Band 5 Registered Nurse (Scrub Nurse) – Orthopaedics

The Band 5 Registered Nurse (Scrub Nurse) in Orthopaedics plays a vital role in supporting specialist surgical care for patients undergoing orthopaedic procedures. As a key contributor to clinical excellence at Oxford, the Scrub Nurse ensures safe, effective, and compassionate care while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary surgical environment.

This position requires strong clinical reasoning, the ability to work autonomously, and a commitment to evidence-based practice. Typical duties include preparing and maintaining sterile environments, supporting orthopaedic surgeons during procedures, assisting with patient assessment, contributing to diagnosis, developing and implementing care plans, monitoring outcomes, maintaining detailed clinical documentation, and participating in governance, audit, and service-improvement initiatives.

The role involves active participation in team meetings, surgical briefings, training sessions, and quality initiatives aimed at enhancing procedural safety, patient experience, and overall service delivery. Professionalism, empathy, resilience, and adaptability are essential, particularly when caring for patients undergoing complex trauma, joint replacement, or reconstructive orthopaedic surgery.

In addition to core perioperative responsibilities, the Band 5 Scrub Nurse is expected to support junior staff, contribute to teaching, and engage in continuous learning to maintain and advance professional competence. The ability to manage demanding workloads, prioritise effectively, and remain calm under pressure is fundamental within fast-paced and high-acuity orthopaedic theatres.

The role requires adherence to all clinical governance frameworks, infection prevention and control standards, safeguarding procedures, and regulatory requirements while promoting a culture of safety, dignity, and respect. Leadership qualities such as problem-solving, initiative, and strategic thinking further strengthen the nurse’s contribution to overall surgical service effectiveness.

Strong interpersonal skills and a patient-centred approach underpin the position, ensuring that care delivery aligns with organisational values and supports Oxford’s broader healthcare mission. The role demands ongoing professional development, adaptability, strong teamwork, and a sustained commitment to delivering consistently high-quality orthopaedic perioperative care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver safe, effective, high‑quality clinical services.
• Conduct assessments and develop patient‑centred treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to clinical guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Support service development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in training, teaching, and supervision where appropriate.
• Uphold safeguarding, governance, and regulatory standards.

Key Requirements:

• Relevant professional qualification and registration.
• Experience in the specialty of practice.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage workloads.
• Commitment to evidence‑based and patient‑centred care.
• Understanding of clinical governance and risk management.
• Professionalism, reliability, and problem‑solving skills.