Job summary
Orthopaedic Scrub Nurse
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Band 5 Orthopaedic Scrub Nurse to join our dynamic Theatre team. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic nurse who is passionate about delivering safe, high-quality perioperative care within a busy and progressive Orthopaedic Theatre environment.
You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting a wide range of elective and trauma orthopaedic procedures, including joint replacements, trauma fixation, arthroscopy, spinal surgery, and upper/lower limb surgeries.
To succeed in this post, you will be a Registered Nurse with valid NMC registration, ideally bringing experience in orthopaedic scrub practice, although full training will be provided for the right candidate. You should be able to work confidently under pressure in a fast-paced theatre setting, demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills, and show a clear commitment to professional development, patient safety, and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
In this role, you will provide skilled scrub support for a wide range of elective and trauma orthopaedic procedures, ensuring that all surgical instruments, implants, and equipment are prepared and managed safely throughout each operation. You will work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs, and the wider theatre team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred perioperative care, maintaining a sterile field and consistently upholding infection-prevention standards. A key part of the role involves anticipating the needs of the surgical team, responding effectively to any changes during procedures, and ensuring accurate documentation of operative details and implant usage. You will also support efficient theatre flow by assisting with patient preparation, safe positioning, and postoperative processes as required. Additionally, you will take responsibility for the set-up and close-down of theatres, ensuring equipment is cleaned, checked, and restocked. As a Band 5 nurse, you will contribute to a positive learning environment by supporting junior colleagues and students, participating in ongoing professional development, and engaging in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and experience.
About us
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. Our mission is to provide safe, compassionate, and clinically excellent patient care, by being an outstanding employer for our people. We have entered into a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital and have become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire.
Our Excellence Values:
Compassion
Respect
Integrity
Courageous
Accountable
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to Job Description and Personal Specification
The post holder will provide skilled scrub assistance for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-focused perioperative care in accordance with Trust policies and national standards. They will prepare, check, and manage instruments, equipment, and implants required for surgery, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and accurate documentation.
They will work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs and theatre support staff to uphold a sterile environment and support smooth patient flow. The role includes assisting with patient preparation and positioning, participating in surgical counts, responding to intraoperative changes, and escalating concerns appropriately.
The post holder will also contribute to the development of junior colleagues and students, participate in mandatory training and appraisal, engage in service improvements, and demonstrate a commitment to the Trusts vision and values.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to Job Description and Personal Specification
The post holder will provide skilled scrub assistance for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, ensuring safe, effective, and patient-focused perioperative care in accordance with Trust policies and national standards. They will prepare, check, and manage instruments, equipment, and implants required for surgery, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and accurate documentation.
They will work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, ODPs and theatre support staff to uphold a sterile environment and support smooth patient flow. The role includes assisting with patient preparation and positioning, participating in surgical counts, responding to intraoperative changes, and escalating concerns appropriately.
The post holder will also contribute to the development of junior colleagues and students, participate in mandatory training and appraisal, engage in service improvements, and demonstrate a commitment to the Trusts vision and values.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level of education, training or experience.
- Current NMC essential
- Evidence of professional expertise acquired through CPD
- Mentorship Qualification
Desirable
- Theatre or Orthopaedic Post registration Training
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in Theatres
Desirable
- Previous Orthopaedic Scrub Experience
- Experience with trauma and elective orthopaedic procedures.
- Knowledge of orthopaedic instruments, implants and specialist equipment.
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of aseptic technique and infection prevention.
- Ability to work under pressure and effective time management
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient records.
- Flexible and adaptable to service demands.
Desirable
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent level of education, training or experience.
- Current NMC essential
- Evidence of professional expertise acquired through CPD
- Mentorship Qualification
Desirable
- Theatre or Orthopaedic Post registration Training
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in Theatres
Desirable
- Previous Orthopaedic Scrub Experience
- Experience with trauma and elective orthopaedic procedures.
- Knowledge of orthopaedic instruments, implants and specialist equipment.
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of aseptic technique and infection prevention.
- Ability to work under pressure and effective time management
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Maintain accurate and contemporaneous patient records.
- Flexible and adaptable to service demands.
Desirable
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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