Nurse Practitioner and Injector

at  Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Main Tasks To work within the macular, retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular oedema service to provide intravitreal injections in line with national guidelines, Trust and department policies To work within the glaucoma service to provide monitoring assessments of patients, liaising with all members of the multidisciplinary team and ensuring optimum service provision at all times. To provide a nurse-led cyst clinic including the decision to treat and perform procedures in line with department clinical protocols. Perform diagnostic tests within the Macular and Glaucoma sub-specialties as required. Perform biometry measurements in line with Royal College of Ophthalmology guidance.
Clinical Duties To independently provide safe delivery of intravitreal injections to a range of patients attending macular, RVO and DMO clinics on a rota basis with Consultant support as required. To have specialist knowledge of these conditions working within department treatment protocols and the awareness of NICE guidance. To independently review and check patient clinical records for the appropriateness for the planned injection (e.g. correct treatment pathway, treatment interval, detect contraindications against treatment, patients fitness to undergo procedures and consent issues).
To provide and develop cross site nursing services, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care in line with government and professional body guidelines. To be accountable for own professional actions and not be directly supervised To undertake various diagnostic tests including biometry (IOL Master 700, Nidek), Ocular Coherence Tomography, Humphrey Visual field tests and other medical devices dependent on service need. To undertake the assessment of patients attending Glaucoma Monitoring Clinics. This will include new referrals and stable follow-up patients already attending the hospital eye service.
The practitioner is required to undertake a range of tests to support their investigation and the monitoring of the patients; Case History Ocular Coherence Tomography (scans and interpretation) Intra-ocular pressure measurement (tonometry) Recording and interpretation of visual fields Pachymetry (measurement of corneal thickness) Slit lamp optic disc assessment (dilated and undilated) Anterior Chamber Angle depth To discuss patient results with senior medical colleagues in conjunction with Glaucoma protocols and pathway guidance as appropriate. The awareness of NICE guidelines is essential and having experience and specialist knowledge to determine progression and change in order to raise concern to senior medical colleagues is also required within this specialist role. To independently undertake Intraocular pressure check and compliance clinics. To be accountable for clinical investigations and treatment within their professional practice To provide effective communication with all patients and carers attending the hospital eye service as well as with other care settings or health professionals.
To use a range of complex verbal and non-verbal communication mechanisms to effectively deliver intravitreal injections and during glaucoma monitoring clinics to patients, relatives and carers. This will include patients who may have difficulty understanding e.g. following stroke, hearing impaired, learning disabled or where English is not the familys first language. A degree of empathy will be required during clinical practice.
To maintain accurate, appropriate and concise patient records using Medisoft, EPR during all clinics To maintain accurate, appropriate and concise patient records using Medisoft, EPR during all clinics. To act as the patient advocate, supporting their involvement in decision making. To work within the NMC code of professional practice, and within policies, procedures and guidelines of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust Act as a role model for best practice across within the department and the Trust. Ensure that high standards of nursing care are given and able to escalate when standards are not being maintained.
As an Ophthalmic nurse with specialist knowledge, support the development of the nursing workforce offering advice and guidance on the investigations and management of patient Professional Duties Develop and provide training and competencies for medical device equipment required by Ophthalmology. Participates in the supervision and teaching of pre and post registration nurse students, new staff members, junior medical staff, and any wishing to observe the ophthalmology service within their scope of practice. Ensure suitable and effective learning environments for students. Provide mentorship, preceptorship and revalidation as required.
To take responsibility for own continuing professional development and performance, including identifying own development needs and maintain own portfolio in accordance with re-registration requirements. To promote continuity along the patient pathway, liaising where appropriate with other care settings and professionals. To be involved in the annual review of all written information available for patients and cares, ensuring these are offered and are accessible at all points of the pathway of care. Promote the use of evidence-based practice.
Take part in audit work as required and maintain collection of workload data. Participate in clinical governance activities as appropriate. Contribute towards evaluating the clinical effectiveness of the team. Monitor and ensure standards of care are maintained and that policies/procedures and protocols are adhered to.
Maintain accurate and timely records for the purpose of patient review, audit and research according to Trust policies and NMC guidelines. Contribute to the development of nursing research, including where relevant, publishing outcomes. Be aware of equality and diversity agenda and act within its guidance Managerial Duties Support the Ophthalmology Service Manager in undertaking service improvements, audits and performance. Take an active role in risk assessment, supporting implementation of strategies to minimise risk.
Ensuring incidents and near misses are reported, through promoting a no blame culture. Establish and maintain links locally, regionally and nationally with appropriate groups as required. The ability to support in investigations in matters i.e. DATIX Financial Duties To be aware of the department budget and trust financial position.
Contribute to cost improvement programmes as required. Managing Self Participate in regular supervision. Attend all mandatory training. Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.
Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols. Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy. Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary. Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.
Ensure maintenance of Professional Registration

Please refer the Job description for details