ABSTRACT

Much has been written about the role of the nurse within the operating department but much less has been uncovered about the role of the anaesthetic nurse within this area. By detailing research undertaken by the author, anaesthetic nurses' perception of their role is recounted and how they interact with other disciplines within the operating department – Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). These two groups appear to work in relative harmony but there is need for examination and change to the training of both nurses and ODPs, and maybe looking at core training for perioperative staff, which could be accessed at differing levels and can be re-entered at a higher level for further qualifications.