This role presents an extraordinary opportunity for experienced post-anaesthesia nurses seeking flexibility, top-tier pay rates, and diverse clinical exposure within fast-paced surgical recovery environments. As a Recovery Nurse representing Evolve Staffing Ltd, you will play an indispensable role in safeguarding patients during the immediate post-operative phase—managing the transition from general, regional, or local anaesthesia back to physiological stability. Whether caring for adult patients recovering from major elective surgery, emergency laparotomies, complex trauma cases, or high-volume day-surgery procedures, your clinical vigilance, airway expertise, and rapid decision-making skills will directly drive superior patient outcomes across Bristol hospitals.
Key Responsibilities & Clinical Recovery Duties
As a Band 5 PACU / Recovery Nurse, you will deliver high-dependency, one-to-one nursing care to patients immediately following surgical procedures and anaesthetic emergence.
Your core responsibilities across recovery wards and PACU bays will include:
Airway Management & Respiratory Care
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Continuous assessment and maintenance of patient airway patency following general anaesthesia, endotracheal intubation, or laryngeal mask airway (LMA) removal.
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Proficient handling of airway emergencies, including laryngospasm, bronchospasm, airway obstruction, hypoventilation, and delayed emergence from anaesthesia.
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Administration of high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy management, and suctioning.
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Monitoring arterial blood gases (ABGs), continuous capnography (EtCO2), and pulse oximetry.
Hemodynamic Monitoring & Physiological Stabilization
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Real-time monitoring and management of vital signs, including continuous ECG interpretation, non-invasive and invasive blood pressure (arterial lines), central venous pressure (CVP), and heart rate metrics.
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Monitoring post-operative bleeding, surgical drain outputs, wound dressings, and fluid balance (intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and urinary catheter output).
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Proactive identification and emergency management of post-operative complications such as hypovolemic shock, cardiac arrhythmias, anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, and post-operative hemorrhage.
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Active patient rewarming utilizing forced-air warming blankets (e.g., Bair Hugger) to manage hypothermia and prevent post-operative shivering.
Analgesia, Sedation & Symptom Management
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Titration and administration of intravenous opioids, regional analgesia infusions, epidurals, and Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) protocols.
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Assessment of surgical pain using validated pain scoring systems and delivering targeted pharmacological interventions.
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Assessment and management of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) using antiemetics in accordance with NHS Trust guidelines.
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Delivery of compassionate, reassuring care to alleviate post-operative delirium, emergence agitation, and patient anxiety.
Clinical Governance, Discharge & Handover
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Utilizing standardized PACU scoring frameworks (e.g., modified Aldrete Score or PADSS) to evaluate patient readiness for safe transfer back to surgical wards or discharge home.
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Conducting detailed, structured clinical handovers using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) methodology to ward nurses, ICU staff, or discharge lounge teams.
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Complete and accurate recording of post-operative nursing observations, medication administration records, and WHO Surgical Safety Checklist sign-outs.
Candidate Requirements & Qualifications
To be considered for this Band 5 Recovery Nurse opportunity with Evolve Staffing Ltd, applicants must possess:
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Professional Registration: Active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Adult Nurse (RNA / Level 1 Nurse) or registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP).
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Clinical Experience: Minimum of 6–12 months post-qualification experience working in an NHS Operating Theatre Recovery Ward or Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
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Certifications: Recognized qualification or module in Anaesthetics/Recovery/PACU Care is advantageous, along with valid Immediate Life Support (ILS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification.
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Core Competencies: Demonstrated proficiency in post-operative airway care, invasive line monitoring, PCA/epidural management, emergency resuscitation, and acute pain management protocols.
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Compliance Standards:
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Valid Right to Work in the United Kingdom.
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Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check registered on the Update Service.
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Complete occupational health clearance (immunization proof for Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Tuberculosis).
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Two satisfactory clinical references covering the most recent 3 years of clinical practice.
Why Choose Evolve Staffing Ltd?
At Evolve Staffing Ltd, we take pride in supporting our dedicated nursing workforce with unmatched benefits and professional care:
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Total Shift Flexibility: Select early, late, long day, night, or weekend shifts that fit around your lifestyle and personal schedule.
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Bristol NHS Trust Access: Gain exposure and consistent shifts across premier NHS acute trusts in Bristol and the surrounding South West region.
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Fast-Track Onboarding: Dedicated recruitment consultants to guide you through registration and compliance smoothly.
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Weekly Payroll Processing: Dependable weekly payments via PAYE or compliant Umbrella partners.
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Continuous Development: Free mandatory training updates, CPD points support, and assistance with NMC Revalidation.
If you are an experienced Band 5 PACU / Recovery Nurse seeking flexible agency work across NHS hospitals in Bristol, submit your CV today highlighting your post-anaesthesia care experience. A clinical recruiter from Evolve Staffing Ltd will contact you shortly to complete your application and match you with active hospital shift vacancies.
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Salary description
£20.00 - £30.00 per hour