Staff Nurse, Elective Surgery

Job summary
We are seeking enthusiastic and compassionate Band 5 Registered Nurses, including newly qualified and experienced staff, to join our elective surgical wards. This is an excellent opportunity for those with, or wishing to develop, experience in Trauma and Orthopaedics and General Surgery. The wards deliver high-quality care for patients undergoing a wide range of planned procedures, including joint replacements, spinal surgery, minor trauma, and general surgical specialties such as bariatric, Upper GI, gynaecology, breast, colorectal, urology, and day case surgery. The post holder will provide safe, effective, and patient-centred care throughout the perioperative pathway, with a focus on post-operative recovery and rehabilitation. This includes supporting pain management, early mobilisation, recovery planning, and discharge coordination to promote positive patient outcomes and experience. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to maintain high standards of care and contribute to service development. The role offers excellent opportunities for learning, professional development, and career progression within a supportive and dynamic clinical environment.

Main duties of the job
Deliver high-quality, compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic and general surgical procedures. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised care across the perioperative pathway in line with Trust policies, professional standards, and evidence-based practice. Provide care for diverse surgical specialties, monitoring physical and psychological wellbeing, recognising deterioration, and escalating concerns appropriately. Support post-operative recovery through pain management, wound care, mobilisation, nutrition, and discharge planning, promoting enhanced recovery and reduced length of stay. Administer medications safely and maintain accurate documentation. Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, effective admissions, transfers, and discharges. Provide clear information, education, and emotional support to patients and relatives. Maintain a safe clinical environment in line with infection prevention, safeguarding, and health and safety standards. Contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development. Support and supervise junior staff and students, and maintain professional development through training, reflection, and flexible working to meet service needs.

About us
Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff. Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan. We are part of a collaborative Group with the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. As part of this partnership, colleagues may occasionally work across both organisations to support shared services, development opportunities and patient care. St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital. Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward-thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact in how we deliver our services. We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts. Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged. For more information about careers at ASPH, please visit:

Job responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic and general surgical procedures in a busy elective surgical ward. The role involves caring for patients throughout the perioperative pathway, ensuring excellent clinical standards are maintained while promoting positive patient outcomes and experiences. The successful candidate will work as part of the multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with the NMC Code, Trust policies, evidence-based practice, and national guidelines. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, clinical competence, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.
Clinical Responsibilities
Deliver high standards of nursing care to patients undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures, including total hip replacements, total knee replacements, shoulder replacement surgery, spinal surgery, and minor elective trauma procedures. Provide care for patients undergoing a variety of general surgical procedures, including bariatric surgery, Upper GI surgery, gynaecology surgery, breast surgery, colorectal surgery, urology surgery, and day case procedures. Undertake comprehensive patient assessmentsto identify individual care needs and develop appropriate care plans. Monitor patients physical and psychological condition, recognising and responding promptly to any deterioration or changes in clinical status. Safely administer medications, intravenous therapies, and treatments in line with Trust policies, NMC standards, and local protocols. Support patients with all aspects of post-operative recovery and rehabilitation, including pain management, wound care, mobilisation, nutrition, hydration, and discharge planning. Promote enhanced recovery principles and early mobilisation programmes to support positive patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospital length of stay. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient care, assessments, observations, and interventions using electronic and paper-based systems as required. Escalate concerns appropriately and contribute to the management of deteriorating patients using recognised clinical assessment tools and escalation pathways. Maintain high standards of infection prevention and control to ensure a safe, clean clinical environment at all times.
Communication and Patient Experience
Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, carers, and members of the multidisciplinary team. Provide patients and families with clear information, support, reassurance, and health education throughout the patient journey. Promote dignity, privacy, equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of care delivery. Contribute to maintaining a positive patient experience by delivering compassionate, patient-centred care and responding appropriately to patient feedback and concerns.
Team Working and Leadership
Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, effective, and safe patient care. Support junior staff, newly qualified nurses, student nurses, apprentices, and healthcare assistants within the clinical environment. Participate in ward meetings, handovers, safety briefings, and multidisciplinary discussions. Act as an effective role model, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude within the workplace. Contribute to maintaining safe staffing levels and support the operational needs of the service by working flexibly across clinical areas when required.
Quality, Governance, and Professional Development
Maintain professional registration and practice in accordance with the NMC Code and Trust policies. Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects to support continuous improvement within the service. Adhere to safeguarding policies, health and safety requirements, infection prevention procedures, and risk management processes. Participate in mandatory training, competency assessments, appraisal processes, and continuing professional development activities. Take responsibility for maintaining and developing one's own clinical knowledge and skills to ensure safe and effective practice. Contribute to the ongoing development and success of the service by actively participating in education, innovation, and quality improvement initiatives. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the service to meet the needs of the patients and the organisation while maintaining the highest standards of professional nursing care.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential

• Registered Nurse with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
• Diploma or Degree in Adult Nursing (or equivalent qualification)
• Completion of or willingness to undertake mandatory Trust training requirements

Desirable

• Mentorship/supervision qualification (or willingness to work towards)
• Relevant post-registration clinical courses in surgical nursing, orthopaedics, or acute care
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Good understanding of the perioperative pathway and surgical patient journey, with the ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualised patient care in line with best practice and patient needs.
• Strong clinical knowledge and patient safety awareness, including the ability to recognise and respond promptly to the deteriorating patient, alongside a sound understanding of infection prevention and control principles and safe medication administration practices.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to maintain accurate, clear, and timely clinical documentation, ensuring effective communication within the multidisciplinary team and continuity of care.
• Awareness and application of safeguarding principles, with the ability to follow appropriate escalation procedures, ensuring patient safety and appropriate reporting in line with Trust policies.

Desirable

• Relevant post-registration clinical courses in surgical nursing, orthopaedics, or acute care
• Knowledge of pain management strategies in post-operative patients
• Understanding of elective orthopaedic and general surgical pathways
• Experience using electronic patient record systems & awareness of national guidelines relevant to surgical nursing

Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Essential

• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives, and colleagues
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and a patient-centred approach
• Ability to provide clear health education and discharge information to patients

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Compassionate, caring, and patient-focused approach
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to high standards of care
• Able to work under pressure in a busy clinical environment
• Flexible and adaptable to service needs and demonstrates accountability and professional integrity

Clinical Competencies
Essential

• Ability to provide safe and effective post-operative care, including wound care, patient observations, pain management, and safe administration of medications in accordance with Trust policies and professional guidelines.
• Competence in supporting early mobilisation and rehabilitation, promoting recovery and improved patient outcomes following surgical procedures.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively within a busy clinical environment and escalate concerns appropriately using recognised clinical pathways to ensure patient safety.

Desirable

• Competence in managing patients with complex post-operative needs
• Experience supporting fast-track surgical recovery pathways
• Ability to contribute to clinical audits or quality improvement initiatives

Additional information
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 contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Matron for Trauma & Orthopaedics, Alphy Philip, View email address on meeveem.com, View phone number on meeveem.com