Job summary
Torbay Hospital has an exciting opportunity to recruit into ophthalmic unit having successfully bid for additional theatres which openedin February 2024.
We are recruiting now to cover maternity leave within our intravitreal injection service for patients suffering from macular related conditions. The position would require training for this post.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in the English Riviera in a forward-thinking Trust. The Ophthalmology Unit has a vacancy for a dynamic, highly motivated and experienced nurse practitioner to join our progressive department.
We are looking for an experienced ophthalmic nurse practitioner to participate in the administration of intravitreal injections/Sub Tenon blocks for ophthalmic surgery. You will be working in our recently expanded outpatient unit. With need to address backlogs following the recent pandemic, looking at new ways of working and service transformation.
We are looking for a ophthalmic practitioner already working in the department to complete training package performing intravitreal injection alongside there will be developmental opportunities both internally and external with training provided. There will be opportunities to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to help develop services within the ophthalmic unit.
Main duties of the job
The Ophthalmic Practitioner will be an expert practitioner participating in direct patient care, with an identified caseload.
You will will:
1. Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and skill in relation to their clinical and educational responsibilities.
2. Provide training to other members of nursing and clinical staff in ophthalmology; have management responsibility for a team of nurses and healthcare assistants; and work collaboratively and co-operatively with others to develop services provided for patients within the Eye Unit.
3. Be responsible for administering the local anaesthetic and monitoring the patient's condition during the cataract operation.
About us
Having a career that is personally rewarding is great. Joining Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust can provide you with a job that provides personal fulfilment, job security and flexibility. Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the eye and visual system. The eye, its surrounding structures and the visual system can be affected by a number of clinical conditions.
Eye health services are becoming more and more important as the UK population ages. An ageing population means there are more and more incidences of age-related diseases of the eye, such as age-related macular degeneration. These eye diseases can be successfully treated if caught early, and can be managed effectively with existing treatments and medicines.
The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic, multidiscipline team working together to achieve the best outcome for our patients.
Why work with us - 1 (
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful applicant will also have the responsibility of being a team leader with management responsibilities for their team. You will be expected to be a role model and mentor, providing training and education within the department.
4. To liaise and communicate effectively with all parts of the multidisciplinary team to co-ordinate person-centred care.
5. To liaise and communicate effectively with all service users and relatives.
6. To ensure a cohesive working environment and effective team work in all assignments.
7. To liaise with the multidisciplinary team, coordinating patient care, communicating with relatives ensuring they have adequate information at all times.
8. To liaise with other departments ensuring information regarding the patient is given appropriately.
9. Break bad news to patients and relatives re ocular condition, sight loss and lifestyle changes.
10. Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills to effectively assess, plan, deliver and evaluate individualised care plans.
11. Be responsive to change and able to work in an environment which has constant interruptions.
12. Administer local anaesthetic for patients undergoing cataract surgery within local protocols.
13. Manage the preoperative, intra operative and postoperative care of cataract patients within protocols.
14. Support and advise on clinical issues and patient assessment for ophthalmic patients.
15. Be aware of national, regional and local guidelines relating to the management of patients with cataract/ ophthalmic conditions.
16. Act as a resource and to be actively involved with training of junior and allied professionals in the development of ophthalmic clinical skills.
17. Contribute to the clinical governance strategy including adverse incident reporting
18. Occasionally leads clinical audit and frequently involved in audit.
19. Works collaboratively with the Matron to improve the patient experience
20. Ensures patient records are maintained and that documentation reflects care provided.
21. Act with integrity and professionalism, ensuring that you are demonstrating responsible behaviours at all times, in accordance with our Trust values.
22. Be accountable for own actions and learn from mistakes. Be honest and share experiences, encouraging learning in others.
23. Supporting the wider team during peak activity or during absences.
24. To ensure high standards of care in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
25. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that the needs of the service are met in a timely and efficient manner.
26. Encourage and welcome feedback to ensure that we as individuals, and as a collective team, learn and continually improve.
27. To be aware of all Trust policies and procedures.
28. Involved in working groups to write policies, procedures and patient information leaflets.
29. Maintain active status on NMC register
30. Provide leadership that promotes patient focused care.
31. Take charge of an area in the absence of more senior staff.
32. Ensure appropriate risk management processes for the development of the Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioners role and to improve the quality of patient care
33. Work flexibly to ensure the department collectively achieves its goals. Work with colleagues, seeking or offering support as required.
34. Participate in the development of others through involvement in training, education and development within and outside the Unit environment
35. To be responsible for own personal and professional development; attending study days/courses as appropriate.
36. Attend mandatory training is kept up-to-date and develop and maintain own knowledge and skills.
37. Actively contribute to reviews with your line manager, including supervision and achievement reviews. Be able to ask for support as required.
38. To keep up to date with nursing developments and research, incorporating into nursing practice where appropriate. To be accountable for own actions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
39. NMC Registered (Level 1)
40. Recognised Ophthalmic Qualification at Post Grad level
Desirable
41. Degree in nursing
Knowledge
Essential
42. Evidence of meeting revalidation requirements
43. Able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care
44. Knowledge of clinical governance
45. Knowledge of individual responsibility to health and safety and clinical risk.
Desirable
46. Awareness of the ICO and current initiatives.
47. To have experience of managing and leading a small team.