An operating department practitioner needs to be a good communicator and work well under pressure.

Operating department practitioner

Answers supplied by Lisa Smith, an operating department practitioner working for the Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust at the University Hospital in Colney Lane. The trust employs more than 5,000 people and last year treated more than 500,000 patients. On average, the hospital uses 66 pints of blood in its operating theatres each day.

What does the job entail?
As a team member in the operating department you could find yourself giving a
high level of assistance to the anaesthetist during anaesthesia or you might be working
alongside the surgeon assisting with the instruments used during the operation. You might be required to undertake a range of duties related to the equipment, supplies and day-to-day operation of the theatre. Operating department practitioners may also help during the post-operative recovery period, looking after patients and ensuring continuity of care.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
Some nursing experience or qualifications would be beneficial but are not essential. Obviously you would need to be able to cope with aspects which might make others feel squeamish. A two-year training programme is run by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the hospital, which provides the trainee ODPs with all the underpinning knowledge and clinical skills necessary to become a qualified Operating Department Practitioner.

What type of person will fit in?
Good interpersonal skills are crucial as you will be helping patients who are often feeling unwell and vulnerable. You need to be a good communicator generally and be able to listen closely to instruction. You may need to use your initiative and you would definitely need to be able to work under pressure. A good ODP will be diligent and trustworthy, enthusiastic and resourceful.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
Careers within the health service usually offer good pension schemes, excellent career prospects and reasonable pay. In particular, this role is an interesting and challenging one. On the downside, you may be required to work shifts involving unsociable hours and the job can be demanding both physically and mentally.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
You could find yourself progressing to team leadership or management roles. You could also go on to train as a surgical assistant or could undertake teaching roles.

What can I expect to earn?
A typical starting salary for a qualified ODP is about £17,000. Various opportunities exist for salary progression depending upon the path you take and qualifications you may gain along the way. Salaries are the same as nursing pay scales.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
You can contact NHS Careers on 0845 6060655 to find out more about careers within the NHS or look at the website at http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/home.html. You will also find many NHS jobs advertised in the recruitment pages of the local press.