To work alongside the Matron, senior ophthalmology nurse practitioners, consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on service strategic objectives and to promote the overarching vision for the service
To deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of 'best care for everyone
Provide specialist ophthalmic nursing care to patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs
To deliver specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, injections of botulinum toxin to muscles around the eye, fundus angiography and photodynamic therapy
To manage triage telephone referrals from GPs, Emergency Department, Minor Injury Units, optometrists and self-referring patients
To work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families
To maintain high visibility and clinical expertise, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership within UK law, Nursing and Midwifery Council and Trust policies and guidelines, Provide specialist ophthalmic nursing care to patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs
Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of 'best care for everyone
Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources
Deliver specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, injections of botulinum toxin to muscles around the eye, fundus angiography and photodynamic therapy
Manage triage telephone referrals from GPs, Emergency Department, Minor Injury Units, optometrists and self-referring patients
Use communication skills in all aspects of patient assessment, care and support
Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership
Actively participate as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce
Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care
Take a key role and support the implementation of any clinical initiative
Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff
Provide links between patients and other support networks through referrals
Management
Work alongside the Matron, Band 7 senior ophthalmology nurse practitioner, consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives
Work within agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate
Seek to eliminate / reduce any staff conflict and take any remedial and on-going action as appropriate
Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure
Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients and relatives and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices
Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective
Leadership
Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and registered dental nurses and other staff members
Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow
Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Ophthalmology services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust.
Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within Ophthalmology services
Actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as the patient advocate and providing clinical nurse specialist input
Work collaboratively with community agencies involved in supporting patients with sight loss
Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities
Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved.
Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Ophthalmology service
Communicates sensitive, confidential information to patients, taking in to account the need for empathy, reassurance and compassion
Demonstrate politeness, courtesy and sensitivity in providing compassionate care for patients, visitors, relatives and colleagues.
Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales
Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach
Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy
Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives
Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council code at all times
Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and Nursing and Midwifery Council l revalidation requirements
Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same
Research and audit
Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Ophthalmology services or the wider Trust as appropriate
Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines
Assist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators, In conjunction with the senior ophthalmology nurse practitioner, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process
Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively
Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role
Support the training, education and development of staff within defined service as appropriate
Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes
Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting
Improving safety, quality and developing practice
Work with staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate.
Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management
Observe and follow safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures
Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally
Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources
Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service
Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.
Report incidents and escalate concerns as necessary
Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions
Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times
Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines
Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids
Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control, radiation and substances hazardous to health.
Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives
Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse
Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time
There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment
Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff
The health and wellbeing of our staff and patients remains the priority of the Trust. Vaccination remains the best chance we have of conquering COVID and the Trust encourages everyone to take up this offer.
Please note, this vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received, so please apply as soon as possible if you are interested. The Recruitment Team are unable to accept any applications after the position has closed on NHS Jobs.

NHS AfC: Band 6
Join us at an exciting time for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust! We have an ambitious plan for our journey to Outstanding and are looking for aspirational, committed individuals to join us, making a real difference to both staff and patients.
As a former winner of England for excellence award: Tourism destination of the year, the beautiful city of Gloucester and the scenic regency spa town of Cheltenham are fantastic places to work and live.
As a hospital Trust we are currently involved in over 100 clinical trials and studies, whilst also providing acute elective and specialist services to a population of over 620,000.
By joining Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust new colleagues can look forward to a warm welcome and a future full of opportunities and support., Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is over 9,000 strong and our caring and dedicated staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care across a range of clinical areas.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our vision of providing Best Care for Everyone and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of our staff.
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feel respected and valued.
In return, we offer the opportunity to work at a trust that is on a truly exciting Journey to Outstanding and to make a real difference to the lives of our patients, their families and the wider community. We are also committed to training and developing you to be the best you can be and offer you a rewarding career, whatever your role.