Undertake specialised training in ophthalmic procedures, diagnostics, and treatments. Lead and manage patient care autonomously,.....
Undertake specialised training in ophthalmic procedures, diagnostics, and treatments. Lead and manage patient care autonomously, including performing comprehensive eye assessments. Provide advanced clinical support for outpatient clinics, including pre-operative and post-operative care. Collaborate with ophthalmologists and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality care. Participate in clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and the initiation of care pathways for patients with complex eye conditions. Mentor and support junior nurses, contributing to their professional development. Engage in audit activities, contribute to service improvement initiatives, and ensure adherence to clinical governance standards. Development Goals: Attain clinical competence in advanced ophthalmic nursing practice. Demonstrate leadership abilities within the clinical setting. Achieve independent decision-making and management of patient caseloads. Contribute to clinical innovation and evidence-based practice in eye care. Develop skills in teaching, mentoring, and supporting the education of junior staff. Take an active role in mentoring Band 5 nurses, student nurses, and healthcare assistants, providing guidance, support, and knowledge- sharing to help them build confidence and skills in ophthalmic nursing. Assist in managing day-to-day team operations, such as delegating tasks, coordinating care, and ensuring staff members adhere to clinical protocols and high standards of patient care. Encourage continuous professional development among your colleagues, promoting opportunities for further education and training within the ophthalmology team. Assist in evaluating the performance of junior staff, providing constructive feedback, and helping them set personal development goals that align with their career aspirations. Ensure that a positive, inclusive culture exists within the team, where open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration are norm. Take responsibility for providing advanced nursing care, ensuring patients receive individualised treatment plans tailored to their specific ophthalmic needs. Perform detailed eye examinations and assessments, interpreting diagnostic results and supporting the development of treatment plans alongside ophthalmologists. Provide expert care and advice for patients undergoing surgical interventions, ensuring safe preparation before surgery and comprehensive care afterwards. Act as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients' concerns, questions, and preferences are respected and addressed while also prioritizing their safety and comfort throughout their treatment journey. Consider patients' emotional, psychological, and social needs, offering support and referrals to appropriate services where needed, such as low vision aids or counselling. Engage in a structured development programme to transition you from Band 5 to Band 6, building competence in advanced ophthalmic care through formal and informal training. Participate in continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, such as attending external ophthalmology conferences, seminars, and training workshops to stay updated with the latest advancements in eye care. Regularly engage in reflective practice to critically evaluate your clinical performance, identify areas for improvement, and integrate learning into everyday practice. Develop the ability to integrate research and evidence-based practices into patient care, staying informed about the latest treatments and innovations in ophthalmology. Undergo regular competency assessments to ensure you meet the clinical standards required for a Band 6 Nurse Practitioner role, including proficiency in advanced diagnostic procedures and independent decision-making. Take responsibility for your learning, actively seeking educational materials, resources, and mentorship to further your professional growth and career progression. This job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time, due to the service's needs, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation, and absence cover. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.