The role of an NHS Theatre Nurse is one of the most critical positions within the healthcare sector. Theatre Nurses, also known as Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) or perioperative nurses, are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of care before, during, and after surgical procedures. They work alongside surgeons, anaesthetists, and other healthcare professionals to maintain high standards of patient care in a fast-paced, often high-pressure environment. On average, NHS Theatre Nurses in the UK can expect to earn a salary ranging from £28,000 to £40,000 depending on experience and seniority, with additional benefits including pension schemes, training opportunities, and career progression within the NHS.
Given the competitive nature of the healthcare sector, creating a CV that stands out is essential. A well-crafted CV not only showcases your skills and experience but also demonstrates your commitment to patient care, teamwork, and professional development. In this post, I will guide you through how to create an interview-winning NHS Theatre Nurse CV, provide a template example, and share advice tailored for graduates, middle management, and senior practitioners.
Understanding the Job Description
Before drafting your CV, it is crucial to understand the core responsibilities of a Theatre Nurse:
Preparing the operating theatre and equipment for surgery.
Assisting surgeons and anaesthetists during procedures.
Monitoring patients’ vital signs and overall well-being during operations.
Ensuring infection control and adhering to strict health and safety standards.
Maintaining accurate patient records and documentation.
Providing emotional support to patients and families.
Highlighting these skills and responsibilities on your CV can demonstrate that you understand the role and are prepared to meet its demands.
How to Structure Your NHS Theatre Nurse CV
A successful NHS Theatre Nurse CV should be clear, concise, and tailored to the role. Here’s a recommended structure:
Professional Summary
Begin with a 3–4 line summary that highlights your experience, key skills, and career objectives. Focus on qualities that make you an exceptional Theatre Nurse, such as attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and teamwork.
Key Skills
List the core competencies relevant to a Theatre Nurse. Use bullet points for readability. Example skills:
Operating theatre preparation and safety
Anaesthetic assistance and patient monitoring
Infection control and sterilisation procedures
Clinical documentation and patient records
Excellent communication and team collaboration
Professional Experience
Present your work history in reverse chronological order. Include job title, employer, location, and dates of employment. For each role, focus on achievements, responsibilities, and measurable outcomes where possible.
Education and Qualifications
Include all relevant qualifications such as:
Nursing degree or diploma
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) training
BLS, ALS, and any additional certifications
Professional Memberships and Training
Mention memberships like the Royal College of Nursing or any specialised theatre nursing courses.
Additional Information
Include voluntary work, languages, IT skills, or other relevant activities.
Example of an NHS Theatre Nurse CV Template
Here is a practical CV template example you can use as a starting point:
Name: Jane Smith
Contact: jane.smith@email.com
| 07123 456789
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Professional Summary
Compassionate and highly skilled NHS Theatre Nurse with over 5 years’ experience in perioperative care. Proven expertise in preparing operating theatres, assisting surgical teams, and ensuring patient safety. Adept at working under pressure and committed to continuous professional development.
Key Skills
Operating theatre preparation and safety protocols
Anaesthetic and surgical assistance
Patient monitoring and vital signs assessment
Infection control and sterilisation procedures
Effective communication and teamwork
Professional Experience
NHS Hospital, London – Theatre Nurse
June 2019 – Present
Assisted in over 500 surgical procedures with zero reported safety incidents.
Implemented new infection control protocols, reducing post-operative infection rates by 15%.
Trained junior nurses in theatre procedures and patient care.
Education
BSc Nursing – University of London, 2018
ODP Training – NHS Clinical Education, 2018
Certifications
BLS (Basic Life Support)
ALS (Advanced Life Support)
Professional Memberships
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP)
This CV example demonstrates clarity, focus, and a results-driven approach – essential qualities for any Theatre Nurse CV.
Tips for Graduates
If you’re a new graduate entering theatre nursing, your focus should be on transferable skills, clinical placements, and relevant training:
Highlight clinical rotations and practical experience.
Include any volunteering or shadowing in surgical environments.
Emphasise soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork.
Use a clear, structured format to present achievements during placements.
Advice for Middle and Senior Management
For those with years of experience, your CV should reflect leadership, strategic planning, and mentoring abilities:
Include examples of managing theatre teams, training new staff, or improving theatre efficiency.
Highlight initiatives that have enhanced patient care or reduced errors.
Showcase advanced skills like handling complex surgeries or implementing new protocols.
Include professional development courses relevant to senior roles.
Do’s and Don’ts of an NHS Theatre Nurse CV
Do:
Tailor your CV to each job application.
Use action verbs such as “assisted,” “implemented,” and “trained.”
Keep your CV concise, ideally 2 pages.
Highlight achievements and measurable outcomes.
Proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors.
Don’t:
Use generic statements that don’t relate to theatre nursing.
Include irrelevant work experience.
Overuse technical jargon that may confuse HR staff.
Lie or exaggerate qualifications or experience.
Forget to update your contact information or LinkedIn profile.
General Advice for an Interview-Winning NHS Theatre Nurse CV
Focus on patient safety and care – this is the heart of the NHS.
Include keywords like “operating theatre,” “perioperative care,” and “infection control” to improve CV visibility in digital recruitment systems.
Make sure your CV is readable with consistent formatting and bullet points for easy scanning.
Provide evidence of teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability in your work history.
Remember, your CV is your first impression. A strong NHS Theatre Nurse CV can open doors to interviews and help you stand out in a competitive field. Using a professional cv template and tailoring it to your experiences ensures you present yourself as a capable, dedicated, and confident candidate.
Boost Your CV and LinkedIn for Career Success
Creating a CV that gets noticed in the NHS sector is a skill in itself. After 25 years of coaching healthcare professionals, I can confidently say that a personalised, well-structured CV and LinkedIn profile are game-changers. If you want your CV and LinkedIn profile optimised for maximum impact, book a professional session today. Let’s create an interview-winning NHS Theatre Nurse CV and showcase your full potential.
Book your appointment now and take the first step towards advancing your healthcare career.
