Operation Theatre Staff

Reporting To: OT In-Charge / Nursing In-Charge / Nursing Superintendent

Job Purpose

To provide safe, efficient and compassionate nursing care to patients before, during and after surgical procedures, while ensuring strict adherence to hospital policies, OT protocols, infection-control practices, patient-safety standards and NABH requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pre-Operative Responsibilities

• Receive and verify patients scheduled for surgery and ensure proper identification.
• Check patient records, consent forms, investigation reports and pre-operative documentation.
• Ensure pre-operative preparation of the patient as per surgical requirements.
• Verify availability of required blood, implants, instruments, medicines and other surgical materials wherever applicable.
• Ensure proper shifting and positioning of patients in coordination with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
• Maintain patient privacy, dignity and safety throughout the process.

2. Intra-Operative Responsibilities

• Assist the surgical team during procedures as Scrub Nurse/Circulating Nurse as assigned.
• Prepare and maintain the OT, surgical instruments, equipment and required supplies before surgery.
• Maintain strict aseptic and sterile techniques at all times.
• Perform and document surgical instrument, sponge, needle and swab counts before, during and after surgery.
• Assist surgeons and anesthetists as required during procedures.
• Monitor and maintain availability of emergency medicines, equipment and consumables.
• Follow all patient-safety protocols and immediately report any abnormality, incident or emergency to the concerned senior.
• Ensure proper handling and labeling of specimens and their timely transfer to the appropriate department/laboratory.

3. Post-Operative Responsibilities

• Assist in safe transfer of the patient from OT to Recovery Room/ICU/Ward as advised.
• Provide appropriate post-operative handover to the receiving nursing staff.
• Ensure completion of OT records, nursing notes, operative documentation and checklists.
• Monitor the patient for immediate post-operative complications and report concerns promptly.

4. Infection Control & Safety

• Strictly follow hospital infection-control policies and standard precautions.
• Ensure proper sterilization and disinfection practices in coordination with CSSD.
• Follow OT cleaning, fumigation and environmental safety protocols as applicable.
• Ensure correct segregation and disposal of biomedical waste.
• Report needle-stick injuries, exposure incidents, surgical-site concerns and other safety incidents immediately.
• Maintain OT discipline and prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas.

5. Equipment & Inventory Management

• Check the availability and functioning of OT equipment before procedures.
• Handle surgical instruments, machines and equipment carefully.
• Report equipment malfunction or damage immediately to the OT In-Charge/Biomedical Department.
• Maintain adequate stock of emergency medicines, surgical consumables, PPE and other OT supplies.
• Ensure proper documentation of stock usage and maintain minimum stock levels.

6. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely OT registers, checklists and patient records.
• Ensure compliance with hospital SOPs, nursing protocols and NABH standards.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
• Participate in audits, quality initiatives, infection-control activities and patient-safety programs.
• Ensure proper handover during shift changes.

7. Patient Care & Communication

• Provide compassionate and respectful care to patients and relatives.
• Maintain professional communication with surgeons, anesthetists, nursing staff and other departments.
• Explain basic procedural information to patients/relatives within the scope of nursing responsibilities.
• Escalate patient complaints or concerns to the appropriate senior immediately.

8. Emergency & On-Call Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to surgical and medical emergencies within the OT.
• Assist during emergency surgeries and resuscitation procedures.
• Participate in emergency duty/on-call/shift rotations as per hospital requirements.

Required Qualification

• GNM / B.Sc. Nursing from a recognized institution.
• Valid Nursing Council registration.
• Additional OT/Perioperative Nursing certification will be an advantage.

Experience

• Freshers may be considered based on clinical knowledge and practical skills.
• 13 years of OT experience preferred.
• Experience in a multi-specialty/charity hospital or high-volume OT setup will be an advantage.

Key Skills

• Knowledge of OT procedures and surgical protocols.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques.
• Good knowledge of surgical instruments and OT equipment.
• Patient safety and infection-control awareness.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Ability to handle emergency situations efficiently.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Compliance with OT and patient-safety protocols.
• Accuracy of surgical counts and documentation.
• Compliance with infection-control and sterilization practices.
• Timely preparation of OT and patients.
• Proper handling and availability of instruments and consumables.
• Reduction/prevention of OT-related incidents and errors.
• Effective coordination with surgical, anesthesia, nursing and support teams.
• Patient safety and quality of care.

Working Conditions

• Rotational shifts, including night shifts as per hospital requirement.
• Emergency/on-call duties as assigned.
• Must strictly follow hospital uniform, grooming, attendance and professional-conduct policies.
• Must comply with all hospital policies, SOPs, statutory requirements and NABH standards.