Job summary The Ophthalmology nurse practitioner role provides high-quality specialist ophthalmic nursing care. The post holder will deliver specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, injections of botulinum toxin and manage telephone triage referrals. Contact Details: Name: Priscilla Marasigan Job Title: Matron of Head and Neck and Ophthalmology services Email Address: priscilla.marasigannhs.net Telephone Numbers: 07890417369 or 0300 422 8768 Main duties of the job 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 About us 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 opportunityfor 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. Date posted 21 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £37,338 to £44,962 a year (pro rata if part time) Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 318-25-T0254 Job locations Cheltenham General Hospital Sandford Road Cheltenham GL53 7AN Job description Job responsibilities Clinical 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 Education and training 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 Job description Job responsibilities Clinical 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 Education and training 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 Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Evidence of non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards Evidence of postgraduate Ophthalmic Qualification Management/leadership qualification or equivalent level of skill gained through experience MSC modules or willingness to work towards Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Evidence of experience of working in Ophthalmology Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Desirable Experience of undertaking audit/research Knowledge Essential Knowledge of basic science, anatomy and physiology and symptoms of eye disease, including presentation, treatment and management of ophthalmic conditions Knowledge of ophthalmic drugs including its indication, side effects, adverse effects and potential interaction to other drugs A good understanding of clinical governance and incident reporting Desirable Demonstrate an understanding of optics, refraction and biometry Skills and Abilities Essential Proficiency on recognising ophthalmic emergencies Proficiency on cannulation and intravenous drug administration Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Demonstrates ability to use clinical reasoning skills and techniques to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate patient care Desirable Proficiency on managing telephone triage for emergency eye conditions and general ophthalmic advice Proficiency on gaining written patient consent Proficiency on administering Botulinum Toxin for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm Proficiency on pachymetry and visual fields Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Evidence of non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards Evidence of postgraduate Ophthalmic Qualification Management/leadership qualification or equivalent level of skill gained through experience MSC modules or willingness to work towards Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Evidence of experience of working in Ophthalmology Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Desirable Experience of undertaking audit/research Knowledge Essential Knowledge of basic science, anatomy and physiology and symptoms of eye disease, including presentation, treatment and management of ophthalmic conditions Knowledge of ophthalmic drugs including its indication, side effects, adverse effects and potential interaction to other drugs A good understanding of clinical governance and incident reporting Desirable Demonstrate an understanding of optics, refraction and biometry Skills and Abilities Essential Proficiency on recognising ophthalmic emergencies Proficiency on cannulation and intravenous drug administration Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Demonstrates ability to use clinical reasoning skills and techniques to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate patient care Desirable Proficiency on managing telephone triage for emergency eye conditions and general ophthalmic advice Proficiency on gaining written patient consent Proficiency on administering Botulinum Toxin for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm Proficiency on pachymetry and visual fields Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Cheltenham General Hospital Sandford Road Cheltenham GL53 7AN Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)