Staff nurse - Ophthalmology A&E

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Registered Nurse to join our Ophthalmology Emergency Department at the Western Eye Hospital on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The Western Eye Hospital is a specialist ophthalmic hospital providing Eye Emergency services for adults and children. We provide care to patients presenting with a wide range of urgent and emergency ophthalmic conditions, offering an excellent environment in which to develop specialist ophthalmic knowledge and clinical skills.

Working alongside our experienced nursing, medical and multidisciplinary teams, you will provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients throughout their journey. The role includes assessment and triage, delivery of nursing care, ophthalmic observations and diagnostic procedures, administration of medicines, patient education and supporting safe and timely discharge.

We are looking for a Registered Nurse with good communication and organisational skills who is able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a busy and dynamic clinical environment. Previous ophthalmic experience is desirable but not essential, and we welcome applications from nurses with an interest in developing their career in ophthalmology.

You will be supported to develop specialist ophthalmic skills and knowledge, including participation in the Ophthalmic Practitioner Training programme, with opportunities for further professional development and progression.

Main duties of the job

• Provide high-quality, effective and compassionate nursing care to patients presenting with urgent and emergency ophthalmic conditions.
• Undertake the triage, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care for patients presenting with eye-related complaints and injuries.
• Perform and accurately document clinical observations, recognising changes in a patient's condition and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Undertake ophthalmic nursing procedures and diagnostic tests, including the use of specialist equipment such as tonometers and visual acuity charts.
• Administer medicines safely and in accordance with Trust policies.
• Monitor patients throughout their Emergency Department journey and contribute to safe and timely discharge.
• Provide information, advice and support to patients, relatives and carers, acting as the patient's advocate where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with nursing, medical and wider multidisciplinary teams to provide safe, effective and efficient care.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment, effective patient flow, audit and continuous improvement within the department.
• Participate in education and professional development, including Ophthalmic Practitioner Training (OPT), to develop specialist ophthalmic knowledge and skills.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.

For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.