Developmental Role Band 5 - Developing to Band 6 Ophthalmology

View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find and apply for a job with us today.

Developmental Role Band 5 - Developing to Band 6 Ophthalmology Band 5 Main area Ophthalmology Grade Band 5 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 945-OCT25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Sussex Eye Hospital Town Kemptown, Brighton and Hove Salary £31,049 - £37,796 pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 28/10/:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values . We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research , we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form:

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated trained nurse to join our friendly team on this busy Sussex Eye Hospital, A&E.

You will have the opportunity to work in our busy A&E and also you will have exposure to ophthalmic ward patients in the out of hours.

You will be expected to work a full range of shifts including night duty.

We are proud to be able to offer a variety of flexible working options which can be discussed in the interview.

An informal visit is strongly recommended.

Main duties of the job The ophthalmic nurse will be responsible for the management of high quality and timely care of patients attending ophthalmology A&E department. The post holder will have ophthalmic ward experience and able to deliver clinical care consistent with evidence based best practice. It is expected that ophthalmic nurse will, in time (within 6 to 8 months), develop into an ophthalmic nurse practitioner. This role includes learn and competent with basic ophthalmic skills such as eye irrigation, conjunctiva
and corneal epithelial foreign body removal, also see and discharge patients with minor ophthalmic conditions in out of hours.

The post holder will need a desire to give high quality care with a strong emphasis on patient education and customer care is essential.

Working for our organisation At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

• Work alongside the Lead Nurse, Matron and Sister to assist in the development of quality Induction and Competency programmes.
• Participate in the implementation of education and training
  programmes for all staff to promote evidence based and high quality care.
• To support the Sister to ensure the highest standard of care are maintained at all times within the department. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership for the clinical area.
• As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and
  treating patients with dignity and respect.
• The post holder will ensure safe staffing and skill mix and manage the rota in the absence of the Sister.
• As a nurse practitioner you will initiate and undertake / supervise specific projects/audits related to the professional development of nursing, monitoring standards of care and acting as an agent for change in achieving a culture that is flexible and responds positively to the demands and future development of the service.
• Undertake research and lead clinical audits in specialist area.

For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached

Person specification Experience/ Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration.
• Relevant post-registration courses or a willingness to undertake further ophthalmology-specific education and training.
• Ophthalmology qualification or keen interest in pursuing ophthalmic nursing as a specialty (if not already qualified).
• Experience in a clinical nursing, preferably with some exposure to ophthalmology or a surgical environment.
• Experience in delivering high- quality, patient-centred care focusing on safety, dignity and respect.
• Experience working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver integrated care.
• Mentorship or Equivalent

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues, ensuring information is conveyed verbally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments, recognize signs and symptoms, and appropriately escalate concerns.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and manage patient caseloads in a busy clinic setting.
• Familiarity with performing routine nursing tasks such as administering medications, taking patient histories, and managing infection control procedures
• Ability to provide patients with clear, accurate information and guidance on managing their eye health.
• Understand common eye conditions, treatments, and basic ophthalmic procedures (with a willingness to develop advanced knowledge).
• Venepuncture Cannulation

People Management and Development

• Ability to take initiative, motivate colleagues, and act as a role model for junior staff in clinical practice
• Proactive attitude toward assuming responsibilities such as overseeing junior nurses, healthcare assistants, and student nurses under guidance from senior staff.
• Shows accountability for the care provided by themselves and those under their supervision, ensuring that high standards of care are maintained across the team.
• Willingness to mentor and support the professional growth of junior nursing staff, sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for helping others learn through informal coaching, on-the-job training, or formal educational sessions.
• Be a strong team player willing to lead by example, promote collaboration within the multidisciplinary team, and support a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Capable of addressing minor conflicts or disagreements within the team constructively, seeking advice or escalating issues appropriately when necessary.
• Ability to communicate instructions, feedback, and guidance to junior staff, ensuring that care is delivered safely and efficiently.
• Shows a willingness to learn from constructive feedback and demonstrates the ability to provide constructive feedback to others in a professional and supportive way.
• Commit to helping develop others by identifying opportunities for team members to engage in training and professional development activities
• Ability to identify skills gaps within the team and work with senior staff to ensure development opportunities are in place to meet these needs.

Specific Requirements

• Familiar with electronic patient records (EPR) systems and other healthcare-related IT platforms for documentation and care management.
. click apply for full job details