Job responsibilities
Royal Free World Class ValuesThe post holder will offer World Class Care to service users, staff, colleagues, clients and patients alike so that everyone at the Royal Free can feel: all of the time Confident because we are clearly and cared for that they are always in safe hands1. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES1. To be responsible for the unsupervised assessment of patient care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of plans of care, ensuring high standards of evidence based care using a defined model of care.2. To undertake all nursing procedures in accordance with Trust policies and ensure that these procedures and policies are understood and adhered to by all staff, within own management responsibility.3. To communicate with patients and significant others with empathy and reassurance regarding, assessment, care and treatment.4. To maintain accurate and comprehensive nursing records using appropriate documentation.5. To accurately record visual acuity using a Snellen or logmar chart and understand the implications in relation to patients care.6. To be proficient in measuring intraocular pressures on patients prior to dilatation using contact tonometry with a slit lamp/ tonopen/ perkins and accurately record results in patients notes.7. Carry out detailed pre- op assessment on patients listed for surgery and perform auto keratometry and Biometry on all patients listed for Cataract surgery understanding the importance of the results of these tests and reporting all discrepancies to the consultant.8. Provide Ophthalmic Nurse-led services such as pre-assessment and fluorescein clinics which involves cannulation of patients setting of infusion pump and the administration of iv fluorescein and in the PDT Photodynamic setting of infusion pump verteporfin. Provide support and care to patients undergoing fluorescein angiography and Photodynamic therapy .9. Carry out fundus photography on patients attending retinal clinics and ensure all results are accurately recorded and available for clinic. Under supervision, undertake primary grading of diabetic retinal photographs.10. To undertake extended roles as the service and individual needs dictate with full support and training from senior staff.11. To assess all ophthalmic patients referred to the clinic as an emergency and be competent in assessing their ophthalmic condition and carrying out emergency ophthalmic treatment.12. Provide support and training to junior members of staff in visual fields testing using the Humphrey visual fields analyser and disc photography for patients attending the Eye clinic for Glaucoma screening.13. To accurately perform Auto-refraction and Auto Focimetry on all patients pre and post op cataract surgery and ensure accurate recording of results.14. Have a good understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye, various ophthalmic conditions and their treatment, up-dating professional knowledge through personal study to ensure that patients are properly advised and treated while attending the outpatients department.15. To facilitate early discharge planning enabling appropriate arrangements to be in place for patients leaving hospital, making referrals and providing information to community services, as required, in order to achieve a safe and timely discharge from hospital.16. Ensure safe custody and administration of drugs according to The Royal Free NHS Trust Hampsteads policy and procedures, including intra-venous medication and epidural analgesia.17. Supervise junior staff, or unqualified staff, in all aspects of care. Ensure that staff has the knowledge, skills and resources to carry out care delegated to them18. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to promote good communication and a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.19. To participate in the audit of the principles of the Essence of Care benchmarking process, and implement the action plans as required.20. Implement safe working practices as required by the Health & Safety at Work Act.21. To work with Lead and Senior Nurses, Bed Managers, Admissions and Infection Control to ensure optimal bed utilisation.2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS1. To always behave in a manner that is professional, positive and polite.1. The post holder is required to act in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct with particular reference to limitations of competence and conduct.1. Participate in personal development planning4. To keep abreast of updated clinical practices, guidelines and policies4. Be responsible for ensuring that s/he remains aware of current developments in nursing, the Health Service and relevant specialist clinical practices.3. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING1. To act as an appropriate and effective role model at all times.2. To act as an effective mentor and preceptor for junior staff and learner nurses.3. To be responsible on a shift to shift basis for the effective and efficient management of nursing, clerical staff, support staff within the ward/department, in the absence of the ward sister/charge nurse4. To liase with other hospital staff and departments to promote and maintain effective working relationships, ensuring high standards of care and service.5. To investigate accidents, incidents and complaints, implementing corrective actions where necessary, in consultation with the ward sister/charge nurse and Senior Nurse/Lead Nurse, in accordance with Trust Policies.6. Maintain a safe environment for all staff, patients and visitors and ensure that all equipment is safe and in working order.7. Participate in the development and implementation of new initiatives8. To be responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safekeeping of patient records.9. To be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the sister/charge nurse10. To act as an appropriate and effective role model at all times.With support from the ward sister/charge nurse:1. To act as an effective mentor and preceptor of HCAs, pre-registration students, newly registered staff, supervised practice and return tp practice staff as required.4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR EDUCATION1. Attend mandatory training and participate in continuing development and appropriate education.2. Participate in local teaching programmes3. Provide relevant health education and information about patients treatment in hospital and advice and care on discharge.5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT1. To be aware of the research process and current trends. In collaboration with the senior sister participate in audit of agreed clinical guidelines of practice, policies and benchmarks within area of clinical responsibility.2. Participate in the review, development and audit of research-based policies and procedures relating to ophthalmologyGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIESInfection ControlInfection control is everyones responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures and the Health Act (2006) Code of Practice for the prevention and control healthcare associated infections and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the risk of Healthcare Associated infections.It is the duty of every member of staff to take personal responsibility for the prevention and control of infection, as laid down in the Trusts polices and procedures which reflect the statutory requirements of the Hygiene Code.For further details / informal visits contact:NameTracy GavinJob titleLead NurseEmail addresstracy.gavin@nhs.netTelephone number07940486317Additional contact informationTracy Gavin, Lead Nurse Ophthalmology on 0207 794 0500 Ext. 38338Person specificationRoyal Free World Class ValuesEssential criteriaMaximum score 2* Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust ValuesQualificationsEssential criteriaMaximum score 4* 1st level registration* Evidence of a programme of study in the area of Ophthalmic practiceDesirable criteriaMaximum score 2* Educated to degree levelExperienceEssential criteriaMaximum score 8* 5 years post-registration* 2 years experience as a Band 5 grade in a Ophthalmology setting* Experience of Ophthalmology nursing* Awareness of National Mandatory training requirementsSkills & KnowledgeEssential criteriaMaximum score 14* Skills and knowledge in managing and supporting patients with Ophthalmic Nursing* Knowledge of current advances in Ophthalmology patient management.* Proven communication skills and ability to negotiate* I.T. skills* Ability to problem-solve and prioritise, and to work to deadlines* Ability to establish a role and develop collaborative working relationships with different teams* An ability to organise and plan work-loadOther RequirementsEssential criteriaMaximum score 8* Ability to carry out care without supervision* Flexible to meet the needs of the service* Flexible to meet the needs of the service* Ability to work under pressure
