Band 5 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (Developmental Post) in Cheltenham

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the county’s largest employer, we are proud to provide high-quality acute, elective, and specialist services to more than 650,000 people across our county. Our care is delivered across Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospital. With over 9,000 employees representing more than 95 nationalities, bringing together a mix of cultures and experiences to the care that we deliver.

Whether you’re beginning your NHS journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We’re investing heavily in innovation, research, and transformation, with more than 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our hospitals. We take pride in working as one team, driven by a shared ambition to grow, develop, and continually improve. Every contribution is valued and by combining our collective strengths, we support not only our diverse communities but one another. You can expect a warm, supportive culture and colleagues who are passionate about teamwork, professional development and delivering exceptional care.

We offer structured development programmes, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help you progress in your career. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, local discounts, access to on-site nurseries, reduced public transport costs, reward and recognition schemes and a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Job overview: Are you a skilled nurse looking to advance your career in a nationally recognised Ophthalmology service? We are looking for an Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (Band 5 to 6 developmental post) to join our friendly and forward-thinking team. Our service has been recognised in the NHS 10-year plan for its innovative and collaborative approach, praised for smart use of technology that brings care closer to home, improves access, and reduces NHS costs. A key feature is the COL digital referral system, linking high street opticians with hospital eye services to provide more joined-up and efficient care.

You’ll play a central role in our nurse-led emergency triage service, supported by experienced clinicians and comprehensive training. Our nurses also deliver advanced practice including a Botox service for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm and are supported in specialist imaging for angiograms using fluorescein and indocyanine green. We are investing in new opportunities for nurse-led innovation, including training in YAG laser capsulotomy and developing a Nurse-Led Corneal Cross-Linking Service, optimising theatre capacity and enhancing patient journeys. If you’re passionate about patient-centred, evidence-based care and want to grow your expertise in a service driving national innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job: This is a developmental post designed to support the transition from Band 5 to Band 6 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner. The successful applicant will begin at Band 5 and undertake a structured training and competency-based development programme. On successful completion of the agreed portfolio of training, experience, and assessments, the post holder will progress to Band 6. As a Band 5 Ophthalmology Nurse Practitioner (development), you will provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients under supervision. You will develop skills in ophthalmic assessment, patient triage, and clinical procedures, gradually increasing your scope of practice and responsibility. You will be supported by senior nurse practitioners, the matron, and the wider multidisciplinary team to develop into an autonomous practitioner.

Working for our organisation: We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another. With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. With a strong sense of community, Gloucestershire is an ideal place to build your career while enjoying the great outdoors. With its beautiful countryside, excellent schools and cultural festivals, it’s a great place to live and work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

• Deliver specialist ophthalmic nursing 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.
• Administer medications, within the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines.
• Perform specific ophthalmic procedures such as intravitreal injections, botulinum toxin administration, fluorescein angiography, and photodynamic therapy.
• Manage and triage telephone referrals from GPs, Emergency Departments, Minor Injury Units, optometrists, and self-referring patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients and colleagues to support assessment, care, and patient education.
• Facilitate timely referrals to support networks and external services to meet holistic patient needs.
• Disseminate contentious and delicate information appropriately and sensitively, ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.
• Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow.
• Utilise hospital computer systems, including the intranet, Trak-care and electronic patient records, to access and update patient information, while maintaining clear and accurate written records relevant to nursing practice.
• 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 in the implementation of any clinical initiative or introduction of new equipment.
• Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff.
• Actively support all agreed quality improvements within Ophthalmology services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust.

Professional Development, 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.
• Actively participate in and contribute to departmental education and training programmes.
• Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting.

Management and Leadership:

• Comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, clinical equipment competency, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times.
• This will include demonstrating compliance with the terms of all safeguarding policies and processes relevant to the safeguarding of adults and children in the care of GHNHSFT and to undergo regular mandatory training concerned with safeguarding matters.
• Report personal sickness to the Department manager following the correct procedure.
• Report near misses and untoward incidents, complaints, clinical emergencies, injury or medicine administration errors as detailed in the departmental and Trust protocols.
• Assist lead staff in investigating incidents as required.
• Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure.
• Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices.
• Support the development of a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience.
• Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of registered nurses and other staff members.
• Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow.
• Support a ‘shared leadership’ model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours.
• Actively support and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within Ophthalmology services, liaising with internal teams and external services as appropriate.
• Participate fully in multidisciplinary meetings, acting as a patient advocate and providing expert clinical nurse specialist input.
• Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within Ophthalmology.
• Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective.

Research and Development:

• 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.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Ophthalmology specialty.
• Communicate with colleagues, patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients and their families, ensuring clarity and compassion even in challenging clinical situations.
• 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 revalidation requirements.
• Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same.

Improving safety, quality and developing practice:

• Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management.
• 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.
• Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues undertaking audit and research projects, supporting recommendations for changes in clinical practice and contributing to the implementation of agreed improvements.
• Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service.
• Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved.

General 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 and substances 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.
• Will manage and triage telephone referrals, often dealing with complex or urgent patient concerns and handling complaints from patients or other healthcare professionals in a calm, professional, and solution-focused manner.
• Will experience frequent exposure to distressing, emotionally challenging situations involving patients, relatives, and staff, while maintaining professionalism and compassion.
• May encounter patients displaying verbal or physical aggression, requiring the use of effective de-escalation and risk management strategies.
• Will be required to maintain prolonged concentration while performing intricate ophthalmic procedures, clinical assessments, documentation, and telephone consultations.
• 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.

Person specification:

• Active registration with the Nursing Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of a professional portfolio, registration revalidation & commitment to lifelong learning.
• Recognised teaching and assessing qualification.
• Completion of Bronze Quality Improvement.
• Evidence of postgraduate Ophthalmic Qualification.
• Evidence of non-medical prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards.

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic ocular anatomy and physiology and the symptoms treatment and management of ophthalmic conditions.
• An understanding of ophthalmic pharmacology including indications, side effects, adverse effects and drug interactions.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of clinical governance, incident reporting, and quality assurance processes.
• Demonstrates an understanding of optics, refraction principles, and biometry techniques.

• IT skills and experience including Electronic Patient Records, Trakcare, Sare, NHS Mail, Microsoft Office.
• Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders.
• Able to enact concerns appropriately and effectively to reduce risk and promote patient safety.
• Appropriate experience working in an Ophthalmology service or relevant specialty.
• Proficiency in recognising and responding to ophthalmic emergencies.
• Competence in managing telephone triage, providing safe and appropriate advice.
• Competence in obtaining valid, written informed consent for ophthalmic procedures.
• Competence in intravenous cannulation and the administration of intravenous drugs.
• Demonstrates experience and competence in administering Botulinum Toxin for conditions such as blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
• Demonstrates understanding, experience and competence in administering intravitreal injection.
• Demonstrates understanding, experience and competence in fluorescein angiography.