Junior Sister/Charge Nurse - Ophthalmology

at  Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

The Ophthalmic Department at Maidstone Hospital is the largest in the South East of England , outside of London. We have a new role for an Ophthalmic Rapid Access Sister in our busy unit, which presents an exciting opportunity for someone who already has extensive Ophthalmic experience.
We are a progressive unit with an emphasis in developing opportunities for our nursing team to develop their roles, and currently have several Clinical Nurse Specialists working as Intravitreal Nurse Injectors, a Corneal Nurse Specialist and an Oculoplastic Nurse Specialist. Many of our nurses have completed their PG cert in Clinical Ophthalmology and are undertaking further study.
An opportunity to work alongside and support our Rapid Access Lead Practitioner would be ideal for someone wanting to extend their ophthalmic knowledge and practice and would be suitable for applicants who would like to expand their triage skills.
Applicants would be supported by our lead practitioner , Doctors and Administrative team to develop their skills.
To be able to triage referrals sent in electronically from Optometrists, GP’s, the Emergency Department, inpatients and if patients present at the department,
To be able to prioritise patients accordingly,
To be able to use a slit lamp to assess patients (training given)
To be able to see patients independently using Patient Group Directives (PGD) or as a non medical prescriber,
To be able to see, treat and discharge patients without medical input (depending on experience)
To be able to implement tests for patient prior to medical examination,
Perform Venepuncture, cannulation, give intravenous medication and take swabs as required,
To assist doctors with medical procedures,
To be able to take charge and Lead a shift in the absence of the Lead practitioner, using delegation and communication skills to ensure patient safety is maintained at all times.
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is a large acute hospital Trust in the county of Kent.
The Trust provides a full range of general hospital services and some areas of specialist complex care to around 760,000 people living in the south part of West Kent and the north part of East Sussex.
The Trust’s core catchment areas are Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells and their surrounding boroughs. We work from two main clinical sites: Maidstone Hospital and Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury. Tunbridge Wells Hospital opened in 2011 and provides single rooms with en-suites for all in-patients – the first of its kind in the country.
We employ more than 7,000 full and part-time staff in a huge range of clinical and non-clinical roles across both of our hospital sites.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email mtw-tr.professionalstandards@nhs.net if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
At MTW, we seek to develop a culture where everyone can reach their full potential with opportunities to grow and develop their career. We recognise and value the unique contributions that each of our staff bring, delivering the best quality care and service to our patients. We are committed to being a diverse employer and strive to reflect everyone in our local communities. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences and celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that will make our Trust the best place to work

Please refer the Job description for details