Recovery Nurse - Gynaecology, ENT & General SurgeryNHS

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Recovery Nurse to join our weekend theatre team at James Paget NHS Trust. This role offers the opportunity to work within a high-quality surgical service, supporting patients across specialties including general surgery, ENT, and gynaecology.

As a Recovery Nurse, you will play a vital role in delivering safe and effective post-operative care, ensuring patients are closely monitored and supported during their immediate recovery phase. You will be responsible for assessing patients, managing airway and pain control, and responding promptly to any changes in clinical condition, maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary theatre team, you will contribute to smooth patient flow and efficient service delivery within a structured weekend operating schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive clinical environment and play a key role in enhancing patient outcomes and overall theatre performance

Main duties of the job

• Monitor and assess patients recovering from anaesthesia following gynaecology, ENT, and general surgery procedures
• Observe vital signs and identify early signs of deterioration or post-operative complications
• Maintain airway patency and provide oxygen therapy or airway support as required (especially important in ENT cases)
• Manage pain, nausea, and discomfort using prescribed medications
• Provide specialised post-op care depending on procedure (e.g. bleeding checks in gynae, airway/swallowing in ENT, wound monitoring in general surgery)
• Respond promptly to emergencies such as respiratory compromise, haemorrhage, or adverse reactions
• Deliver compassionate reassurance and support as patients regain consciousness
• Communicate effectively with anaesthetists, surgeons, and theatre staff regarding patient condition
• Ensure safe and structured handover to ward staff once discharge criteria from recovery are met
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to infection control and recovery protocols

Job description

Job Description: Recovery Nurse Weekend Theatre Team

Location: James Paget NHS Trust, Great Yarmouth

Organisation: Xyla Clinical Services

Contract Duration: November 2025 October 2026

Service Type: Onsite

Shift Pattern: Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)

Theatre Hours: 07:30 18:00

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Recovery Nurse to join the weekend theatre team at James Paget NHS Trust. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality post-anaesthetic care, ensuring patient safety and comfort as they recover from surgery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe and effective care to patients in the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU).
• Monitor patients vital signs, airway, breathing, and circulation during recovery from anaesthesia.
• Identify and respond promptly to any post-operative complications or deterioration.
• Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms in line with clinical guidelines.
• Ensure a smooth and safe transition of patients from theatre to recovery and onward to ward care or discharge.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient records.
• Work collaboratively with anaesthetists, surgeons, ODPs, and theatre colleagues.
• Follow infection prevention, control policies, and theatre protocols at all times.
• Contribute to maintaining a calm, safe, and efficient recovery environment.
• Uphold high standards of patient care, dignity, and confidentiality.

Specialties Covered

• General Surgery
• ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)
• Gynaecology

Person SpecificationEssential Criteria

• Registered Nurse (NMC registered)
• Recent experience in a recovery/PACU setting
• Competence in airway management and patient monitoring
• Strong knowledge of post-operative care and recovery protocols
• Ability to respond effectively in emergency situations
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience within NHS theatre environments
• ALS (Advanced Life Support) certification
• Flexibility to work across varying surgical specialties

Pay Rate

• PAYE: £360 per weekend shift

Additional Information

• Weekend-only role (Saturday & Sunday shifts)
• No travel or accommodation allowance provided
• Accommodation may be available at £30 per night
• Compliance requirements include ID verification, mandatory training, and completed documentation prior to start

About us

Xyla are a leading provider of clinical and community healthcare services across the UK, recognised for their commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Working in close collaboration with NHS trusts, Integrated Care Systems (ICS), and local authorities, Xyla supports the delivery of essential services that help improve patient outcomes while reducing pressure on frontline healthcare providers.

Their service offering spans a wide range of areas, including diagnostic services, specialist outpatient pathways, waiting list management, mental health support, and community-based care. By leveraging experienced clinical teams alongside innovative service models, Xyla is able to deliver flexible and scalable solutions tailored to the needs of each healthcare partner.

A key strength of Xyla lies in their ability to enhance patient access to care, particularly in addressing NHS backlogs and improving pathway efficiency. Their focus on early intervention, preventative care, and timely diagnosis supports better long-term health outcomes while helping to optimise system capacity.

Underpinned by robust clinical governance frameworks and a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and compliance, Xyla maintains high standards of care across all services. This, combined with a collaborative approach and a deep understanding of NHS priorities, positions them as a trusted partner in supporting the ongoing transformation and sustainability of healthcare services across the UK.