Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

We are looking for a skilled, dynamic registered nurse who will be responsible for running the eye hospital A&E department with other ophthalmic nurse practitioners. The role will be an intrinsic part of the Sussex eye hospital A&E services (University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust). This role includes learning and becoming competent with basic ophthalmic skills such as eye irrigation, conjunctiva and corneal epithelial foreign body removal, and also seeing and discharging patients with minor ophthalmic conditions out of hours.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust/within UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/manager before applying. Secondments can't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

Main duties of the job

1. Work collaboratively with all areas of SEH to promote cohesive, consistent best practice and share resources, ideas, and knowledge.
2. Be an expert in relation to ophthalmology, effectively interpreting and communicating specialist information to colleagues and patients where appropriate.
3. Have excellent interpersonal, communication, and team skills, liaising with patients and relatives, networking with other healthcare professionals and specialists, interpreting and sharing detailed and complex information.
4. Maintain accurate and relevant clinical notes and documentation on patients, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to the Data Protection Act.
5. Disseminate accurate and pertinent information to nursing staff regarding professional nursing practice.
6. Demonstrate excellent communication and listening skills with patients, relatives, and staff.
7. Ensure high standards of documentation and care planning in all areas of practice.
8. Foster the philosophy of evidence-based practice, analysing, interpreting, and implementing research findings.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching, and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career, we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex, you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job responsibilities

1. Be responsible for the professional and operational delivery of high-quality clinical care standards ensuring that patients are always treated with dignity and respect.
2. Post holders have a general responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in their daily duties.
3. The ophthalmic nurse will be responsible for the management of high-quality and timely care of patients attending the ophthalmology A&E department.
4. Work alongside the Lead Nurse, Matron, and Sister to assist in the development of quality Induction and Competency programmes.
5. Support the sister to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained at all times within the department.
6. Focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards, and treating patients with dignity and respect.
7. Ensure safe staffing and skill mix and manage the rota in the absence of the sister.

Person Specification

• Ophthalmology Experience + Hospital Experience
• Basic Slit Lamp Skills
• Venepuncture/Cannulation/IV therapy
• Mentorship or Equivalent
• Ophthalmic Courses
• Knowledge and skills in Infusion Devices

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.