Job summary
People with sight loss and Chronic Ophthalmic conditions have particular concerns and problems relating to both their disease process and the frequency of treatment regimens which impact of the high level of service demand and capacity within the speciality. These treatment needs are complemented well by experienced ophthalmic senior nurses extending their roles to participate in the direct delivery of designated specialist clinics in particular developing the skills to become a non-medical intravitreal injector within the medical retinal teams.
The post holders will complete an individualised internal training programme leading to the direct delivery of nurse led clinics undertaken without direct supervision. Following a period of training the post holder may work a dedicated number of hours within the research and development team and provide a comprehensive clinical trial/research study support service for the speciality and the trust. This will include the recruitment, education and monitoring of research participants and the collection and documentation of accurate data.
The post holder will work with the senior team in supporting the ophthalmic service whilst working within the scope and practise of the NMC they will identify, recognise and work within the remit of Trust guidance and limitations of their knowledge and skills.
Main duties of the job
The post holders will complete an individualised internal training programme leading to the direct delivery of nurse led clinics undertaken without direct supervision. Following a period of training the post holder may work a dedicated number of hours within the research and development team and provide a comprehensive clinical trial/research study support service for the speciality and the trust. This will include the recruitment, education and monitoring of research participants and the collection and documentation of accurate data.
The post holder will work with the senior team in supporting the ophthalmic service whilst working within the scope and practise of the NMC they will identify, recognise and work within the remit of Trust guidance and limitations of their knowledge and skills.
About us
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
o At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).o Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefitso Blue Light card eligibilityo And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children)
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trusts 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.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- o Registered Nurse Adult Branch educated to Diploma / Degree /Masters level
- o Ophthalmology qualification
- o Evidence of continuing personal development
- o Willingness to develop clinically, managerially and professionally
- o Willingness to complete nurse prescribing
Desirable
- Mentorship/Preceptorship course (or equivalent)
- o Accept working toward masters level qualification
- o Nurse prescriber
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- o Broad experience of ophthalmology and understanding of working within protocol led services
- o Commitment to complete non-medical intravitreal competency training
- o Working knowledge of research and development
- o Insight and understanding of current issues in Nursing and the NHS
Desirable
- o Participates in nurse led ophthalmic service delivery
- o Non-medical injector
- o Participates within nurse led clinics
- o Participates within Research and Development forum
Skills
Essential
- oAbility to perform repetitive dextrous tasks
- oAbility to work in a fixed position for prolonged periods
- oEvident commitments to high standards of patient centred care
- oBe able to independently manage and co-ordinate own and others work loads
- oAbility to reflect on practice, accept criticism and act constructively
Desirable
- oUndertakes nurse led minor operative tasks
- oAble to work independently at the slit lamp
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- o Registered Nurse Adult Branch educated to Diploma / Degree /Masters level
- o Ophthalmology qualification
- o Evidence of continuing personal development
- o Willingness to develop clinically, managerially and professionally
- o Willingness to complete nurse prescribing
Desirable
- Mentorship/Preceptorship course (or equivalent)
- o Accept working toward masters level qualification
- o Nurse prescriber
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- o Broad experience of ophthalmology and understanding of working within protocol led services
- o Commitment to complete non-medical intravitreal competency training
- o Working knowledge of research and development
- o Insight and understanding of current issues in Nursing and the NHS
Desirable
- o Participates in nurse led ophthalmic service delivery
- o Non-medical injector
- o Participates within nurse led clinics
- o Participates within Research and Development forum
Skills
Essential
- oAbility to perform repetitive dextrous tasks
- oAbility to work in a fixed position for prolonged periods
- oEvident commitments to high standards of patient centred care
- oBe able to independently manage and co-ordinate own and others work loads
- oAbility to reflect on practice, accept criticism and act constructively
Desirable
- oUndertakes nurse led minor operative tasks
- oAble to work independently at the slit lamp
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
