Ophthalmology Staff Nurse

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated Band 5 Staff Nurses to join the highly skilled Ophthalmic Surgical Team. this advert is looking to recruit 3 full time positions (37.5 hours) and one a part-time, 30 hour vacancy, working in The Ophthalmic Surgical Unit and Medical Retina Unit, for a fixed term of 12 months. Working hours include Monday- Friday, 8am -7pm, over a 4-5 day period.

Please be aware that the interviews will be face to face at our Blackpool Hospital (no on-line interviews).   Interview date to follow.

The Unit provides sight saving treatment for people across Lancashire/ Cumbria and beyond using state of the art facilities designed with high quality patient focused care at the forefront.

The Ophthalmic surgical unit is a specialised department which integrates The Medical Retina Unit, macular service, two theatres a recovery area and an ophthalmic day surgery ward offering a number of clinical settings within the unit.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be working as a registered staff nurse within a highly specialised Opthalmology Surgery and Clinic setting. This role involves admitting and preparing patients for Opthalmic procedures, assessing visual acuity, preparing patients for fluroescein angiogram. There will be a requirement to continually adapt with the service as we move towards a more nurse led service which includes intravitreal injecting.

You would be involved in preparing patients for procedures such as:

• Retinal detachments (PPV)
• Cataract surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Biopsies
• Laser eye surgery
• Emergency and trauma surgery
• Due to restructuring within the unit in an attempt to grow our expanding service we require a passionate and positive individual who have pride in their work. The ideal candidate would receive full on the job training in a supportive environment with a team that values you. We also offer:
• A structured mentorship programme, supportive of individuals learning strategies and needs
• Encouragement for staff to take on projects to take the department forward, where each contribution is valued.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

GENERAL

A1. Maintain activities to meet requirements A1.1 Ensure all policies/protocols/standards are upheld and abide by all policies and procedures regarding implementation, monitoring, training and audit of infection prevention and control issues A1.2 Maintain Health and Safety for all staff, patients, visitors and members of the multidisciplinary team following the Trust’s policy. A1.3 The post holder must comply with all relevant policies, procedures and training on infection prevention and control. A1.4 Attend yearly updates for all statutory training. A1.5 Take charge of a clinical area unsupervised after progressing through the foundation gateway, this will be on an occasional basis. Once the post holder has gained sufficient experience and has fulfilled their competencies, they will be required to take charge of a clinical area on a regular basis.

A2. Manage activities to meet requirements A2.1 Report and document accidents, incidents and losses. A3. Manage activities to meet customer requirements A3.1 Be accountable within the team for the planning, implementing and evaluation of patient care, maintaining agreed standards and ensuring patient satisfaction. A3.2 Arrange for the care of patients’ valuables and other property as per Trust policy

A4. Contribute to improvement at work A4.1 Take part in developments and trials of new ideas and methods within the Unit. A4.2 Keep abreast of clinical and nursing developments within allocated area. A4.3 Develop the “Scope for Professional Practice”.

A5. Manage change in organisational activities A5.1 Highlight areas for improvement and suggest changes to Matron/Ward Manager

B. MANAGING RESOURCES

B1. Manage the use of physical resources B1.1 Prioritise clinical workload B1.2 Allocate clinical work according to staff ability and patient need B1.3 Ensure staff are trained/experienced in the job required of them. B1.4 Arrange for the ordering and storage of drugs. B1.5 Arrange for the ordering and storage of supplies/stores.

B1.6 Ensure the effective utilisation of stores and equipment. B1.7 Ensure staffing shortages are addressed and are communicated to the ward manager.

C. MANAGING PEOPLE

C1. Manage Yourself C1.1 Be the patients’ advocate; promote, safeguard and support safety for the patient and family. C1.2 Participate in in-service training as required ensuring junior staff keep up to date.

C2. Develop your own resources C2.1 Establish and maintain good relationships with patients, visitors, colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team to minimise conflict. C2.2 Develop and maintain good communication skills, e.g. ability to communicate sensitive information about patient’s medical condition, acknowledging barriers to understanding. C2.3 Develop self to preceptor level. C2.4 Attend appraisal interviews annually to review job performance and professional development. C2.5 Maintain your PREPP requirements.

For further information, and before applying for the role, please ensure you have read through the full attached Job Description & Person Specification.