Theatre nurse [1]
Theatre nurses work with patients of all ages and are involved in each phase of a person’s operation.
You’ll need to be a registered adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse (having successfully completed a nursing degree) to work as a theatre nurse. After a period of induction you will undertake specialist training including courses to consolidate the specialist skills you'll require to work in theatre.
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Theatre nurses in the NHS will usually start at band 5 and can progress to roles at band 8 and above. You'll work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Terms and conditions will vary for any jobs outside of the NHS.
You’ll need a variety of skills to be a theatre nurse including a caring and compassionate nature, being able to work in a highly technical area, excellent problem solving and organisational skills, very good communication skills, be able to stand for long periods and react quickly in an emergency within a confined area. If you're applying for a role either directly in or working on behalf of the NHS, you'll be asked demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution.
You’ll have several options to progress your career in theatre nursing, including management, education, research and advanced practice. Experienced theatre nurses can take further training approved by the Royal College of Surgeons to work as surgical care practitioners. After a typical two-year training programme, you’ll be able to complete certain surgical procedures under the supervision of a consultant surgeon. With experience, you might be able to reach consultant nurse who are some of the highest paid nurses in the profession.
Related roles
Radiography is one of the most innovative aspects of healthcare – you’ll use advanced technology to look inside patients’ bodies and understand the root causes of their illness, and consult with colleagues on diagnosis and treatment plans.
You need to study for an approved programme in diagnostic radiography. Degree courses take three or four years, full time or up to six years part time. A degree standard apprenticeship in diagnostic radiography has been approved for delivery. To get onto a diagnostic radiography degree course or degree apprenticeship, you usually need two or three A levels, including physics, chemistry or biology/human biology, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science. Alternative qualifications are likely to be accepted. If you already have a degree in a relevant subject, there is a 2-year graduate-entry route at some universities.
Radiographers in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may have to work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends. They start at band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scale. Terms and conditions will vary outside of the NHS.
Diagnostic radiographers need to be safety conscious, interested in technology, be patient and understanding and able to understand and follow instructions exactly. They also need good communication, organisation and observation skills and the ability to reassure patients.
You could specialise in a particular type of imaging such as computerised tomography scanning or sonography. Or you could specialise in working with children, stroke patients or cancer patients, for example. Research or teaching are other options. You could also move into management, within radiography services or general management. As head of a local radiography service you would be responsible for a team of staff and for managing a budget.