Job responsibilities
Post Title Ophthalmology Nurse / Specialist Practitioner
Pay Band Band 6
Location/Department Ophthalmology Directorate
Accountable to Matron & Clinical Lead
Reports to Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Risk Assessment
The post involves manual handling activities and exposure to body fluids and chemicals. The post also involves VDU work and possible exposure to violence and aggression.
The post holder will be required to work shifts as necessary to maintain the service.
Job Purpose:
To work as an Ophthalmic Nurse Specialist Practitioner within specifically designated clinics. To liaise with other agencies and departments both internal and external to the Trust, providing specialist ophthalmic nursing advice.
Dimensions:
The post holder will provide a comprehensive service to patients and be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating care for patients within the sub speciality such as: Intravitreal Injections, Age-related Macular Degeneration/Medical Retina, Glaucoma, Corneal and Cataract clinics.
The post holder will be clinically accountable for the assessment and management of patients within their care and especially in the up keep of contemporaneous documentation involving care plans/notes and official letters to other health carers.
Key Duties:
Clinical Practice
For the person in the developmental role it is expected that there will be appropriate management, guidance and training prior to that person acting independently. This will be managed on an individual basis and according to knowledge and training needs initiated by both the trainee and the trainer and in accordance with Trust Guidelines (NICE) the NMC and RCN.
To work in Nurse-led Intravitreal Injection lists and Speciality clinics
To work competently in the sub-specialty clinics, liaising with the surrounding multi-disciplinary team.
To independently perform intravitreal injections, reporting any complications to the ANP or clinical lead.
Assess visual acuity, intra-ocular pressure and undertake slit lamp examinations of patients, reporting any untoward outcomes to the lead Clinician in clinic.
To undertake health assessments including history taking, slit lamp and/or indirect ophthalmoscopy examination, interpretation of visual signs and symptoms, interpretation of ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scans, Visual Field tests or Pentacam scans where appropriate, and uses clinical judgement using documented protocols and procedures to direct appropriate interventions.
To review patients from virtual clinic assessment or face to face assessment.
The post holder will communicate sensitive condition related information to patients and relatives demonstrating empathy and reassurance.
To accurately document and record clinical findings in patients medical notes.
To accurately dictate or create a letter of correspondence, clearly explaining the management/treatment plan for the patient, ensuring that the dictation is uploaded onto the digital system or the letter is created on the electronic patient record in a timely manner.
To maintain confidentiality at all times.
Ensuring privacy and dignity of patients is key in provision of nursing care and clinical practice of all staff.
To undertake consent for IVTs adhering to Trust policy.
General Duties
To assist in providing a comprehensive service to ophthalmic patients.
To act as Nurse / Specialist Advisor for patients, relatives and other health professionals.
Undertake telephone assessments and post-operative or treatment reviews.
Provide support to ward teams and departments in relation to Ophthalmology Services.
To support the Trust in its future plans for Ophthalmology incorporating national guidelines e.g. NICE guidance.
In collaboration with the Senior Nursing team develop ophthalmic policies, protocols and procedures necessary to support ophthalmic practice.
In collaboration with the Senior Nursing team take an active role in the management of issues and concerns raised with the clinical area by patients or their carers/relatives to reduce escalation to a more formal concern.
In collaboration with Senior Management team take an active role in the Risk Management in line with the Trusts policy, report risks appropriately and assist in ensuring controls are in place.
To work as part of a team ensuring effective communication with all health care professionals within the clinical team and across all disciplines.
To be self-directed in maintaining own professional development.
Maintain accurate and effective record keeping.
To participate in Ophthalmology research and clinical audits actively seeking patients views and develop support groups as appropriate.
To promote and deliver health education within the clinical area and advise patients, relatives and others in health promotion issues where necessary.
To demonstrate and undertake evidence based practice playing an active part in the introduction of this evidence to improve patient centred care.
To act as patient advocate at all times.
Management
To participate in the planning and implementation of new service developments within Ophthalmology.
Ensure any safeguarding issues are raised appropriately to enable investigation in relation to vulnerable adults and children.
To ensure that Trust policies and procedures are adhered to and clinical guidelines and care pathways are followed.
Report any accidents/untoward incidents to patients/self/visitors and any other staff and ensure completion of appropriate documentation.
Utilise resources effectively working with the Senior Nursing team to ensure that medical, central supplies and equipment orders are cost effectively.
Work with the Senior Nursing team to ensure infection control procedures are observed in the unit.
To participate in the Trusts appraisal system supporting the Senior Nursing management team.
To participate, in conjunction with the Senior Nursing team, the sickness absence management of the ophthalmic nursing team.
To undertake any other duties at the request of the Senior Nursing team which are commensurate with the role including project work, internal rotation and absence cover.
Professional Responsibilities
Ensure that own skills and knowledge are updated in line with the requirements of the post and profession.
To assist in increasing the level of knowledge and skill of Qualified Nursing Staff and Health Care Assistants through implementation, support and sharing of best practice, in order to develop professional abilities.
Offer development opportunities to staff e.g. mentorship, shadowing and leadership programmes.
Will undertake regular activities and will use these results to develop and improve the sub speciality and contribute to the Ophthalmic Audit programme.
Represent the speciality by attending appropriate seminars relating to the service.
To brief the Senior Clinical Nurse regularly on operational and clinical issues.
Seek professional and clinical supervision whilst in the role.
Maintain a professional portfolio in line with PREP
Demonstrate clear understanding and awareness of national policy in relation to the post and to the developments in nursing.
Attain Mandatory Trust training sessions.
