Paula Williams

Experienced scrub nurse with over 35 years theatre experience, looking for the occasional days work in the Preston/Wigan area. 

Summary

Having relocated back to the North West of England in 2020, I have been working as a full time agency scrub nurse. I have had placements at Salford, Wigan and I am currently on a long term placement at Royal Preston Hospital, primarily in the emergency theatre team, although at times of staff shortages elsewhere in the department I can be moved to any of the theatres within the department.

I find agency work very rewarding, my skills are always required and I feel part of the team, I thoroughly enjoy my role.

Having relocated to South Wales in 2016, I was employed as Lead General Scrub Nurse at St Joseph’s Hospital.  I had primary responsibility for the provision of resources for all patients undergoing all aspects of surgery. I acted as a scrub nurse for all aspects of surgery including Laparoscopic surgery, General Surgery, ENT, Urology, Gynaecology, Plastic, Ophthalmology, Spinal surgery and minor Orthopaedics. I also acted as the lead for the running of the operating theatre lists with organisation of the list, equipment and theatre staffing. 

I am a very experienced scrub nurse and am able to act as a scrub nurse for most types of surgery, excluding major orthopaedics. 

I have extensive management experience in the operating theatre environment, and I am always willing to share that knowledge and enjoy the challenges that arise within the perioperative department.

I am also competent to work in the endoscopy department, treating patients undergoing both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures. 

I am also able to act as a recovery practitioner, caring for patients in the immediate post-operative phase following surgery. 

I have a very positive attitude to any role undertaken and have a ‘can-do’ outlook, dealing with issues as they arise and working towards a positive outcome. I enjoyed my role as a Lead nurse and also as a scrub nurse, I was actively involved in the day to day management of the department.

Employment History

Lead General Nurse

Theatres - St Joseph’s Hospital, Newport, South Wales

August 2016 – July 2020

Theatre Manager/Decontamination Lead

Theatres – Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, Blackpool, Lancs

May 2001 – August 2016

Senior Sister

ENT Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

September 2000 – May 2001

Clinical Nurse Lead (6 months secondment)

General Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

March 2000 – September 2000

Senior Sister

ENT Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

April 1996 – February 2000

Acting Senior sister 

ENT Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

October 1995 – March 1996

Staff nurse

ENT Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

April 1991 – September 1995

Sister

Cardio-Thoracic Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS Trust, Blackpool, Lancs

December 1988 – April 1991

Staff Nurse

Cardio-Thoracic Theatres – Victoria Hospital NHS trust, Blackpool, Lancs

April 1985 – November 1988

Student Nurse

Victoria Hospital School of Nursing, Blackpool, Lancs

January 1982 – March 1985

Education

Whitley High School, Wigan

1976 – 1980

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

Registered General Nurse – 1985

Blackpool Victoria Hospital

ENB 998 Teaching and Assessing in Clinical Practice – 1987

University of Manchester

ENB 338 Oto-Rhinology and Laryngology Nursing – 1999

Eastwood Park

NVQ Level 3 – Decontamination – 2009

Interests

In my spare time I enjoy DIY and upcycling of furniture

I also enjoy gardening

Dog Walking

Spending weekends and time away in our Motorhome