Job overview
*FIXED TERM CONTRACT 12 MONTHS*
We have an exciting opportunity has risen within the Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner team.
This can be considered as a job share.
Full support and training will be provided and full expectation to complete the nurse injection course alongside Glaucoma and Plastics pathway courses. Training provided will be in line with the Royal College Guidelines OPT Framework
Main duties of the job
The Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner (ONP) will be a senior member of the ophthalmic team and will be responsible for running nurse led clinics (Primary Care / AMD injection/ Glaucoma/ Plastics). This role will be an intrinsic part of the service based in University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHS).
The ONP will be responsible for the management of high quality and timely care of patients attending the Intravitreal Injection service/ The Glaucoma service and the plastics team. The post holder will role model complex clinical care, consistent with evidenced based best practice.
The ONP will also work within all other areas of the Ophthalmology department (Out-patients and Pre-assessment)
The ONP will foster a climate of audit, research, innovation and clinical excellence through advanced clinical practice and multidisciplinary working.
They will also develop and lead nurse-led clinic services and alongside the Lead consultants in the development of clinical services in order to enhance the services delivered by the ophthalmic department.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Responsible and accountable for the delivery of patient care in the designated specialist areas Ophthalmic OPD & A/E and to influence practice within the MDT.
2. Work on own initiative to undertake a wide range of duties relating to ophthalmology, backed up by professional skills and knowledge, including being able to respond in the event of an adverse reaction, and safely discharge patients.
3. The post holder will practice autonomously and support and empower all healthcare workers and patients, by providing leadership, delegating responsibility, authority and accountability on ophthalmology management issues by the provision of education, expert advice and clinical expertise. This involves the assessment and treatment of patients, who may have challenging ophthalmology symptoms, in the outpatient department following referral of patients from both primary and secondary care.
4. Be highly skilled and competent in the comprehensive assessment of patients using theoretical knowledge and a wide range of experience to assess needs and administer care to support recovery.
5. The Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioner will be responsible for administering independent assessments of patients in all nurse led clinics.
6. Devise individual patient-led treatment plans using clinical reasoning, current evidence and a wide range of treatment skills.
7. Develop nurse-led clinics, and other expanded/practitioner role procedures, approved by the Trust.
8. Co-ordinate interventions which may include other disciplines through case management, multidisciplinary team meetings, integrated teams within the hospital and in the community and goal setting meetings.
9. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate and that all information is stored and maintained appropriately by keeping databases and records updated.
10. Answer patient advice line by triaging calls and offering assistance to patients undergoing therapies.
11. Plan and implement sessions of care based on sound theoretical knowledge and evidence.
12. Ensure the use of a clinical governance framework and resources to guide practice, participating in supervision and reflection on clinical practice.
13. Bring excellent clinical judgemental skills to the analysis and interpretation of a range of clinical options regarding patient care.
Clinical: Core Nursing/ Health Professional Responsibilities
14. Responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation of care and discharge. Interprets data relevant to the patient’s condition and progress.
15. Identifies patient problems and needs with the patient, their carers, senior nursing staff and other staff as appropriate.
16. Identify the priorities of care for patients and realistic goals for their care plans.
17. Participate in the control, storage and competent administration of drugs and treatments as prescribed according to the NMC guidelines and the Trust’s Guidelines for the Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines. Works within patient group directive.
-- Please see Job Description & Person Specs for further information --
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
18. Registered General Nurse
19. Degree/Diploma level, with significant post-registration experience
20. Ophthalmology Experience more than 2 years
21. Mentorship level 6 (degree level) or equivalent
Desirable criteria
22. ophthalmic nurse intravitreal injection course
23. ophthalmic nurse glaucoma course
Skills
Essential criteria
24. Basic Visual Assessment
25. Management of a team
26. Understanding of an Optical Coherance Tomography
Desirable criteria
27. Slit Lamp Examination
28. Goldmanns Applination Tonometry
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
29. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
30. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications