Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology Outpatients
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Fixed term: 12 months (Secondment considered for Internal. Previous applicants need not apply)
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job ref
- 387-S6897-GE
- Employer
- Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Outpatient Department
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro rata for part time roles
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 05/10/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Staff Nurse
Band 5
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, flexible, and patient-focused Band 5 Staff Nurse to join our friendly Ophthalmology Outpatients team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a supportive and innovative service, delivering high-quality care to patients across a busy outpatient department.
Previous ophthalmology experience is not required. We welcome applications from nurses with a variety of clinical backgrounds who are eager to learn and develop within this rewarding specialty. Full training and support will be provided
No two days are the same in Ophthalmology. You will gain a wide range of specialist skills and knowledge while working alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams. Our dedicated Ophthalmic Educator will support your learning, competency development, and career progression
The role includes working across Bristol Eye Hospital and our outreach sites, including South Bristol Community Hospital, Weston General Hospital, and our new Patchway Clinic at Cribbs Causeway
This post is predominantly Monday to Friday, with no routine night shifts or weekend working, although occasional weekend work may be required to support service needs.
If you are a motivated nurse who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering excellent patient care.
·
Main duties of the job
· The post holder will need to have excellent communication skills, being required to communicate effectively within the team; participate in motivating and supporting team members with the ability to supervise staff and students in the absence of more senior staff.
· They will act as a role model including mentor for learners and junior staff and participate in ward meetings to help to promote new ideas and to benefit care.
· The post holder will be in receipt of confidential and sensitive information and will deal with it according to Trust policy.
· The post holder will be responsible for setting up the clinic rooms.
Leadership and team management
· The post holder will work with senior nurses to develop management skills, leading the team and organising the workload for an area of the department.
· They will respond positively and act promptly to resolve problems/issues for patients/carers, utilising complaints procedures and PALs where appropriate.
· They will support the ward manager with effective use of resources e.g.staffing, supplies and stores.
T The post holder will have an awareness of the Major Incident Policy
Practical and technical skills
· Be in charge of the daily shifts
· Performing Visual Acuities
· Performing Fluorescein Angiograms
· Cannulation
· Venepuncture
· Assisting intravitreal injections
· Working in outreach sites if needed
Working for our organisation
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- The post holder will need to have excellent communication skills, being required to communicate effectively within the team; participate in motivating and supporting team members with the ability to supervise staff and students in the absence of more senior staff.
- They will act as a role model including mentor for learners and junior staff and participate in ward meetings to help to promote new ideas and to benefit care.
- The post holder will be in receipt of confidential and sensitive information and will deal with it according to Trust policy.
- The post holder will be responsible for setting up the clinic rooms.
- The post holder will work with Senior Nurses to develop their management skills, taking day to day responsibility for the clinical area in the absence of more senior staff; Organising and prioritising patient care and ensuring effective delegation to provide safe skill mix for all areas of the department.
- They will assist in maintaining and improving patient care by participating in quality initiatives, e.g. Essence of Care, Audit.
- The post holder will respond positively and act promptly to resolve problems/issues for patients/carers, utilising complaints procedures and PALs where appropriate.
- The staff member will support the ward manager with effective use of resources e.g. staffing, supplies and stores.
- The post holder will act as link nurse regarding a specific aspect of care or as delegated by the departmental manager.
- The post holder will have an awareness of the Major Incident Policy.
- The role will involve ensuring that all infection control needs are met and that equipment is available and in safe working order, reporting.
Person specification
Education and Qualification
Essential criteria
- Registered General Nurse with current NMC Registration
- Able to work under own initiative within boundaries and limitations of the role
- Demonstrate competence in clinical skills relevant to the clinical area
- Ability to take the lead, initiate and ensure appropriate action in response to the deteriorating patient
- Competence in calculations for safe administration of medicines/fluids
Desirable criteria
- Post registration qualification in Ophthalmic nursing
- Assessor Student Nurse/NVQ Assessor or willing to work towards
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing using the English language proficiently
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Louise Hill
- Job title
- Outpatient Sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0117 342 9095
- Additional information
Rowena Mendoza
Outpatient Sister
0117 342 9095
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