Overview
Senior Ophthalmic Nurse required to deliver high standards of care and experience for patients attending a busy Ophthalmic Outpatient Service based at South Sites: Orpington Hospital Eye Clinic (BR6 9JU) and Queen Mary's Hospital Eye Department (DA14 6LT). This is a senior nursing role within a multi-disciplinary team assessing and caring for ophthalmic outpatients. The post requires flexibility, enthusiasm, and a commitment to delivering high-quality nursing care in line with NHS Quality Agenda and the King’s strategy. The post holder will work flexibly within a 7-day service including weekends.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to patients and their relatives within the King’s College Hospital trust.
* Take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Head of Department.
* Assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of nurses within the ward complement.
* Act as a clinical resource within the ward and across the Care Group as necessary.
* Act as a positive role model to junior staff; ensure staff deliver services in a high-quality, courteous, patient-focused manner and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
* Apply specialist ophthalmic knowledge and clinical experience to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care to a defined cohort, including patients receiving intravitreal injections.
Knowledge, experience and qualifications
* Education: 1st level Registered General Nurse; further professional studies relevant to ophthalmology; mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification. Desirable: degree in nursing or equivalent.
* Knowledge: Demonstrable clinical expertise relevant to ophthalmology; ability to contribute to the development of students, ophthalmic technicians, nurses and oneself.
* Skills: Excellent communication, team-building, and problem-solving abilities; ability to lead a team and respond to unexpected issues with appropriate escalation.
Education and Professional Development
* Mentor junior staff and oversee orientation, supervision, and ongoing development; complete competency documentation for junior staff; mentor students; contribute to educational activities; promote research and evidence-based practice; participate in research projects where appropriate.
Management and leadership
* Manage clinical workload and contribute to cost-effective service delivery; adjust staffing to meet demand; coordinate clinical activities; liaise with medical personnel and Bed Manager to optimise bed usage; lead a designated staff group and document clinical skill development; support recruitment, retention, sickness, and performance management; contribute to risk management and service development; promote patient care and resolve informal complaints; monitor stock levels and maintain hygiene standards; communicate complex information clearly; participate in departmental meetings and lead in crisis situations; maintain confidentiality and uphold trust values.
Personal and professional development
* Maintain clinical competence; stay updated with NMC, Trust and Care Group policies; actively participate in multidisciplinary teams; reflect on development needs with the Ward Manager; participate in performance reviews and ensure mandatory training is current.
People management and performance
* Lead, coach, and manage team performance; conduct regular appraisals; ensure mandatory training compliance; manage absences and return-to-work meetings; identify vacancies and support talent management; review skills mix; promote wellbeing and zero tolerance for bullying; update job descriptions as needed.
General and Trust values
* Uphold duty of care for staff and patients, observe Trust policies and professional obligations, deliver high-quality care, and promote the Trust’s core values: Kindness, Respect, Teamwork. Maintain confidentiality and actively support colleagues’ development. Duties may evolve and will be reviewed with the post holder.
Additional information and disclosures
* Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required; UK registration must be current; sponsorship information may apply as per UK Visas and Immigration guidance. For further details please reference the NHS Careers information related to registration and overseas checks.
Employer: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Location: Queen Marys Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, DA14 6LT.
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