Job summary
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 (within6to 8 months), develop into an ophthalmic nurse practitioner. This role includes learn and competent with basic ophthalmic skills such as eye irrigation, conjunctivaand 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.
About us
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 abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job 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.
- Work alongside the Lead Nurse, Matron and Sister to assist in the development of quality Induction and Competency programmes.
- Participate in the implementation of education and trainingprogrammes for all staff to promote evidence based and high quality care.
- 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.
- 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 andtreating patients with dignity and respect.
- The post holder will ensure safe staffing and skill mix and manage the rota in the absence of the Sister.
- 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.
- Undertake research and lead clinical audits in specialist area.
For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached
Job description
Job 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.
- Work alongside the Lead Nurse, Matron and Sister to assist in the development of quality Induction and Competency programmes.
- Participate in the implementation of education and trainingprogrammes for all staff to promote evidence based and high quality care.
- 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.
- 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 andtreating patients with dignity and respect.
- The post holder will ensure safe staffing and skill mix and manage the rota in the absence of the Sister.
- 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.
- 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
- Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration.
- Relevant post-registration courses or a willingness to undertake further ophthalmology-specific education and training.
- Ophthalmology qualification or keen interest in pursuing ophthalmic nursing as a specialty (if not already qualified).
- Experience in a clinical nursing, preferably with some exposure to ophthalmology or a surgical environment.
- Experience in delivering high- quality, patient-centred care focusing on safety, dignity and respect.
- Experience working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated care.
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, ensuring information is conveyed verbally and in writing.
- Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, recognize signs and symptoms, and appropriately escalate concerns.
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and manage patient caseloads in a busy clinic setting.
- Familiarity with performing routine nursing tasks such as administering medications, taking patient histories, and managing infection control procedures
- Ability to provide patients with clear, accurate information and guidance on managing their eye health.
- Understand common eye conditions, treatments, and basic ophthalmic procedures (with a willingness to develop advanced knowledge).
Desirable
People Management and Development
Essential
- Ability to take initiative, motivate colleagues, and act as a role model for junior staff in clinical practice
- Proactive attitude toward assuming responsibilities such as overseeing junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and student nurses under guidance from senior staff.
- Shows accountability for the care provided by themselves and those under their supervision, ensuring that high standards of care are maintained across the team.
- Willingness to mentor and support the professional growth of junior nursing staff, sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm for helping others learn through informal coaching, on-the-job training, or formal educational sessions.
- Be a strong team player willing to lead by example, promote collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and support a positive, inclusive team culture.
- Capable of addressing minor conflicts or disagreements within the team constructively, seeking advice or escalating issues appropriately when necessary.
- Ability to communicate instructions, feedback, and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that care is delivered safely and efficiently.
- Shows a willingness to learn from constructive feedback and demonstrates the ability to provide constructive feedback to others in a professional and supportive way.
- Commit to helping develop others by identifying opportunities for team members to engage in training and professional development activities
- 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
- Familiar with electronic patient records (EPR) systems and other healthcare-related IT platforms for documentation and care management.
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet the department's needs, including occasional weekend or evening shifts.
- Understanding the importance of clinical governance and adhering to healthcare policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Commitment to lifelong learning--A proactive approach to staying current with developments in ophthalmology, nursing best practices, and healthcare innovations.
- Willingness to undertake further training - Eagerness to complete training programs and competency assessments required to progress to Band 6.
Desirable
- Work within codes of practice and according to professional standards and guidelines.
Person Specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration.
- Relevant post-registration courses or a willingness to undertake further ophthalmology-specific education and training.
- Ophthalmology qualification or keen interest in pursuing ophthalmic nursing as a specialty (if not already qualified).
- Experience in a clinical nursing, preferably with some exposure to ophthalmology or a surgical environment.
- Experience in delivering high- quality, patient-centred care focusing on safety, dignity and respect.
- Experience working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated care.
Desirable
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, ensuring information is conveyed verbally and in writing.
- Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, recognize signs and symptoms, and appropriately escalate concerns.
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and manage patient caseloads in a busy clinic setting.
- Familiarity with performing routine nursing tasks such as administering medications, taking patient histories, and managing infection control procedures
- Ability to provide patients with clear, accurate information and guidance on managing their eye health.
- Understand common eye conditions, treatments, and basic ophthalmic procedures (with a willingness to develop advanced knowledge).
Desirable
People Management and Development
Essential
- Ability to take initiative, motivate colleagues, and act as a role model for junior staff in clinical practice
- Proactive attitude toward assuming responsibilities such as overseeing junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and student nurses under guidance from senior staff.
- Shows accountability for the care provided by themselves and those under their supervision, ensuring that high standards of care are maintained across the team.
- Willingness to mentor and support the professional growth of junior nursing staff, sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm for helping others learn through informal coaching, on-the-job training, or formal educational sessions.
- Be a strong team player willing to lead by example, promote collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and support a positive, inclusive team culture.
- Capable of addressing minor conflicts or disagreements within the team constructively, seeking advice or escalating issues appropriately when necessary.
- Ability to communicate instructions, feedback, and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that care is delivered safely and efficiently.
- Shows a willingness to learn from constructive feedback and demonstrates the ability to provide constructive feedback to others in a professional and supportive way.
- Commit to helping develop others by identifying opportunities for team members to engage in training and professional development activities
- 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
- Familiar with electronic patient records (EPR) systems and other healthcare-related IT platforms for documentation and care management.
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet the department's needs, including occasional weekend or evening shifts.
- Understanding the importance of clinical governance and adhering to healthcare policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Commitment to lifelong learning--A proactive approach to staying current with developments in ophthalmology, nursing best practices, and healthcare innovations.
- Willingness to undertake further training - Eagerness to complete training programs and competency assessments required to progress to Band 6.
Desirable
- Work within codes of practice and according to professional standards and guidelines.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
