Anaesthetic Nursing Practice Course
This course is designed for nurses who want to take their first steps into anaesthetic practice. You’ll build the specialist knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support patients safely before, during, and after anaesthesia.
Learning is practice-based and flexible. You’ll combine classroom sessions, simulation, and online activities with supervised clinical experience in your workplace. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply theory directly to practice and demonstrate the competencies required to work as an anaesthetic nurse.
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Who is this course for?
What you'll gain
Feel confident in practice
Build the knowledge and skills to support patients throughout their anaesthetic journey. You’ll learn how to use equipment, drugs and monitoring safely, and respond effectively to emergencies.
Grow your expertise
Gain a deep understanding of anaesthetic drugs, physiology, and contemporary practice guidelines. You’ll be able to link theory directly to the care you provide every day.
Build your professional skills
Develop leadership, teamwork, and reflective practice skills. You’ll learn how to contribute confidently within the multidisciplinary theatre team and take the next steps in your professional journey.
Put patient safety first
Learn how to anticipate risks, follow emergency protocols, and maintain the highest standards of care. Your practice will be guided by evidence, policies, and a holistic approach to patient wellbeing.
Your tutors
Maria has over 25 years of experience in perioperative care and a Master’s in Education. She co-developed the Anaesthetic Practice curriculum and specialises in simulation-based teaching and mentoring.
Tom co-leads the Anaesthetic Nursing Practice Course, combining perioperative expertise with innovative teaching methods. He is known for his supportive approach and commitment to building learner confidence.
Mary is a Consultant Anaesthetist completing a post-training Fellowship in Education and Digital at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She trained in Ireland, Australia, and London, with clinical interests in peri-operative medicine, advanced airway, and thoracic anaesthesia, including an Advanced Airway Fellowship at Guy’s Hospital.
Mary has undertaken educational fellowships in the UK and Zambia and is accredited by the Academy of Medical Educators. She teaches airway management nationally and internationally. Her interests include simulation-based education, emerging technologies in training, and improving peri-operative care.
Olivia is an anaesthetic registrar at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and an NHS England Education Fellow with the London School of Anaesthesia.
She holds a Master’s degree in Medical Education and serves as a Council Member for the Royal Society of Medicine’s Anaesthesia Section.
Her interests include curriculum development, simulation-based education and debriefing. She is involved in postgraduate anaesthesia training and multidisciplinary education across London.
She holds a Master’s degree in Medical Education and serves as a Council Member for the Royal Society of Medicine’s Anaesthesia Section.
Her interests include curriculum development, simulation-based education and debriefing. She is involved in postgraduate anaesthesia training and multidisciplinary education across London.
Frequently asked questions
When does the course run?
The course runs twice a year, starting in October and April, aligned with King’s College London academic terms (Terms 2 & 4).
Can I apply if I don’t currently work in theatres?
No. To enrol, you need to be an NMC-registered nurse with at least 12 months’ experience in perioperative practice or in a setting where patients receive anaesthesia (e.g. interventional radiology or cardiac cath labs).
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous and practice-based. You’ll complete:
• A Practice Assessment Document (clinical competencies)
• 4 themed workbooks (respiratory, cardiovascular, paediatrics, anaesthetics)
• OSCEs and simulation assessments
• A group presentation
• A 2,000-word essay submitted to King’s College London
Can I take annual leave during the course?
You remain a full-time employee during your studies, so annual leave is possible but must be agreed with your manager. Course requirements and assessments must still be completed within the programme timeframe.
Does the course follow school holidays or term times?
No. The course follows NHS and university schedules, not school holiday dates.
Who teaches the course?
The programme is led by Tom Wicinski and Maria Discalicau, supported by senior clinicians from the TAP Department at Guy’s & St Thomas’ — including consultant anaesthetists, pharmacists, equipment managers and senior nurses/ODPs.
How much does it cost?
The course fee is £1,070, plus a £750 accreditation fee payable to King’s College London.
Where will I study?
Teaching takes place at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, with workplace-based learning and online components to support flexible study.