Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner, Band 6

Clinical Provide specialist ophthalmic nursing care to patients by delivering evidence-based, individualised patient care according to patients changing health care needs Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient 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 Deliver specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, injections of botulinum toxin to muscles around the eye, fundus angiography and photodynamic therapy Manage triage telephone referrals from GPs, Emergency Department, Minor Injury Units, optometrists and self-referring patients Use communication skills in all aspects of patient assessment, care and support Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership Actively participate as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce 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 and support the implementation of any clinical initiative Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff Provide links between patients and other support networks through referrals Management Work alongside the Matron, Band 7 senior ophthalmology nurse practitioner, consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives Work within agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate Seek to eliminate / reduce any staff conflict and take any remedial and on-going action as appropriate Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients and relatives and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective Leadership Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and registered dental nurses and other staff members Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Ophthalmology services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust.

Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within Ophthalmology services Actively participates in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as the patient advocate and providing clinical nurse specialist input Work collaboratively with community agencies involved in supporting patients with sight loss Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved.

Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales 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 Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and Nursing and Midwifery Council l revalidation requirements Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same Research and audit 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 Assist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators 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 Support the training, education and development of staff within defined service as appropriate Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting Improving safety, quality and developing practice Work with staff undertaking audit and research projects.

To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate. Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management Observe and follow safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations.

Report incidents and escalate concerns as necessary Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control, radiation and substances hazardous to health.

Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff