Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the eye department for an enthusiastic Junior Sister to work in our busy eye department. Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of care pathways within the ophthalmology service, without supervision.
Based in the Ophthalmology outpatients department, at Medway Maritime Hospital, but may be required to travel and work in the ophthalmology clinics at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals, if required.
Applicants would be supported by our lead practitioner, Doctors and Administrative team to develop their skills.
Main duties of the job
To be able to triage referrals sent in electronically from Optometrists, GP's, the Emergency Department, inpatients and if patients present at the department,
To be able to prioritise patients accordingly,
To be able to use a slit lamp to assess patients (training given)
To be able to see patients independently using Patient Group Directives (PGD) or as a non medical prescriber,
To be able to see, treat and discharge patients without medical input (depending on experience)
To be able to implement tests for patient prior to medical examination,
Perform Venepuncture, cannulation, give intravenous medication and take swabs as required,
To assist doctors with medical procedures,
To be able to take charge and Lead a shift in the absence of the Lead practitioner, using delegation and communication skills to ensure patient safety is maintained at all times.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible
Working for our organisation
MTW is a large acute hospital trust in the south-east of England.
We provide a full range of general hospital services and some aspects of specialist and complex care to around 600,000 people living in west Kent and East Sussex. We have a team of over 8,000 full and part-time staff. We also provide specialist cancer services to around 2 million people across Kent and East Sussex via the Kent Oncology Centre.
In the 2024 NHS staff survey, our employees ranked MTW among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and the second-best Trust to work for in the South East.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work.
We support our staff with disabilities to ensure they have the adjustments they need to be the best they can be in the workplace. Collaborating with Access to Work means that our staff are assessed by experts in the workplace and we ensure that their recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible. You can find out more here: Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Interview Date: TBC
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Registered Nurse
2. Further education at A-Level or degree
3. Ophthalmology qualification or experience
4. Evidence of continuing personal development
5. Willingness to develop clinically, managerially and professionally
Desirable criteria
6. PG cert in Clinical Ophthalmology
7. Mentorship qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
8. Experience working in an Ophthalmic unit
9. Experience at band 5 in an acute hospital setting or equivalent
Desirable criteria
10. Previous experience in leading a team role
skills
Essential criteria
11. Able to operate equipment used for investigations in ophthalmology service e.g. OCT, Pentacam,Auto refraction,Complog and others
12. Able to perform venepuncture, cannulation and give IV medication
13. Possess a high standard of communication skills both written and oral
14. Be able to effectively co-ordinate workload and liaise with multi-disciplinary team
15. Be able to work independently and as part of a team
16. To show enthusiasm to develop new innovations and skills to enhance practice and act as a change agent
17. To possess good inter-personal skills
18. To possess relevant practical skills
Desirable criteria
19. Has attended a leadership training or willing to attend