Do you already have a successful nursing career but are interested in becoming a theatre nurse in the UK? This blog is for you.
Theatre nurses or preoperative nurses typically work in operation theatres assisting doctors during surgery. They also provide care and support to patients of all age groups before and after the surgical procedure to help them recover faster. Here is everything you need to know to become a theatre nurse in the UK.
Entry Requirements
First of all, you will need to be a child, mental health, adult or learning disability nurse to qualify to work as a theatre nurse. In addition, you will need to be registered with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). Finally, you will need to go through a brief period of training to learn the skills to become a theatre nurse.
Training Requirements
When it comes to specialised training programs for theatre nursing, there are many options available. These programs are open to nurses in employment. They include the Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE), degree and Masters. Nurses can usually enrol in these programs part-time.
Must-Have Skills
As a theatre nurse, you must have the following skills:
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Highly organised
- Compassionate
- The ability to act quick and calm in an emergency
- The ability to concentrate for a longer period of time
- The ability to prioritise effectively
It takes a lot of effort and five to six years to become a qualified theatre nurse in the UK. During this period, you will either be able to gain expertise in a specific area or will rotate and gain experience in various areas including:
Preoperative Phase: In this phase, you will ensure the patient is fully aware of why they need surgery, the benefits, any risks involved, etc. You will be there to answer all their questions and assure them that they are in good hands for their surgery.
Anaesthetic Phase: You will assess the patient before surgery. If all is good, you will assist the anaesthetist with any types of equipment, devices or drugs required.
Surgical Phase: During this phase, you will be responsible for various things. You will have to keep all the necessary instruments ready. You will provide the surgeon any materials he or she requires. You will also act as a link between the surgical team and other parts of the hospital.
Recovery Phase: You will monitor the patient’s health after the surgery and as soon as they wake up, offering them care until they are fit and fine.
There are thousands of nursing jobs available across the UK, especially for theatre nurses. So, if you’re an overseas educated nurse looking to live and work in the UK, this is the perfect time to start your UK process.