Registered Nurse- Ophthalmology Outpatient Department, Band 5

Job overview

The Band 5 Registered Nurse will work collaboratively alongside the department manager, nursing team, consultants, and the wider multidisciplinary team to support and deliver the service’s strategic objectives and overarching vision. The post holder will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating high‑quality patient care in line with the Trust vision of “delivering the best care every day for everyone.”

The role involves preparing patients for consultations, including visual acuity assessment, intra‑ocular pressure measurement, eye drop instillation, and undertaking the scrub nurse role as required. The nurse will also carry out pre‑assessment of patients prior to ophthalmology surgery, both face‑to‑face and via telephone, ensuring patient safety and readiness for procedures. There is an expectation that the successful candidate will undertake Nurse Injector training following a structured and supportive training programme led by the Clinical Lead.

Additional contract details: Maternity Cover

Main duties of the job

Deliver high‑quality, patient‑centred ophthalmic nursing care through comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care, in line with professional standards and Trust values.

Provide, supervise and demonstrate safe and effective nursing care in a demanding ophthalmology environment, using specialist equipment and resources appropriately.

Prepare patients for ophthalmology clinics, procedures and surgery, including visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, instillation of eye drops and undertaking scrub nurse duties when required.

Carry out pre‑operative assessments face to face and via telephone, ensuring patient safety, optimisation and readiness for surgery.

Administer medicines safely and effectively in accordance with Trust medicines management policies and local procedures.

Communicate clearly, compassionately and professionally with patients, relatives and colleagues, including the delivery of sensitive or complex information while maintaining dignity and confidentiality.

Maintain accurate, timely and contemporaneous clinical documentation using Trust IT systems such as electronic patient records and TrakCare.

Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated, effective and holistic patient care

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities/Key Responsibilities

- Deliver high-quality ophthalmic nursing care by undertaking comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care in line with professional standards and the Trust vision of ‘delivering the best care every day for everyone.’

- Provide, demonstrate and supervise safe, effective and appropriate nursing care within a demanding and evolving clinical environment, utilising specialist ophthalmic equipment and resources.

- Administer medications safely and effectively in accordance with the Trust’s Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing and Administration of Medicines (POPAM) and local policies.

- Prepare patients for ophthalmology consultations and procedures, including visual acuity assessment, measurement of intra‑ocular pressure, instillation of ophthalmic drops, and undertaking the scrub nurse role where required.

- Carry out pre‑assessment of patients prior to ophthalmology surgery, both face‑to‑face and via telephone, ensuring patient safety, optimisation and readiness for procedures.

- Communicate effectively and compassionately with patients, relatives and colleagues to support assessment, care delivery, shared decision‑making and patient education.

- Communicate sensitive, complex or distressing information appropriately and professionally, maintaining patient dignity and strict confidentiality at all times.

- Facilitate timely referrals to internal and external services and support networks to meet the holistic needs of patients.

- Act as a positive role model by promoting high standards of patient care, communication, professionalism, organisation and accountability.

- Utilise Trust information technology systems, including the Trust intranet, TrakCare and electronic patient records, to access, document and update patient information, ensuring clear, accurate and contemporaneous record‑keeping.

- Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated, patient‑centred care for patients and their families.

- Take an active role in the implementation of clinical initiatives, service developments and the introduction of new equipment within ophthalmology services.

- Support the education, training and ongoing development of colleagues, students and new staff, contributing positively to the learning environment.

- Actively support and contribute to agreed quality improvement initiatives within Ophthalmology services, working in partnership with other teams and services both within and outside the Trust

- Participate in a structured and supportive development programme, with the expectation that the post holder will undertake Nurse Injector training under the supervision of the Clinical Lead

Professional Development, Education and Training

- In conjunction with the Department Manager, identify personal learning, training and development needs through the Trust appraisal and development review process.

- Maintain and continuously develop the knowledge, competence and clinical skills required to perform the role safely, effectively and in accordance with professional standards.

