Band 5 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (Developmental Post)

Band 5 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (Developmental Post) The closing date is 09 February 2026.

Are you a skilled nurse looking to advance your career in a nationally recognised Ophthalmology service? We are looking for an Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (Band 5 to 6 developmental post) to join our friendly and forward thinking team.

Our service has been recognised in the NHS 10 year plan for its innovative and collaborative approach, praised for smart use of technology that brings care closer to home, improves access, and reduces NHS costs. A key feature is the COL digital referral system, linking high street opticians with hospital eye services to provide more joined up and efficient care.

You'll play a central role in our nurse led emergency triage service, supported by experienced clinicians and comprehensive training. Our nurses also deliver advanced practice including a Botox service for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm and are supported in specialist imaging for angiograms using fluorescein and indocyanine green.

We are investing in new opportunities for nurse led innovation, including training in YAG laser capsulotomy and developing a Nurse Led Corneal Cross Linking Service, optimising theatre capacity and enhancing patient journeys.

If you're passionate about patient centred, evidence based care and want to grow your expertise in a service driving national innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job This is a developmental post designed to support the transition from Band 5 to Band 6 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner. The successful applicant will begin at Band 5 and undertake a structured training and competency based development programme. On successful completion of the agreed portfolio of training, experience, and assessments, the post holder will progress to Band 6.

As a Band 5 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (development), you will provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients under supervision. You will develop skills in ophthalmic assessment, patient triage, and clinical procedures, gradually increasing your scope of practice and responsibility. You will be supported by senior nurse practitioners, the matron, and the wider multidisciplinary team to develop into an autonomous practitioner.

About us We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are the largest employer in Gloucestershire. By joining our Trust you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

With a strong sense of community, Gloucestershire is an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the great outdoors. With its beautiful countryside, excellent schools and cultural festivals, it's a great place to live and work.

Job responsibilities 1. Clinical Responsibilities / Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialist ophthalmic nursing care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone.
• Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources.
• Administer medications, within the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines.
• Perform specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, botulinum toxin administration, fluorescein angiography, and photodynamic therapy.
• Manage and triage telephone referrals from GPs, Emergency Departments, Minor Injury Units, optometrists, and self referring patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues to support assessment, care, and patient education.
• Facilitate timely referrals to support networks and external services to meet holistic patient needs.
• Disseminate contentious and delicate information appropriately and sensitively, ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.
• Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow.
• Utilise hospital computer systems, including the intranet, Trak-care and electronic patient records, to access and update patient information, while maintaining clear and accurate written records relevant to nursing practice.
• Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care.
• Take a key role in the implementation of any clinical initiative or introduction of new equipment.
• Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff.
• Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Ophthalmology services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust.

2. Professional Development, Education and Training

• In conjunction with the senior ophthalmology nurse practitioner, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process.
• Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively.
• Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role.
• Actively participate in and contribute to departmental education and training programmes.
• Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non registered staff in the clinical practice setting.

3. Management and Leadership

• Comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times. This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.
• Report personal sickness to the Department manager following the correct procedure.
• Report near misses and untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or medicine administration errors as detailed in the departmental and Trust protocols. Assist lead staff in investigating incidents as required.
• Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure.
• Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices.
• Support the development of a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience.
• Demonstrate a positive and pro active approach to the on going support and development of registered nurses and other staff members.
• Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow.
• Support a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours.
• Actively support and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within Ophthalmology services, liaising with internal teams and external services as appropriate.
• Participate fully in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as a patient advocate and providing expert clinical nurse specialist input.
• Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within Ophthalmology.
• Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective.

4. Research and Development

• Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Ophthalmology services or the wider Trust as appropriate.
• Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines.

5. Communications and Working Relationships

• Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Ophthalmology specialty.
• Communicate with colleagues, patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients and their families, ensuring clarity and compassion even in challenging clinical situations.
• Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward thinking approach.
• Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy.
• Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives.
• Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council code at all times.
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