The Anaesthetic Room
Training of Anaesthetic Nurse
The Anaesthetic Nurse* must have formal training to work in this area. Untrained personnel are not allowed to work alongside the anaesthetist in the UK.
Anaesthetic Nurse training courses can vary in length.
*There is often misunderstanding about the roles of Anaesthetic Nurse and Nurse Anaesthetist within the UK. The Anaesthetic Nurse works alongside the anaesthetist in delivering anaesthesia, but does not take over autonomous care of delivering the anaesthetic. Nurse Anaesthetists are employed globally to deliver anaesthesia autonomously, or under Consultant Anaesthetist supervision. In the UK the role of Nurse Anaesthetist is not permitted. Nurse Anaesthetists can however practice as Anaesthetic Nurses in UK. The Physician’s Associate [PA(A)] or Anaesthetic Associate roles are the only non-medical practitioners permitted to deliver anaesthetics under supervision from a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK.
Anaesthetic Nurse training courses can vary in length.
*There is often misunderstanding about the roles of Anaesthetic Nurse and Nurse Anaesthetist within the UK. The Anaesthetic Nurse works alongside the anaesthetist in delivering anaesthesia, but does not take over autonomous care of delivering the anaesthetic. Nurse Anaesthetists are employed globally to deliver anaesthesia autonomously, or under Consultant Anaesthetist supervision. In the UK the role of Nurse Anaesthetist is not permitted. Nurse Anaesthetists can however practice as Anaesthetic Nurses in UK. The Physician’s Associate [PA(A)] or Anaesthetic Associate roles are the only non-medical practitioners permitted to deliver anaesthetics under supervision from a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK.
Training of Operating Department Practitioner
There are now more than 20 higher education institutes [HEI’s] based in England and Wales providing pre-registration education for ODP’s. Initially leading to a Diploma [2 year course], most HEI’s are now delivering pre-registration ODP education at degree level [3 year course] and entry to diploma programmes is likely to cease . Training leads to BSc in Operating Department Practice. Master Level programmes are now accessible. A healthcare background is not necessary to access course. Candidates need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent plus A-level or equivalent qualifications but these will vary depending on the university. ODP’s are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. They are known as Registered ODP on registration.
The Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
Training of Registered Nurses in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice
Formal training courses in Higher Education Institutions [HEIs ] are offered across the UK [see section on UK Training Courses]. Registered nurses are now qualified to Level 6/7 [i.e. graduate or Master’s degree level]. Nurses can complete a specialist module in Post Anaesthetic Care Nursing in an HEI at level 6 or 7. See next section of HEI training courses available in UK.
To work in PACU it is not a requirement to undergo formal training in a HEI. Many PACU units provide In house training to orientate the new practitioner to PACU and to provide refresher training to more experienced staff. Many units today employ practice educators and base training schemes on competencies. However, where possible, units encourage staff to undertake formal courses in higher education institutes where possible.
To work in PACU it is not a requirement to undergo formal training in a HEI. Many PACU units provide In house training to orientate the new practitioner to PACU and to provide refresher training to more experienced staff. Many units today employ practice educators and base training schemes on competencies. However, where possible, units encourage staff to undertake formal courses in higher education institutes where possible.
Training of Operating Department Practitioners in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice
ODP’s now train to level 6 leading to BSc in Operating Department Practice. These courses provide training in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice. There are many HEIs across the UK that provide these courses. Many ODP’s go on to submit to further specialist training in post anaesthetic care nursing modules in HEI’s.
Training of Associate Practitioner in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice
To train as Associate Practitioner you have to be working in the NHS often in a clinical support role such as healthcare assistant. As well as experience, trainee Associate practitioners have a health care qualification, usually at level 3. Associate practitioners usually follow a level 5 two year foundation degree in health care practice with a pathway specific focus on perioperative care. This is run as a higher apprenticeship. This is a new role and further information will follow as the role expands in the PACU.
Training of Non Registered health care workers in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice
Health Care Assistant
There are no set entry requirement for HCA’s. Most employers ask for healthcare relevant experience or qualifications such as NVQ or QCF model. QCF’s replaced NVQs allowing a more flexible learning experience where delegate can choose from over 100 units to study. HCA’S may go on to become registered nurses or nursing associates which require study at university.
Associate Practitioner [or Assistant Practitioner]
To train as Associate Practitioner you have to be working in the NHS often in a clinical support role such as healthcare assistant. As well as experience, trainee Associate Practitioners have a health care qualification, usually at level 3. Associate Practitioners usually follow a level 5 two year foundation degree in health care practice with a pathway specific focus on perioperative care. This is run as a higher apprenticeship.
There are no set entry requirement for HCA’s. Most employers ask for healthcare relevant experience or qualifications such as NVQ or QCF model. QCF’s replaced NVQs allowing a more flexible learning experience where delegate can choose from over 100 units to study. HCA’S may go on to become registered nurses or nursing associates which require study at university.
Associate Practitioner [or Assistant Practitioner]
To train as Associate Practitioner you have to be working in the NHS often in a clinical support role such as healthcare assistant. As well as experience, trainee Associate Practitioners have a health care qualification, usually at level 3. Associate Practitioners usually follow a level 5 two year foundation degree in health care practice with a pathway specific focus on perioperative care. This is run as a higher apprenticeship.
Role |
Scope |
Training |
Registration |
Anaesthetic Nurse |
Collaborates with anaesthetist in delivery of anaesthesia |
Completes Anaesthetic Nursing course at level 6 or 7 *mandatory training |
Registered with Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] |
ODP [Anaesthesia] |
Collaborates with anaesthetist in delivery of anaesthesia |
Completes BSc in Operating Department Practice *mandatory training |
Registered with Health Care Professions Council [HCPC] |
Registered Nurse PACU |
Cares autonomously for patient in PACU in loco anaesthetist |
Complete Post Registration in Post Anaesthetic Care Nursing in HEI *not mandatory training |
Registered with NMC |
ODP PACU |
Cares autonomously for patient in PACU in loco anaesthetist |
Specialist further training in Post Anaesthetic Care Practice *not mandatory |
Registered with HCPC |
Nursing Associate PACU |
Works in PACU under indirect supervision of RN or ODP |
2 year foundation degree. *Specialist training not mandatory |
Foundation degree validated by NMC. Registered with NMC |
Associate [Assistant] Practitioner PACU |
Works under supervision in PACU |
*Specialist training not mandatory |
NOT REGISTERED |
Health Care Assistant PACU |
Works under supervision in PACU |
*Specialist training not mandatory |
NOT REGISTERED |
UK Higher Education Institutes offering courses in Anaesthetics and Recovery [Post Anaesthetic Care Practice]
The following courses and links have been checked as of 17.03.21. and will be checked on an annual basis. If link does not work properly let us know and check out the course details by googling the university offering the course.
If you are aware of a course that is not currently listed please contact us via [email protected]
If you are aware of a course that is not currently listed please contact us via [email protected]
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