- Undertake all mandatory and statutory training relevant to the role, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and regulatory requirements.

- Actively participate in and contribute to departmental education and training programmes, supporting a culture of learning and professional development.

- Develop the skills required to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced staff and non‑registered colleagues within the clinical practice environment.

- Organise, implement and support mentoring and educational programmes for students, providing appropriate supervision and contributing positively to the learning experience.

Management and Leadership

- Comply at all times with Trust and departmental policies and procedures, including those relating to the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), manual handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, data protection and patient confidentiality. This includes full compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures for adults and children in the care of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and participation in mandatory safeguarding training.

- Report personal sickness absence in accordance with Trust policy and departmental procedures, ensuring timely and appropriate communication with the Department Manager.

- Identify, report and document near misses, adverse incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injuries and medication administration errors in line with Trust and departmental protocols. Support senior and lead staff in the investigation of incidents as required.

- Manage concerns or complaints from patients, relatives or staff in accordance with the Trust complaints procedure, escalating issues appropriately when necessary.

- Take responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of patients, relatives and staff, contributing to clinical and environmental risk assessments and the implementation of effective risk reduction measures.

- Demonstrate a proactive and supportive approach to the ongoing development of registered nurses and other team members, providing guidance and encouragement where appropriate.

- Act as a professional role model by consistently demonstrating high standards of patient care, communication, organisation, professionalism and commitment.

- Actively support and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within Ophthalmology services to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.

- Participate fully in multidisciplinary meetings, contributing effectively and acting as a patient advocate to ensure patient‑centred care.

- Utilize resources efficiently and responsibly, working in a manner that promotes financial sustainability and reduces unnecessary waste, including consideration of environmental impact.

Research and Development

- Work in a manner that supports and promotes audit, research and service evaluation activities within Ophthalmology services and the wider Trust, as appropriate to the role.

- Promote and demonstrate the application of evidence‑based practice, ensuring care delivery is informed by current research, clinical guidelines, policies and procedures.

Communications and Working Relationships

- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively, collaboratively and cohesively with all members of the Ophthalmology multidisciplinary team to support high‑quality patient care.

- Communicate with patients, relatives and colleagues in a respectful, sensitive and empathetic manner, always ensuring dignity and compassion.

- Communicate complex, sensitive or distressing information clearly and effectively to patients and their families, adapting communication style as necessary to meet individual needs, including in challenging clinical situations.

- Demonstrate the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, prioritising workload appropriately and working to agreed timescale

- Always act as a positive role model, including maintaining a professional personal appearance and adhering to the Trust uniform and dress code policy.

- Work in a manner that actively promotes and reflects the Trust’s values, objectives and commitment to patient‑centred care.

- Practice at all times in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code, maintaining professional standards of conduct, performance and ethics.

- Maintain personal professional development, ensuring compliance with mandatory training requirements and NMC revalidation standards.

- Recognise own limitations, seek advice and support appropriately, and encourage an open, supportive culture where others feel confident to do the same.

Improving safety, quality and developing practice

- Contribute to the Trust’s Clinical Governance and Quality agenda through active participation in service initiatives, health and safety practices, risk identification and risk management processes.

- Develop, maintain and share professional knowledge and expertise with members of the multidisciplinary team, contributing to service development locally and, where appropriate, nationally.

- Identify personal learning and development needs in line with service requirements and individual career aspirations, proactively improving own practice through reflective learning and the effective use of available educational resources.

- Work collaboratively with colleagues involved in clinical audit, research and service evaluation activities, supporting recommendations for changes in practice and contributing to the implementation of agreed improvements.

- Demonstrate an understanding of, and contribute to, the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operating procedures, policies, protocols and clinical guidelines relevant to Ophthalmology services.

- Constructively question and challenge strategic and operational practices where appropriate, promoting continuous evaluation and improvement of patient care standards and service delivery