Staff nurse - Ophthalmology

• Provide high-quality, effective and compassionate nursing care to patients presenting with urgent and emergency ophthalmic conditions.
• Undertake the triage, assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care for patients presenting with eye-related complaints and injuries.
• Perform and accurately document clinical observations, recognising changes in a patient's condition and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Undertake ophthalmic nursing procedures and diagnostic tests, including the use of specialist equipment such as tonometers and visual acuity charts.
• Administer medicines safely and in accordance with Trust policies.
• Monitor patients throughout their Emergency Department journey and contribute to safe and timely discharge.
• Provide information, advice and support to patients, relatives and carers, acting as the patient's advocate where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with nursing, medical and wider multidisciplinary teams to provide safe, effective and efficient care.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe clinical environment, effective patient flow, audit and continuous improvement within the department.
• Participate in education and professional development, including Ophthalmic Practitioner Training (OPT), to develop specialist ophthalmic knowledge and skills.

Essential

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organise A&E activities and to use initiative
• Ability to solve problems and contribute new ideas
• Competency in medication administration
• Basic IT skills
• Knowledge of quality, standard setting and audit
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Knowledge of the NMC Code of Conduct
• Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the eye

Desirable

• Ophthalmic expertise: specialised knowledge and skills in ophthalmic nursing, including the assessment and treatment of eye-related emergencies
• Clinical assessment: proficient in conducting thorough patient assessments, recognising acute symptoms and determining appropriate interventions
• Skills required to undertake clinical activity related to the speciality
• Knowledge of speciality