Job summary
Junior Sister/Charge Nurse
Ophthalmology
Band 6 £38,682 - £46,580 Per annum pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 and 32 per week (2 posts) all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The rare opportunity has arisen on the Eye Department for two Band 6 posts.The Eye Clinic has relocated to our new off-site location known as Lloyds Court CDC.The Eye Clinic is a busy department with subspecialities in oculoplastic, emergency clinics, medical and vitro retina, paediatrics, glaucoma. In the not to distant future, we will have a have a theatre onsite also.
We welcome experienced ophthalmic trained nurses to come a join our team. Within this role you will use your extended skills to provide nurse led services as well as working on clinics and in treatment rooms.You will be part of a friendly Nursing Team but also part of a bigger multi-disciplinary team.
If you are conscientious, friendly, approachable and have a strong work ethic we would like to hear from you.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Interview 19 August 2025
Main duties of the job
o To provide effective, professional and managerial leadership to staff.
o To provide and maintain a high standard of nursing care.
o To supervise and develop the knowledge and skills of junior staff.
o To initiate/ facilitate developments in nursing in partnership with the ward manager.
o To be the ward representative in the absence of the ward manager.
o To work autonomously within their scope of professional conduct and in line with Trust policies.
o To assist the Senior Sister/ charge nurse in the review of nursing practice and service delivery.
o Provide clinical expertise in all the subspecialities.
o To role model high standards of nursing care and professionalism
About us
'Nursing and Midwifery are always learning in their job roles, rated 6.31 out of 10.' (NHS Staff Survey 2024).
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free refreshments
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
Clinical
To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care of patients, incorporating the standards and philosophy of the ward and evidence-based research. Organise method of care delivery within the ward/department, allocating, prioritising and delegating effectively. This includes responding to capacity and patient dependency requirements.
Professional
To demonstrate a professional approach to leadership and management of staff. To provide clinical support and advice to junior members of staff.
Management
To be responsible for the day to day running of the ward in the absence of the ward manager. Promote effective communication within the nursing team, to patients, carers, visitors, members of the multi-disciplinary team and external agencies.
Service Management
To assist, when necessary, with the definition of nursing standards and maintain the provision and effectiveness of those standards in line with clinical governance. The post holder will ensure that they are aware of all issues relating to Clinical Governance, Quality Assurance and Clinical Effectiveness and that they carry out their duties in accordance with these frameworks and standards.
Education
To help to create and maintain an environment conducive to development and learning for all staff. To assist in identifying the need for and providing training/education in clinical nursing and managerial techniques to all grades of staff.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
Clinical
To assess, plan, implement and evaluate care of patients, incorporating the standards and philosophy of the ward and evidence-based research. Organise method of care delivery within the ward/department, allocating, prioritising and delegating effectively. This includes responding to capacity and patient dependency requirements.
Professional
To demonstrate a professional approach to leadership and management of staff. To provide clinical support and advice to junior members of staff.
Management
To be responsible for the day to day running of the ward in the absence of the ward manager. Promote effective communication within the nursing team, to patients, carers, visitors, members of the multi-disciplinary team and external agencies.
Service Management
To assist, when necessary, with the definition of nursing standards and maintain the provision and effectiveness of those standards in line with clinical governance. The post holder will ensure that they are aware of all issues relating to Clinical Governance, Quality Assurance and Clinical Effectiveness and that they carry out their duties in accordance with these frameworks and standards.
Education
To help to create and maintain an environment conducive to development and learning for all staff. To assist in identifying the need for and providing training/education in clinical nursing and managerial techniques to all grades of staff.
Please refer to the Job Description for further details
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult)
- Relevant Mentorship or equivalent qualification
- Degree in nursing or any other relevant discipline or equivalent experience
- Evidence of post registration education
- Evidence of Ophthalmic nurse training.
Desirable
- First line management/leadership course
- Evidence of career development
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience in clinical setting.
- Evidence of regular shift management of a ward/clinical area
- Mentorship of student nurses
- Evidence of provision of high standards of care
- Evidence of management and leadership
Desirable
- Experience in change management
- Evidence of staff development
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication (verbal and written)
- Diplomacy and negotiation skills
- Computer literate
- Effective time management
- Resource management
- Ability to problem solve
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Report writing
- Up to date advanced opthalmic clinical skills and knowledge
- Audit and analysis experience
- Teaching and presentation skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Experience in managing people
- Up to date with current issues in nursing
- Willingness to embark on further professional development
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Able to demonstrate effective communication
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Adult)
- Relevant Mentorship or equivalent qualification
- Degree in nursing or any other relevant discipline or equivalent experience
- Evidence of post registration education
- Evidence of Ophthalmic nurse training.
Desirable
- First line management/leadership course
- Evidence of career development
Experience
Essential
- Relevant experience in clinical setting.
- Evidence of regular shift management of a ward/clinical area
- Mentorship of student nurses
- Evidence of provision of high standards of care
- Evidence of management and leadership
Desirable
- Experience in change management
- Evidence of staff development
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication (verbal and written)
- Diplomacy and negotiation skills
- Computer literate
- Effective time management
- Resource management
- Ability to problem solve
- Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure
Desirable
- Report writing
- Up to date advanced opthalmic clinical skills and knowledge
- Audit and analysis experience
- Teaching and presentation skills
Personal and people development
Essential
- Experience in managing people
- Up to date with current issues in nursing
- Willingness to embark on further professional development
Desirable
Communication
Essential
- Able to demonstrate effective communication
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).
