Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated trained nurse to join our friendly team on this busy Sussex Eye Hospital, A&E.
You will have the opportunity to work in our busy A&E and also you will have exposure to ophthalmic ward patients in the out of hours.
You will be expected to work a full range of shifts including night duty.
We are proud to be able to offer a variety of flexible working options which can be discussed in the interview.
An informal visit is strongly recommended.
Main duties of the job
The ophthalmic nurse will be responsible for the management of high quality and timely care of patients attending ophthalmology A&E department. The post holder will have ophthalmic ward experience and able to deliver clinical care consistent with evidence based best practice. It is expected that ophthalmic nurse will, in time (within 6 to 8 months), develop into an ophthalmic nurse practitioner. This role includes learn and competent with basic ophthalmic skills such as eye irrigation, conjunctiva
and corneal epithelial foreign body removal, also see and discharge patients with minor ophthalmic conditions in out of hours.
The post holder will need a desire to give high quality care with a strong emphasis on patient education and customer care is essential.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
1. Work alongside the Lead Nurse, Matron and Sister to assist in the development of quality Induction and Competency programmes.
2. Participate in the implementation of education and training
programmes for all staff to promote evidence based and high quality care.
3. To support the Sister to ensure the highest standard of care are maintained at all times within the department. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership for the clinical area.
4. As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and
treating patients with dignity and respect.
5. The post holder will ensure safe staffing and skill mix and manage the rota in the absence of the Sister.
6. As a nurse practitioner you will initiate and undertake / supervise specific projects/audits related to the professional development of nursing, monitoring standards of care and acting as an agent for change in achieving a culture that is flexible and responds positively to the demands and future development of the service.
7. Undertake research and lead clinical audits in specialist area.
For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
8. Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration.
9. Relevant post-registration courses or a willingness to undertake further ophthalmology-specific education and training.
10. Ophthalmology qualification or keen interest in pursuing ophthalmic nursing as a specialty (if not already qualified).
11. Experience in a clinical nursing, preferably with some exposure to ophthalmology or a surgical environment.
12. Experience in delivering high- quality, patient-centred care focusing on safety, dignity and respect.
13. Experience working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated care.
Desirable criteria
14. Mentorship or Equivalent
Skills
Essential criteria
15. Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, ensuring information is conveyed verbally and in writing.
16. Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, recognize signs and symptoms, and appropriately escalate concerns.
17. Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and manage patient caseloads in a busy clinic setting.
18. Familiarity with performing routine nursing tasks such as administering medications, taking patient histories, and managing infection control procedures
19. Ability to provide patients with clear, accurate information and guidance on managing their eye health.
20. Understand common eye conditions, treatments, and basic ophthalmic procedures (with a willingness to develop advanced knowledge).
Desirable criteria
21. Venepuncture Cannulation
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
22. Ability to take initiative, motivate colleagues, and act as a role model for junior staff in clinical practice
23. Proactive attitude toward assuming responsibilities such as overseeing junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and student nurses under guidance from senior staff.
24. Shows accountability for the care provided by themselves and those under their supervision, ensuring that high standards of care are maintained across the team.
25. Willingness to mentor and support the professional growth of junior nursing staff, sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise.
26. Demonstrates enthusiasm for helping others learn through informal coaching, on-the-job training, or formal educational sessions.
27. Be a strong team player willing to lead by example, promote collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and support a positive, inclusive team culture.
28. Capable of addressing minor conflicts or disagreements within the team constructively, seeking advice or escalating issues appropriately when necessary.
29. Ability to communicate instructions, feedback, and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that care is delivered safely and efficiently.
30. Shows a willingness to learn from constructive feedback and demonstrates the ability to provide constructive feedback to others in a professional and supportive way.
31. Commit to helping develop others by identifying opportunities for team members to engage in training and professional development activities
32. Ability to identify skills gaps within the team and work with senior staff to ensure development opportunities are in place to meet these needs.
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
33. Familiar with electronic patient records (EPR) systems and other healthcare-related IT platforms for documentation and care management.
34. Willingness to work flexibly to meet the department's needs, including occasional weekend or evening shifts.
35. Understanding the importance of clinical governance and adhering to healthcare policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
36. Commitment to lifelong learning—A proactive approach to staying current with developments in ophthalmology, nursing best practices, and healthcare innovations.
37. Willingness to undertake further training – Eagerness to complete training programs and competency assessments required to progress to Band 6.
Desirable criteria
38. Work within codes of practice and according to professional standards and guidelines.
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