NHSScotland Careers
12 May 2025
•4 min read
The path to discovering my ideal career
I wasn’t an overly attentive student and left school with modest grades. At that point, I was already working in kitchens and eventually realised my dream of becoming a chef.
I worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade. Still, I became very disillusioned with the chef world and packed it in for a job in adult social care.
I worked for many years with adults with profound physical, mental, and social disabilities. These roles were massively rewarding, and the relationships and bonds that I formed were really life-affirming. It’s where my passion for care work was born.
After working in adult social care for some time, I found myself in a home care setting. I provided 24-hour care for a tetraplegic client, enhancing their day-to-day life the best I could.
They could see my potential and encouraged me almost daily to apply to do nursing at university. So, they are the reason why I'm here today doing a job I love. I will forever be indebted to their belief in me.
Becoming a student nurse
When I started my nurse training at 27, I was considered a “mature” student. My only slight regret is that I didn’t apply for a nursing degree sooner. At the same time, my journey before that was an incredibly important and enriching experience. It has undoubtedly helped to shape who I am today.
Unexpected opportunities: embracing the anaesthetic practitioner role
When I graduated from university, getting my first nursing role was challenging. I was disappointed when offered a job in anaesthetics. I would have preferred to be placed in scrub or recovery. The irony is that it’s turned out to be my dream job! I love what I do as an anaesthetic practitioner. It’s what I want to do for the foreseeable future.
As an anaesthetic practitioner, I work alongside anaesthetic doctors, scrub nurses, and recovery nurses. I support anaesthetists in caring for patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures requiring different types of anaesthetics. No 2 patients are the same.
In theatres, we have a mutually receptive relationship with each other, free of hierarchical pressures. This might seem strange outside of the theatre environment, but we are all equally responsible for those in our care. It is vital that we can speak up and advocate for our patients regardless of our roles.
What is an anaesthetic practitioner?
In the anaesthetic phase of perioperative care, I comfort patients by easing their worries through simple conversations and clearly explaining important information.
In the surgical phase, patients trust me to look after them during their procedure when they are at their most vulnerable. I closely monitor and maintain their vital signs, which include body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration rate, and I respond appropriately to any changes.
Ninewells Hospital is a designated major trauma centre. Another part of my role as an anaesthetic practitioner is attending A&E whenever a major trauma call goes out. Patients who meet the criteria for a major trauma alert are brought into the hospital via blue light. I am part of the team that stabilises and potentially intubates them as soon as they arrive in the department.
How to become an anaesthetic practitioner
To become an anaesthetic practitioner, you'll need to complete an undergraduate adult nursing degree. As a student nurse, you may be fortunate to get a practice placement in a hospital theatre.
When you graduate, you'll register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council so that you can work as a nurse. You can apply for trainee anaesthetic practitioner roles as a newly qualified nurse.
During your first 6 months, you'll be supported by an experienced anaesthetic practitioner, who will teach you what you need to know about the role. You'll then be able to work independently, while still receiving support from the team.
Once you're confident and experienced in the role, you may have the opportunity to do additional training in recovery. This means you'll be able to work as both an anaesthetic practitioner and a recovery nurse.
Challenges and rewards: the reality of working in a hospital operating theatre
I love the variety of my role. Learning new techniques or using new equipment keeps me on my toes. Each day is different, as we cover a broad and diverse range of surgical specialities.
I also love being challenged. Working tirelessly in the trenches to provide the best care I can keeps me returning. Like other jobs, this one has some challenges, but it’s exciting, and there’s never a dull day.
Adapting is a skill that can make or break you in this role. The job can be fast-paced and unpredictable. Every day, you could be working in a different area using different kit.
It is crucial to embrace change rather than fear it. Even though we are methodical in our work, we need to be ready and capable of pivoting and changing at the drop of a hat.
Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
The most significant moment in my nursing career by far is the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time for everyone, and for better or worse, it forever changed me and my practice.
All our hospital anaesthetic practitioners were trained to work in ICU-type wards during the pandemic. We delivered intense therapies in an unforgiving environment.
Along with many of my colleagues, the whole experience almost broke me. It made me question everything for the first time in my career, and I really struggled with the idea of continuing in my role afterwards. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what I experienced, but it’s made me stronger and more resilient.
I’m proud to work in the NHS. First-class, person-centred care is provided free to everyone at the point of need. That’s the wonder of our NHS, and we must do all we can to protect it for future generations.
Career development opportunities for anaesthetic practitioners
As a registered adult nurse, I need to revalidate with the Nursing and Midwifery Council every 3 years. Self-directed reading and clinical education days support my learning and development. However, I’m a very hands-on learner, so I prefer to get stuck in and learn by doing.
During my nursing career, I’ve taken on additional roles. I’m dual-trained as an anaesthetic practitioner and a recovery nurse. I’m also a blood salvage operator, and my knowledge and skills for this role must be maintained and revalidated annually.
There are opportunities to progress to leadership roles in theatres, such as a charge nurse and senior charge nurse, overseeing the department.
I’d prefer to retain as much of my clinical practice as possible and become a specialist nurse. I could also take on a specialist role as a medical prescriber or cell salvage coordinator. Both roles would allow me to maintain my practical skills. Still, they also require further training and a possible return to university.
Love and be proud of the work you do
The best career decision I’ve made is, without a doubt, saying yes to the unknown. I am in a job that I love. Not a lot of people get to say that! Had I not accepted this job 8 years ago, who knows what I’d be doing now? I may have been just as happy in another role, but this job ticks all my boxes.
If you're interested in a career as an anaesthetic practitioner, take the leap, embrace the unknown and push yourself to achieve the things you want and deserve. The path may be winding and unclear, but half the fun is finding your way.
I’ve done it, and so can you! I’ve switched from a well-established career as a chef and retrained to become a nurse. I can honestly say with a hand on my heart that I am better for it. I love and am proud of the work I do. Everyone should have the chance to experience that in their lifetime.
Inspired by Steven's story?
If you're leaving school or thinking about a career change, take the first steps to a nursing career. Discover how you can become an adult nurse and make a real difference. Find out more about the education and training pathways into adult nursing.