A new perioperative nursing career guide could provide a foundation for lifelong learning in innovative operating theatre practices, a formal NHS Scotland partner insists

InnoScot Health continues to actively encourage nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) to identify fresh ideas which could help to enhance staff efficiency or benefit patient outcomes.

The NHS partner believes that staff who are supporting learners, workforce planning, or career development must consider the new Perioperative Nursing Career Guide from NHS Scotland Careers to be a vital resource — and one that can also be a “gateway to inspiring an innovative mindset”.

The authors call it “a clear, accessible overview of one of the most dynamic and rewarding areas in nursing” which “reflects current practice and real-world experiences from across the theatre environment”.

Innovation Commercialisation Manager at InnoScot Health, Frances Ramsay said: “The guide, developed in collaboration with NMAHP Practice Education and perioperative professionals, advocates deeper learning in this important role and promotes informed career choices.

“We think that one of those choices for deeper learning could be to become an agent of change for the profession — a leader in innovating from within. Perioperative nurses are incredibly well positioned to spot those opportunities for making a positive difference, and with the right support to develop the spark of a great idea, they truly can pivot successfully.

“For instance, perioperative nurses could be placing a focus on helping to leverage new cutting-edge technologies and protocols to improve surgical care — from robotic-assisted surgical platforms and AI-assisted surgical navigation systems to more efficient use of existing facilities which can reduce delays and cut costs.

“Significant net zero gains are also being made in Scotland’s operating theatres including more environmentally friendly anaesthetic gases and biodegradable, reusable caps — the latter being a great example of partnership working as part of the wider Design HOPES initiative, led by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with NHS Scotland.

“There will no doubt be more to come in the run-up to the 2040 net zero target for Scotland’s health service, offering an opportunity to foster green excellence.

“With the field of surgery constantly evolving, perioperative nurses can change their career trajectory for the better. Collaborative help is at hand across NHS, industry, and academia to develop that initial innovative thought, turning idea into reality.”

The Perioperative Nursing Career Guide offers real-life insights from perioperative nurses working in NHS Scotland, sharing what drew them to the role and what keeps them motivated.

It also looks at training and development pathways, including entry routes, postgraduate opportunities, and how the role supports lifelong learning in a “fast-paced, highly skilled environment”.

Bringing the perioperative environment to life, the guide includes immersive 360-degree videos that take viewers inside the operating theatre, “offering learners and advisors a unique opportunity to experience the pace and complexity of surgical care”.

InnoScot Health fosters a network of partners to support NHS Scotland workforce ideas that could improve patient care through NMAHP innovation drives, educational webinars, and initiatives like the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme.