Why I Want To Be An Odp

I am applying to study Operating Department Practice because I am very interested in pursuing a career where every day is different, and where I will be able to work in varied roles such as the anaesthetic role and the post-operative care role. I chose ODP because it is a challenging but rewarding job where I will be able to provide safe, effective care to vulnerable people whilst working within a multi-disciplinary team. I am also looking forward to volunteering at my local hospital in the summer holidays so that I have a feel of working within a hospital environment, where I can help care for vulnerable people and support the community.
An ODP needs to have good communication and teamwork skills as they need to communicate with patients to put them at ease, and assess them before they go for surgery. Also they need to be able to work effectively in a team as they support operating theatre professionals during surgery. I am a caring, hardworking individual, who is able to work well under pressure, with good practical and
interpersonal skills. I am able to work effectively in a team as well as independently, which I believe will make a good ODP.
At college I have developed many skills such as good note-taking, problem solving, research skills as well as time management.
These skills have helped me become a responsible and independent person. Studying effective communication in health and social care has enabled me to gain an understanding of communicating efficiently in diverse situations with different individuals. I have also learned about the importance of treating every person equally as an individual. It is necessary to maintain confidentiality at all times along with treating patients with dignity and respect. Another unit that I have studied which I believe is essential for working as an ODP is health, safety and security. It is vital that all equipment is clean and safe before being used so that infections are prevented. Also an ODP must ensure the safety and comfort of a patient at all
times.
I have carried out work experience at a dental surgery, where I performed duties such as filing letters into patient’s files, putting dental equipment into the correct places, watching filings being implanted, teeth being removed and assisting the dentist to prepare for surgery. This work experience helped me to communicate with patients and learn about different dental procedures. Also I discovered the importance of providing support and reassurance to patients so that they feel relaxed and not anxious. This is very important for an OPD as they must establish a good relationship with a patient from the start as they are the first person a patient meets before an operation.
My current placement is at a nursery with children aged 2-3 years old. I enjoy planning different activities for children that help them grow and develop effectively. I support children in activities such as drawing, reading, outdoor play, and prepare healthy snacks for them. My placement has advanced my interpersonal skills and has taught me the significance of safeguarding, which can be applied to an ODP as they need to make sure that all patients are safe and protected from any harm.
I have a caring nature, someone who is self-motivated and committed to become an operating department practitioner. I believe a university education will allow me to gain various skills such as cognitive skills, practical skills and an increased knowledge and understanding which I can transfer to further training or a career.