Assistant Practitioner - Ophthalmology

Job overview

The Nelson Day Unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Practitioner to join our friendly Ophthalmology team. This is a busy day-case unit caring for patients having a range of specialised local anaesthetic eye procedures.

You’ll be part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team with a strong focus on patient experience, and safety, where no two days are the same.

If you are organised, calm under pressure and committed to delivering compassionate, person-centered care that reflects our PRIDE values, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As an Assistant Practitioner in the Nelson Day Unit you will work as part of the multi-disciplinary Ophthalmic Team, delivering safe, high-quality pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing day-case ophthalmic surgery.

You will support registered staff with patient flow and theatre readiness, preparing notes and documentation, completing delegated clinical tasks within your competence, and ensuring excellent communication with patients, carers and the wider team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing patient records/notes and checking documentation is complete and accurate prior to procedures.
• Supporting pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery, including observations and basic assessments as delegated and trained.
• Escalating concerns promptly to a registered practitioner.
• Maintaining a clean, safe environment and preparing/stocking clinical areas and equipment in line with local and Trust policy.
• Providing reassuring, person-centered care, explaining what will happen next and helping patients feel informed and supported.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Accurately and responsibly carry out the instructions of the registered members of the multidisciplinary team who are professionally accountable for the delivery of care.
• Under the delegation of the Registered Practitioner to undertake clinical skills as generally agreed to be appropriate for the role and for which competency has been assessed e.g. wound care, second checking of approved medications, removal of wound sutures.
• Coordinate and undertake the safe admission, transfer and discharge of patients as delegated by the Registered Practitioner. Assist in effective and timely discharge planning.
• Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and dressing needs with specific concern for their religious, cultural and personal preference ensuring dignity and privacy at all times.
• Ensure the appropriate nutritional intake of all patients with due consideration to dietary and cultural needs.
• Assist and support patients with elimination as required. To maintain accurate fluid balance and elimination records
• Utilise clinical knowledge and skills in the prevention of pressure area damage. To utilise appropriate risk assessment tools and prescribed pressure-relieving equipment appropriately as per Trust guidelines
• Understand and attend to the psychological/spiritual needs of the patient, partners, carers and significant others.
• To be aware of specific physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of the dying patient and to implement appropriate management strategies in a timely manner as directed by registered staff
• Undertake non-invasive physiological measurements ensuring documentation is accurate legible and completed promptly, reporting perceived abnormalities to the Registered Practitioner

Please refer to the Job Description for the full specification of responsibilities and requirements for this post.