Senior Staff Nurse - Ophthalmology

Overview

Senior Ophthalmic Nurse required to deliver high standards of care and experience for patients attending a busy Ophthalmic Outpatient Service based at South Sites: Orpington Hospital Eye Clinic (BR6 9JU) and Queen Mary''s Hospital Eye Department (DA14 6LT). This is a senior nursing role within a multi-disciplinary team assessing and caring for ophthalmic outpatients. The post requires flexibility, enthusiasm, and a commitment to delivering high-quality nursing care in line with NHS Quality Agenda and the King’s strategy. The post holder will work flexibly within a 7-day service including weekends.Main duties and responsibilities

Provide expert, holistic care of a high standard to patients and their relatives within the King’s College Hospital trust.Take direct managerial responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of or as delegated by the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse/Head of Department.Assist in the leadership and development of an identified group of nurses within the ward complement.Act as a clinical resource within the ward and across the Care Group as necessary.Act as a positive role model to junior staff; ensure staff deliver services in a high-quality, courteous, patient-focused manner and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.Apply specialist ophthalmic knowledge and clinical experience to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care to a defined cohort, including patients receiving intravitreal injections.Knowledge, experience and qualifications

Education: 1st level Registered General Nurse; further professional studies relevant to ophthalmology; mentorship programme or equivalent teaching qualification. Desirable: degree in nursing or equivalent.Knowledge: Demonstrable clinical expertise relevant to ophthalmology; ability to contribute to the development of students, ophthalmic technicians, nurses and oneself.Skills: Excellent communication, team-building, and problem-solving abilities; ability to lead a team and respond to unexpected issues with appropriate escalation.Education and Professional Development

Mentor junior staff and oversee orientation, supervision, and ongoing development; complete competency documentation for junior staff; mentor students; contribute to educational activities; promote research and evidence-based practice; participate in research projects where appropriate.Management and leadership

Manage clinical workload and contribute to cost-effective service delivery; adjust staffing to meet demand; coordinate clinical activities; liaise with medical personnel and Bed Manager to optimise bed usage; lead a designated staff group and document clinical skill development; support recruitment, retention, sickness, and performance management; contribute to risk management and service development; promote patient care and resolve informal complaints; monitor stock levels and maintain hygiene standards; communicate complex information clearly; participate in departmental meetings and lead in crisis situations; maintain confidentiality and uphold trust values.Personal and professional development

Maintain clinical competence; stay updated with NMC, Trust and Care Group policies; actively participate in multidisciplinary teams; reflect on development needs with the Ward Manager; participate in performance reviews and ensure mandatory training is current.People management and performance

Lead, coach, and manage team performance; conduct regular appraisals; ensure mandatory training compliance; manage absences and return-to-work meetings; identify vacancies and support talent management; review skills mix; promote wellbeing and zero tolerance for bullying; update job descriptions as needed.General and Trust values

Uphold duty of care for staff and patients, observe Trust policies and professional obligations, deliver high-quality care, and promote the Trust’s core values: Kindness, Respect, Teamwork. Maintain confidentiality and actively support colleagues’ development. Duties may evolve and will be reviewed with the post holder.Additional information and disclosuresDisclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check required; UK registration must be current; sponsorship information may apply as per UK Visas and Immigration guidance. For further details please reference the NHS Careers information related to registration and overseas checks.Employer: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Location: Queen Marys Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup, DA14 ..... full job details .....