Job Title: Orthopaedic Senior House Officer (SHO)
Department: Orthopaedic Department
Reports to: Clinically and professionally responsible to the attending Orthopaedic Consultant. Administratively accountable to the Medical Administration Manager / Medical Staff Coordinator.
Date: 2026
The mission of Beacon Hospital is to provide exceptional, quality care to all patients in a respectful, safe, caring and compassionate environment.
The Orthopaedic Department is a consultant-delivered service. The Orthopaedic team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive care to patients across the full remit of elective and acute Orthopaedic care, including spine.
The Orthopaedic SHO will work as an integral member of the Orthopaedic team across both the ward and Operating Room environments, providing patient assessment, investigation, treatment and ongoing care under the supervision and direction of the attending Orthopaedic Consultant.
The post holder will contribute to safe, effective and evidence-based patient care, supporting the Orthopaedic Consultants and wider multidisciplinary team while maintaining professional standards and adhering to all Beacon Hospital policies and procedures.
Participate in the day-to-day management of patients under the supervision of the Consultant, including admission, assessment, review, documentation and implementation of the consultant-led management plan.
Attend and contribute to daily ward rounds and handover processes, working effectively as an active member of the multidisciplinary team.
Cover Operating Room duties as assigned.
Work as a member of the Orthopaedic theatre team under the supervision and direction of the attending Orthopaedic Consultant.
Adhere to all Operating Room, infection prevention and control, patient identification, surgical safety and hospital procedures.
Assess, review and document patient findings accurately and promptly using the electronic medical record system (Meditech).
Order appropriate investigations, including radiology, blood tests and other diagnostic tests, in line with the management plan.
Prescribe medications in accordance with hospital policies and clinical guidelines.
Admit patients as required, ensuring comprehensive documentation of medical history, medication lists, physical examination findings and the consultant-led management plan.
Discharge patients appropriately, including timely completion of discharge summaries and prescriptions.
Undertake appropriate pre- and post-operative assessment and care, including completion of required investigations, instructions and clinical reviews.
Escalate clinical concerns and queries promptly to the Consultant and Registrar, where applicable.
Respond appropriately to adverse events, including patient deterioration, falls, injuries or sudden illness affecting patients, visitors or staff.
Report adverse incidents and clinical risks.
Participate in the on-call rota, including weekend, public holiday and night shift cover.
Comply with mandatory training requirements and all relevant hospital policies and procedures, including infection prevention and control, blood management, medication management, Code Blue, clinical documentation, working hours and overtime requirements.
Comply with Health and Safety regulations and ensure safe working practices and a safe working environment.
Contribute to quality improvement, risk management and departmental/hospital initiatives designed to improve patient safety, quality of care and clinical outcomes.
Demonstrate commitment to evidence-based practice and clinical effectiveness.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with relevant professional, legal and hospital requirements.
Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Beacon Hospital is a UCD affiliate Teaching Hospital.
Assist with the education and training of medical students attending clinical placements, including providing Orthopaedic tutorials where appropriate and possible.
Encourage and facilitate student attendance at appropriate ward rounds, MDT meetings and clinical activities, and facilitate observation of clinical practice as required by the Beacon Hospital Academy.
Support School of Medicine Clinical Tutors by identifying appropriate patients for student assessment.
Support Interns during their hospital rotations, including meeting with speciality-specific Interns where appropriate, addressing their learning needs, and acting as a supportive colleague and role model appropriate to the post holder's level of experience.
Participate in NCHD teaching sessions and other departmental educational activities.
Contribute to a positive learning environment for medical students, Interns and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
Act professionally and perform duties in a manner that optimises patient care and protects and enhances the reputation of Beacon Hospital.
Communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respect patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality.
Recognise the limits of personal knowledge, skills and competence and seek appropriate senior support when required.
Undertake continuing professional development and maintain clinical competencies appropriate to the role.
Participate in work-related projects at Beacon Hospital as required.
Qualifications
Medical degree, MBBS or equivalent
Current Full Irish Medical Council Registration
MRCS or equivalent desirable
Eligibility
Must have the appropriate employment permit / eligibility to work in a private hospital setting where applicable.
Experience
Experience working in an acute hospital setting.
Previous experience in Orthopaedics is desirable.
Previous experience in an Operating Room / surgical environment is desirable.
Job-Specific Competencies and Knowledge
Current BLS certification required.
ACLS and/or ATLS certification desirable.
Personal Competencies
Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and healthcare professionals.
Professional, reliable and compassionate approach to patient care.
Demonstrates good organisational and time-management skills.
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability according to clinical and departmental requirements.
Demonstrates commitment to patient safety, quality improvement and clinical governance.
Demonstrates willingness to participate in teaching and professional development.
All posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager, Consultant or hospital management.
General
This job description is intended to provide an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of writing. As the Hospital, Orthopaedic Department and post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital and service.
The post holder will be expected to undertake duties appropriate to their grade, training, competence and experience and under the supervision and direction of the attending Orthopaedic Consultant.
