Overview
Post: Staff Nurse Ophthalmology
Employer: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Location: Ophthalmology
Hours: flexible, full time and part-time considered. Contract: Permanent.
Grade: Nursing & Midwifery Band 5. Post holder will work as a named nurse/key worker for a defined group of patients, in accordance with the NMC Code and professional guidelines.
Responsibilities
* Act as a Named Nurse to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care within the framework of team nursing.
* Coordinate discharge planning in line with WAH discharge policy and promote a patient focused approach in collaboration with relevant health professionals.
* Educate patients and their carers, provide information to enable healthier lifestyle choices, and document care accurately.
* Establish and monitor care protocols/care pathways and maintain effective communication with patients, relatives, and staff.
* Safeguard vulnerable adults in accordance with agreed policies; support equality, diversity, and rights at all times.
* Participate in clinical supervision, preceptorship, and/ or mentoring as appropriate; supervise and educate unqualified staff and students.
* Contribute to professional development, keep a professional portfolio, and participate in annual appraisal and Personal Development Programme.
* Prepare and participate in pre-assessment clinics and ophthalmology-specific procedures as outlined (e.g., eye drops/ointments, eye pads, eye irrigation, tear testing, lacrimal duct syringing, eyelash epilation, contact lenses, intraocular measurements, and related tests).
* Assist in theatre roles as required (Admission/Discharge Escort, Theatre Runner, Scrub, Recovery) and ensure safe custody of patient records and valuables.
* Assist in stock and ophthalmic supply management and maintain a safe ward environment with appropriate risk assessments within 24 hours of admission where applicable.
Professional Development & Education
* Develop teaching skills; participate in staff/student education programmes and Trust/local orientation and mandatory training.
* Maintain knowledge, clinical skills, and professional awareness (PREP requirements); contribute to the professional portfolio with reflective practice evidence.
* Participate in Trust Preceptorship/Clinical Supervision, assist in developing nursing practice guidelines, and support student nurses and healthcare assistants; complete assessors training as required.
Audits, Quality, and Risk
* Contribute to quality standards and monitor care; participate in audit processes; maintain awareness of Clinical Governance and quality initiatives.
* Identify and manage risks, assist in complaint handling per WAH policy, and maintain a clean, safe environment.
Resource & Local Variation
* Develop awareness of budgeting and resource use; assist in assessing staffing requirements and, when appropriate, undertake clinical/shift management within the department.
* Understand ophthalmology-specific work procedures; support visually impaired patients and coordinate community referrals as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
To work according to NMC Code and relevant professional guidelines as a named nurse/key worker; experience in ophthalmology is desirable due to the local variation requirements.
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