Ophthalmic Scrub Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Ophthalmic Scrub Nurse

Who we are

Newmedica are one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, providing outpatients appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery. We aim to change lives through better sight and eye health. We care for thousands of NHS and private patients a year in our specialist eye clinics across the country. We are thrilled to say that following an independently conducted survey of Newmedica colleagues to tell us what its like to work here, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running. The feedback has directly contributed to Newmedica being listed among the UKs top 50 Best Workplaces for 2025.

Role overview

We are looking for a new Ophthalmic Nurse to join our Cheshire Oaks site. This will be approximately 20 hours over 3-4 days per week including weekends on a rota basis - where required. The exact hours and days can be flexible and discussed prior to interview.

Theatre-based roles require NMC registration and involve supporting patients through their surgical journey, including pre-operative assessments, intraoperative assistance, and post-operative care.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as scrub nurse during ophthalmic procedures, ensuring all instruments and equipment are prepared and sterile.
• Supporting patients throughout their surgical journey, including pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery.
• Assisting with pre-operative assessments and ensuring patients are informed and reassured before surgery.
• Providing post-operative care, including medication advice and discharge instructions.
• Maintaining accurate clinical documentation and ensuring compliance with infection control and safety standards.

You may also support outpatient clinics and diagnostic testing when required.

What Were Looking For

Essential

• Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
• Proven experience as a scrub nurse in an ophthalmic theatre setting.
• Strong understanding of ophthalmic surgical procedures and theatre protocols.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume surgical environment (1822 patients per day).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support and reassure patients.

Desirable

• Experience in hospital eye services or private ophthalmic clinics.
• Knowledge of diagnostic tools and techniques including Biometry, Corneal Topography, OCT, FFA, IOP checks - Tonopen, Goldmann, Visual Acuity, Visual Fields, Pachymetry, and Slit Lamp assessments.
• Familiarity with clinical governance and current developments in ophthalmology.
• Experience in mentoring or training junior staff.
• Competent in using clinical IT systems and maintaining accurate records.

What were offering

• A salary of £38,000-£42,000 DoE, Pro-rated if part-time hours
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays - Pro-rated
• A company pension scheme
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24,7 well-being, counselling, advice service and a retail and technology discount scheme.
• An environment where your learning and development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses.
• Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients
• A bright, spacious and modern working environment, built to the highest standards

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity or to request a full job description, please contactrobyn.gunner@newmedica.co.uk

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.

Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Nursing Degree: Hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Nursing License: Possess a current nursing license from the relevant professional body, such as the NMC in the UK.
• Ophthalmology Experience: Have at least one year of experience in ophthalmology, preferably within a theatre setting.
• Certifications: ILS

Experience

Essential

• Clinical Knowledge: Strong understanding of ophthalmic surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and risk assessment.
• Operational Skills: Proficiency in surgical scrubbing and sterile techniques.
• Pressure Management: Ability to remain calm, focused, and systematic under pressure, especially in stressful situations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective teamwork with the multidisciplinary team.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the surgical team.
• Mentorship: A commitment to and ability to mentor junior staff is often expected.
• IT Skills: Computer literacy is a standard requirement.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

New Medical Systems Ltd

Address

Unit 3-4 The Oaks

Stanney Mill Lane

Chester

CH24HY

Employer's website

https://www.newmedica.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)