Senior Staff Nurse - Ophthalmology

Clinical Practice Adhere to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct at all times. Demonstrate clinical expertise in caring for patients receiving treatment within the department. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient needs, coordinating care across the multidisciplinary clinical team. Accurately interpret clinical information, promptly report changes in patient condition, and initiate appropriate remedial actions. Serve as a resource to the multidisciplinary team, patients, and relatives by providing accurate information, advice, and support. Maintain accurate records reflecting patient condition changes and treatments delivered. Ensure patients and relatives are regularly updated with clear, understandable information. Implement Clinical Guidelines and actively participate in auditing practices with the Line Manager and practice development staff. Promote evidence-based practice and assist, where appropriate, in developing policies and protocols. Uphold high standards of nursing care according to existing policies and standards. Support continuous quality improvement initiatives led by the Nurse Manager and Matron, evaluating and enhancing care standards. Contribute to patient and family health education, providing advice and support for healthy lifestyles. Actively support the Trusts nursing strategy and uphold the local philosophy and ethos. Education and Research Mentor junior staff, overseeing their orientation, supervision, and ongoing development alongside Line Manager and Practice Development staff. Act as a practice supervisor by completing competency documentation for junior staff within agreed timelines. Mentor students undertaking further education, ensuring a positive learning environment and clinical skills development. Contribute to the delivery and participation of educational activities within the Care Group. Promote and encourage the application of research and evidence-based practices. Participate in research projects conducted within the clinical area as appropriate. Management Manage clinical workload effectively, prioritizing patient care appropriately. Contribute to the delivery of a cost-effective service, adjusting staffing to meet demand and assisting in resource management. Assist with ongoing departmental organization and coordination of clinical activities. Liaise with medical personnel and Bed Manager to optimize bed usage, facilitating timely admissions and discharges. Act as a team leader for a designated staff group, monitoring and documenting their clinical skill development. Develop skills in recruitment, retention, sickness, and performance management as guided by the Line Manager. Support risk management by ensuring incidents are reported and helping to identify ways to prevent errors and accidents. Contribute to service development initiatives and support staff adaptation to change. Promote customer care, assist in resolving informal complaints, and support investigations of formal complaints. Monitor clinical stores and equipment stock levels, addressing any shortages appropriately. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards within the clinical area, reporting issues to the Modern Matron as necessary. Communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing, ensuring key facts are understood. Resolve local conflicts, keeping managers informed and maintaining positive team dynamics. Lead in crisis situations, resolving problems within the Care Group as needed. Maintain confidentiality of personal staff information. Attend and actively contribute to departmental meetings. Personal Professional Development Maintain agreed levels of clinical competence and accept responsibility for personal professional growth. Keep up to date with NMC, Trust, and Care Group policies and guidelines, adhering to all. Be an active, committed member of the multidisciplinary team. Reflect on personal professional development, identifying educational and training needs with the Ward Manager. Participate in Individual Performance Reviews and, when trained, undertake reviews for junior staff. Ensure mandatory training and PREP requirements are current in coordination with the Line Manager. People Management and Performance Lead, coach, and manage team performance, recognizing excellence and addressing underperformance effectively. Conduct regular performance appraisals and ensure team members have clear objectives and development plans. Ensure team compliance with statutory, mandatory, and professional training requirements. Manage team absences, including sickness, according to Trust policy, and facilitate appropriate return-to-work meetings. Identify and fill team vacancies following Trust recruitment policies. Support talent management processes to attract, retain, and succession plan for staff. Review skills mix regularly to maximize resource utilization and ensure job descriptions are updated. Promote overall team wellbeing and morale, fostering a culture of zero tolerance for bullying and harassment. General Uphold a duty of care for personal health, safety, wellbeing, and that of colleagues, visitors, and patients. Observe all Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust policies, statutory, and professional obligations. Commit to delivering the highest quality care and ensure all contributions are valued. Embrace and promote the Trusts core values: Kindness: Show compassion and a positive attitude. Respect: Promote equality, inclusivity, and honesty. Teamwork: Support open communication and professionalism. Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and staff personal information. Take responsibility for personal development and support colleagues development. Recognize this job description as a guide; duties may evolve and will be reviewed in consultation with the post holder. Maintain an active NHS.net email account for formal Trust communications. Promote inclusion at all levels, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and welcomed.