Job responsibilities
Overall Aims and Key Responsibilities
To ensure the maintenance of a high standard of nursing care at all times for ophthalmology patients through the effective management of staff and resources. To provide effective leadership and to act as a good role model. To work collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team and co-ordinate all aspects of ophthalmic care in the best interests of the patient and their family or carer. Providing supervision, support and education to unqualified staff, qualified staff, students and new staff team members. To ensure auditing of and working towards the achievement of the NHS plan which relates to the outpatient environment. Encourage research based nursing care and practice within the department, discussing and changing practice where appropriate. Participation in preceptorship programmes as appropriate and act as a facilitator, mentor, preceptor, role model to other members of the team. To provide clinical support supporting all aspects of the department including theatre, outpatient clinics, Acutes.
Patient careTo assess, develop, implement and evaluate programmes of care. To actively participate in team nursing and the development of nursing care for the specific group of ophthalmic patients To ensure that evidence based practice is reviewed and where appropriate, changed. Also to identify where patient care could be improved and take steps through discussion and project management to develop and manage that change. To share and discuss and developments within the nursing or medical profession which may have an impact upon the outpatient service provided. To take any appropriate action to ensure the safety of all patients, ensuring that patient care is undertaken by appropriately skilled nurses. To report any accidents/incidents to Matron outpatients department To ensure that Trust Policies and Procedures are implemented and followed. Participate in development, setting and monitoring of standards, ensuring that acceptable levels are maintained, actioning any changes required.
Managerial ResponsibilitiesTo take management responsibility for the Ophthalmology outpatient departments and Ophthalmology theatre on a day to day basis. Prepare the duty rota for staff, providing an effective well-balanced skill mix to meet the requirements of the service and to ensure the presence of a suitable qualified and experienced nurse at all times. To take the role of Laser Protection Supervisor as appointed by the Trust to manage all aspects of the health, safety and maintenance of five Class IV medical lasers in the department. Participate with the appropriate personnel, any issues regarding patient care or management concerns. Maintain custody of controlled drugs according to statutory procedure, ordering replacements, checking and administering all drugs in accordance with the Trust Drug Administration of Medicines Policy. To participate in audit relating to patient care, patient dependence and quality assurance. Ordering and maintaining adequate stocks of supplies and provisions within the department To take all measures reasonably possible to ensure Health and Safety standards are met at all times, complying with the Health and Safety Policy and reporting all accidents/incidents to the General Manager Ophthalmology and to monitor the safe and effective use of all equipment and the economic use of supplies.Maintain accurate records at all times, ensuring appropriate reporting mechanisms are used.
Maintain good relations and communications with all wards and departments with special emphasis on Accident and Emergency and theatres.
Be conversant with Trust policies and Procedures and their mechanisms.
To actively participate in departmental meetings, ensuring the dissemination of information to all staff and encouraging discussion among all staff.
Professional Development and Education Responsibilities
To develop own teaching skills and lead in staff / student education and training.
To maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator in the supervision and teaching of less experienced staff.
To attend Trust / local orientation programmes and mandatory training sessions.
To be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with revalidation requirements and to maintain a professional portfolio with evidence of reflective practice.
To participate in the Trusts Preceptorship Programme.
To lead the development and implementation of nursing practice guidelines, standards, information leaflets and policies.
Research and Development Responsibilities
To promote nursing practice in line with relevant research and to maintain an awareness of evidence-based practice relating to Ophthalmology.
To undertake research and development programmes within the unit.
To provide clinical expertise acting as a resource for the Ophthalmology team.
To implement a team programme of training and education for the Ophthalmology team.
To ensure that the Ophthalmology nursing team have completed training and competencies to ensure safe and effective practice and report any related concerns to the Matron for the ophthalmology service.
Audit, Quality and Risk Management Responsibilities
To contribute in setting and lead on the monitoring of measurable standards of care and be accountable for maintaining standards.
To maintain awareness of the national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of nursing services, e.g. Clinical Governance.
To act as an investigator and undertake case studies following a clinical incident reporting to support the Matron for the Ophthalmology service.
To uphold quality initiatives that improve customer care and enhance the interface between staff, patients, and visitors.
To lead in the audit process for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality indicators.
To be aware of personal responsibilities in relation to the maintenance of a clean and safe environment and identification of potential risks for all personnel, patients and visitors, taking action as and when required.
To respond to complaints in accordance with WAHT policy and complete action plans as appropriate.
To support the development and implement new policies and guidelines into the service.
To support the implementation of service development as appropriate and facilitate changes in service delivery.
To maintain a safe unit and ensure all appropriate general risk assessments are completed .
To review risk management policies within the department and ensure action plans are developed, implemented and monitored.
Resource Management Responsibilities
To coordinate the Ophthalmology nursing team across county to ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet the service need.
To ensure strong and effective leadership acting as an exemplary role model and undertake responsibility for the management of the service.
To maintain adequate staff cover and skill mix for the service thorough effective e-rostering.
To maintain staff records detailing staff compliance with mandatory training.
To ensure an effective communication structure for the service is in place.
To lead team meetings across the Ophthalmology service and at each site.
To ensure team participation to maintain standards relating to clinical governance.
To manage the service budget and ensure effective resource management..
To ensure effective use of appointment slots and ensure that any capacity issues are identified and addressed.
To complete Performance, Development Review (PDR) for staff ensuring that learning needs are met through training, education and supervised practice.
To implement, with direction from the Ophthalmology Matron, the WHAT grievance procedure to ensure early identification of staff capability and performance issues.
To review and manage staff sickness/absence as per the WAHT policy and guidelines and in liaison with the Matron.
To undertake recruitment and staff selection for the Ophthalmology Nursing team.
Our Shared Values and Behaviours
We are committed to delivering outstanding care and creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. We seek individuals who share our purpose of helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and who are motivated by our mission to be the best team we can be. You will be expected to uphold our values by communicating openly, acting with kindness, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for your actions. These values guide how we work together and continually improve the care we provide.
Our values are:
- Being open and honest we all communicate clearly and honestly, asking for help when we need it, and making it easier for the people around us to share ideas and concerns.
- Ensuring people feel cared for we all take responsibility for actively supporting and nurturing a kind and compassionate environment for ourselves and others.
