assessing patients, managing airway and pain control, and responding promptly to any changes in clinical condition, maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary theatre team, you will contribute to smooth patient flow and efficient service delivery within a structured weekend operating schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive clinical environment and play a key role in enhancing patient outcomes and overall theatre performance.

• Monitor and assess patients recovering from anaesthesia following gynaecology, ENT, and general surgery procedures
• Observe vital signs and identify early signs of deterioration or post-operative complications
• Maintain airway patency and provide oxygen therapy or airway support as required (especially important in ENT cases)
• Manage pain, nausea, and discomfort using prescribed medications
• Provide specialised post-op care depending on procedure (e.g. bleeding checks in gynae, airway/swallowing in ENT, wound monitoring in general surgery)
• Respond promptly to emergencies such as respiratory compromise, haemorrhage, or adverse reactions
• Deliver compassionate reassurance and support as patients regain consciousness
• Communicate effectively with anaesthetists, surgeons, and theatre staff regarding patient condition
• Ensure safe and structured handover to ward staff once discharge criteria from recovery are met
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to infection control and recovery protocols

Job Description:
Recovery Nurse Weekend Theatre Team

Location: James Paget NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth

Organisation: Xyla Clinical Services

Contract Duration: November 2025 October 2026

Service Type: Onsite

Theatre

Hours:

07:30 18:00

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Recovery Nurse to join the weekend theatre team at James Paget NHS Trust. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality post-anaesthetic care, ensuring patient safety and comfort as they recover from surgery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective care to patients in the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU).
• Monitor patients vital signs, airway, breathing, and circulation during recovery from anaesthesia.
• Identify and respond promptly to any post-operative complications or deterioration.
• Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms in line with clinical guidelines.
• Ensure a smooth and safe transition of patients from theatre to recovery and onward to ward care or discharge.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records.
• Work collaboratively with anaesthetists, surgeons, ODPs, and theatre colleagues.
• Follow infection prevention, control policies, and theatre protocols at all times.
• Contribute to maintaining a calm, safe, and efficient recovery environment.
• Uphold high standards of patient care, dignity, and confidentiality.
• General Surgery
• ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
• Gynaecology
• Registered Nurse (NMC registered)
• Recent experience in a recovery/PACU setting
• Competence in airway management and patient monitoring
• Strong knowledge of post-operative care and recovery protocols
• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Experience with in NHS theatre environments
• ALS (Advanced Life Support) certification
• Flexibility to work across varying surgical specialties

Pay Rate

Additional Information

• Weekend-only role (Saturday & Sunday shifts)
• No travel or accommodation allowance provided
• Accommodation may be available at £30 per night
• Compliance requirements include , mandatory training, and completed documentation prior to start

• Registered Nurse
• NMC reg

• experience in 1 or more of the following:
• -Gynaecology
• -ENT

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.