New perioperative nursing career guide

New perioperative nursing career guide

Are you involved in supporting learners, workforce planning, or career development across NHS Scotland? If so, the newly launched Perioperative Nursing Career Guide from NHS Scotland Careers is an essential resource to explore and share.        

This guide offers a clear, accessible overview of one of the most dynamic and rewarding areas in nursing — perioperative care. Developed in collaboration with NMAHP Practice Education and perioperative professionals, it reflects current practice and real-world experiences from across the theatre environment. Whether you're advising students, mentoring colleagues, or shaping workforce strategies, this guide can help deepen understanding and promote informed career choices. 

What you’ll find inside 

• an introduction to perioperative nursing, including the distinct roles within the theatre team — scrub nurses, anaesthetic nurses, and recovery nurses.
• key skills and attributes needed to succeed, such as resilience, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.
• real-life insights from perioperative nurses working in NHS Scotland, sharing what drew them to the role and what keeps them motivated.
• training and development pathways, including entry routes, postgraduate opportunities, and how the role supports lifelong learning. 

Step inside the theatre 

To bring the perioperative environment to life, the guide includes immersive 360-degree videos that take viewers inside the operating theatre. These interactive clips showcase the roles of scrub, anaesthetic, and recovery nurses in action — offering learners and advisors a unique opportunity to experience the pace and complexity of surgical care.

Why perioperative nursing matters 

Perioperative nurses are at the heart of surgical care, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate treatment before, during, and after procedures. It’s a fast-paced, highly skilled environment that demands teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

As Andrena Roberts, Senior Charge Nurse and Theatre Education Coordinator shares in the guide:

“No two days are the same — it’s a role that challenges you, supports you, and gives you the chance to make a real difference.”

Dr Barbara O'Donnell, former perioperative nurse and Head of Programme - NMAHP Practice Education/Pre-Registration, adds:

“Perioperative nursing blends compassion with clinical expertise. Supporting people through surgery is a privilege, and the emotional depth of the role makes it unlike any other in nursing.” 

Sophie Given, Head of Programme - Workforce Education and Career Development (Acute), highlights the importance of outreach:

“The perioperative careers events, videos and stories are a vital opportunity to showcase the wide range of roles within the theatre environment and inspire the next generation of professionals. By sharing real experiences and career pathways, we aim to raise awareness of perioperative careers and highlight the essential contribution these teams make to patient care.”

Supporting career conversations 

This guide is particularly valuable for those in educational or workforce roles who support learners in making informed career decisions. It also helps highlight the breadth of opportunities available within nursing — especially for those who may not have previously considered working in theatres.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, perioperative nursing remains a cornerstone of safe surgical care. Promoting awareness of this career path supports workforce sustainability and ensures high-quality care for patients across Scotland.

Explore and share the guide: Perioperative Nursing – A Career Guide

Explore the blogs: Perioperative Career Stories

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