The Ophthalmic Nurse Injector and outpatient Clinic Nurse will play a dual role within the ophthalmology department at Sussex Eye Hospital, UHSussex NHS Foundation Trust. The role primarily involves administering intravitreal injections to manage medical retina conditions such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Additionally, the nurse will support the ophthalmology outpatient department (OPD) by assisting with patient assessments, diagnostics, and treatment plans in a fast-paced clinical setting.

This position requires excellent clinical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for patient-centred care, including evidence-based practice. The post holder will be trained to develop the necessary competencies to safely administer injections and manage medical retinal conditions.

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 alongside the Lead consultant for AMD in developing clinical services to enhance the services the ophthalmic department delivers.

Main duties of the job

Once trained, perform intravitreal injections under supervision and independently as part of the treatment for various medical retinal consultants.

Support consultant ophthalmologists in managing outpatient clinics, including assisting with minor procedures and patient examinations.

Monitor and manage patient outcomes, ensuring effective follow-up and documentation of care.

Actively participate in patient education, providing information about retinal treatments, medication, and post-injection care.

Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate and all information is stored and maintained appropriately by keeping databases and records updated.

Bring excellent clinical judgemental skills to the analysis and interpretation of a range of clinical options regarding patient care.

Identifies patient problems and needs with the patient, their carers, senior nursing staff and other staff as appropriate.

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 directives.

Demonstrates proficiency in administering intravitreal injections and recognising treatment complications by Trust policy.

About us

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 ourWellbeing 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.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and colleagues, ensuring that complex clinical information is conveyed understandably and compassionately.

Provide clear documentation of all clinical interventions in patient records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.

Attend and actively participate in team meetings, case discussions, and clinical audits.

Help manage a multi-communication service (telephone and email) for patients, carers, and others seeking advice and support.

Adapt as appropriate communication with non-English speaking patients, patients with dysphasia, sensory deficits, learning disabilities and mental health issues, andadvise team members as required.

Ensure all clinical documentation is completed to the highest standard, meeting NMC and Trust guidelines.

Contributes to the creation of a high-performing working atmosphere in all departments by actively listening to others and encouraging feedback about the service.

Responsible for the development, planning and co-ordination of a specialist service. To assist in the management, development and research of service, including service reviews.

Carries out assessment of practice in accordance with local protocols and Trust policy

To provide management of the intravitreal, ARMD and A/E service, support staff,including work planning and evaluation,training, development and guidance

Carry out regular clinical audit on own and others intravitreal injection practice in accordance with Trust policy.

Contribute to service development and delivery and business planning with the ward or department manager and senior managers.

Lead and attend departmental meetings and/ or multi-disciplinary meetings as indicated.

Plan, manage and prioritise a complex workload, delegating to the team and reorganising work as necessary.

Maintain appropriate patient/service records and monitor the standards of those of the team.

To be responsible for the maintenance of accurate and evaluative professional documentation, including initial assessment, treatment planning and intervention that demonstrate evaluation, analysis and clinical reasoning in the provision of patient care.

Adhere to all local standard operating procedures and policies.

Contributes to the induction, and development of team members.

Submit and interpret accurate and timely statistical data and information as required.

Responsible for ordering specialist equipment and medicines for the ARMD service.

Understand the wider departmental and organisational aims and priorities by engaging positively with the service and its users.

To develop evidence-based practice based on national policy and to ensure that these standards are monitored and adhered to by all members of the team.

Establish links between primary and secondary care, taking into account the patient's needs and the delivery of the service.

Demonstrate a sound understanding of clinical governance and risk management and ensure its practical application to the workplace with guidance from departmental management when needed.

Acts as a role model to other members of the team regarding demonstrating professional behaviours and exemplary conduct.

Provide advice and leadership to ensure that the ophthalmology service meets the changing needs of the inpatient and outpatient population.

Be responsible for developing and implementing standards, protocols of care, care pathways, and policies to achieve best practices based on local and national audits and available evidence.

Advise new medical staff of local policies.

Develop and maintain a Trust-wide specialist nursing role, using effective leadership to promote the profession of nursing.

Function in a specialist role for all health care professionals involved in delivering care to patients with ophthalmic disorders, plus the patients and their relatives. Demonstrate advanced clinical skills and knowledge in the field of ophthalmology.

Alongside the OPD manager to be responsible for aspects of ophthalmic nurses' performance management and development

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• NMC Registered

Desirable

• Ophthalmic Experience

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Essential

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

Sussex Eye Hospital

Eastern Road

Brighton

BN2 5BE

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

279-6798853-DEC24