Assessment Nurse

Rate: £350 per day (LTD) Contract: 9 months Location: Norfolk/Suffolk coast Start Date: 09/03/2026 Hours: Full Time, 08:00 –18:00 (30-minute lunch break)

About the Role

We are seeking experienced Pre-Operative Assessment Nurses to join a full insourced pre-operative assessment team, delivering both major and minor pre-operative assessment clinics within an NHS Trust setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive pre-operative assessments for patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures, including both major and day case surgery
• Obtain detailed patient histories, including medical, surgical, anaesthetic, and medication histories
• Perform baseline clinical observations and investigations including ECGs, bloods, urinalysis, and MRSA screening in line with local and NICE guidelines
• Identify and escalate patients with complex medical needs or potential anaesthetic risks to the Consultant Anaesthetist or Nurse Practitioner/SHO
• Assess patients against ASA grading and apply trust-specific pre-assessment protocols
• Provide patients with relevant pre-operative information, education, and reassurance, including fasting instructions, medication management, and expectations for the day of surgery
• Ensure all necessary documentation, consent pathways, and investigation results are completed and available ahead of the planned procedure date
• Liaise with surgeons, anaesthetists, and wider multidisciplinary teams to optimise patients for surgery and minimise cancellations
• Support the smooth running of clinics by working collaboratively with reception and administrative support staff

Clinic Structure

The service comprises:

• 2 x Major Clinics – up to 9 patients per day per clinic, supported by a Consultant Anaesthetist, Nurse Practitioner/SHO, and 2 x Band 5 Pre-Assessment Nurses
• 1 x Day Case Clinic – up to 12 patients per day, staffed by 1 x Band 5 Pre-Assessment Nurse
• Additional support from a dedicated Receptionist and Admin Support

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (NMC registered) with a valid PIN
• Previous experience in pre-operative assessment, within an NHS acute setting
• Competent in performing ECGs, venepuncture, and baseline clinical observations
• Strong understanding of NICE pre-assessment guidelines and ASA classification
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage a busy clinic caseload independently
• Enhanced DBS clearance