Day in the life of an operating department practitioner (ODP) with Antoinette Dickens
Happy #ODP Day! Operating department practitioners (ODPs) are involved in each phase of a patient’s operation. They are an integral part of the multidisciplinary operating theatre, providing a high standard of patient care and support during anaesthetic, surgical and recovery stages and responding to patients’ physical and psychological needs.
Antoinette Dickens gave us an insight into a day in the life of an ODP and what she loves about her role.
Why work as an ODP?
If you’re interested in providing surgical care to patients. The preoperative period is scary for patients. But you make them feel safe, supported and make sure the surgery is successful for them.
You would be an ODP if you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team. The whole team coming together and providing patients with what they need for a successful outcome - that’s the icing on the cake. They’re awake and talking. It’s amazing. You know the work you’re doing is helping.
On a typical day…
I start at 8am. I check the operation list and prepare equipment and drugs. I check that the anaesthetic machine is working 100% – it’s the heart of what I do. I check the operation table. Safety, safety, safety is what it’s all about.
After preparation, there is a multi-disciplinary team brief. We highlight high-risk patients, specify equipment, get everything ready and send for the patient.
Just before surgery, I make sure the patient is settled, calm and connect with them. Then after supporting the administration of anaesthetics, we prepare the patient so that they’re not at risk of harm. We put gels pads around their bones to avoid sores and aches and pains.
After the operation, I extubate the patient with the anaesthetist. If the breathing is stable, I take the patient into recovery. I monitor the patient before they regain consciousness.
The best thing about my job is…
When you get cases like those in the emergency department, you think “I’m an ODP and I’ve done my best” and it’s quite fulfilling. Or you come to the delivery suite and help support the delivery of an emergency caesarean section – it’s thrilling.
After work…
I have three children. My baby will be asleep and I will give her a cuddle when I get home.
If I could do something else…
I would work with children.