Ophthalmic Theatre Nurse

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Devon and Torbay is looking for an Ophthalmic Theatre Nurse. This full-time permanent position involves delivering high-quality patient care, maintaining safety in theatres, and coordinating peri-operative services. Candidates should have an NMC registration and a passion for working with patients with sight-related problems. Opportunities for professional development and a relocation package of up to £5,000 are offered.

Benefits

Generous relocation package up to £5,000

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Evidence of meeting PREP requirements.
• Knowledge of clinical governance.
• Experience in ophthalmology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Co‑ordinate person‑centred care with the multi‑disciplinary team.
• Ensure high standards of care and professional accountability.
• Administer medication safely according to NMC guidelines.

Skills

Patient assessment and care

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

NMC registration

Current UK NHS hospital experience as a band 5 nurse

Job description

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Ophthalmic Theatre Nurse

The closing date is 09 December 2025

Having successfully completed a project for additional day case theatres which opened in February 2024, we have an exciting opportunity to recruit a team of Ophthalmic Theatre practitioners on a full‑time permanent contract!

One of these new theatres is a dedicated ophthalmology theatre which has created a second full‑time theatre for the service to serve the population of Torbay and South Devon locality. We are recruiting now to help provide reduced waiting times for our surgical patients.

We are looking for an individual who is interested in working with patients who have sight‑related problems, who may or may not have experience in the field. This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Ophthalmology department and experience the expertise within this specialty.

As a Theatre Practitioner, you will be responsible for the delivery of high‑quality patient‑focused care, providing and maintaining a safe environment for all patients attending theatres and coordinating and facilitating peri‑operative care with minimal supervision, acting as a role‑model and working with all members of the multi‑disciplinary team.

Main duties of the job

• Handover and transfer responsibility of care to colleagues, ensuring appropriate information and care is relayed.
• Supervise students of nursing, operating department practitioners, Healthcare Support Workers and post‑registration learners.
• Adapt to changing operating lists at short notice; commit to and fulfil an out‑of‑hours on‑call service on a rotational basis.
• Maintain eligibility: you must currently be registered to practice with a UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registering body. Previous applicants need not apply.

About us

Where to find us?

Torbay Hospital provides acute care for the local community and has several community hospitals, and is a hot‑spot for those who are considering living by the sea or within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park and an hour to Exmoor National Park. Meanwhile, Plymouth and Exeter are also both within a short drive to enjoy the culture, maritime history and shopping experiences.

Why work with us?

You will work alongside the nursing team to ensure a first‑class patient experience, streamlining the patient journey to optimise efficiency and effectiveness, develop a greater knowledge and understanding about eye disease which is relevant to all given the ageing population.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills when joining our supportive, welcoming and friendly team! Care to join us?

Are you a qualified candidate considering a move to Torquay or the surrounding areas? We offer a generous relocation package of up to £5,000 for successful candidates who do not currently reside in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset. Further information regarding this relocation package is available upon request from the Recruiting Manager.

Job responsibilities

• Co‑ordinate person‑centred care in liaison with the multi‑disciplinary team.
• Communicate effectively with service users, relatives and other departments.
• Ensure a cohesive working environment and effective team work in all assignments.
• Demonstrate excellent organisation and prioritisation skills to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate individualised care plans.
• Be responsive to change and work effectively in an environment with constant interruptions.
• Act with integrity and professionalism, demonstrating responsible behaviours in accordance with Trust values.
• Take accountability for actions, learn from mistakes and encourage learning in others.
• Support the wider team during peak activity or absences.
• Ensure high standards of care in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
• Administer prescribed medication safely and in line with NMC guidelines.
• Meet Trust needs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Welcome feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Know all Trust policies and procedures.
• Support other team members, acting as a role‑model, and take charge in absence of senior staff when required.
• Work flexibly to achieve departmental goals; offer and seek support as needed.
• Take responsibility for personal and professional development; attend study days/courses where appropriate.
• Keep mandatory training updated and maintain own knowledge and skills.
• Contribute actively to reviews with line manager, including supervision and achievement reviews.
• Keep up to date with nursing developments and research, incorporating these into practice where appropriate.
• Maintain accountability for own actions.

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

• Evidence of meeting PREP requirements.
• Able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Knowledge of clinical governance.
• Knowledge of individual responsibility to health and safety and clinical risk.
• Current UK NHS hospital experience as a band 5 nurse.

Experience

• NMC/HCPC registration.
• Ophthalmic experience.

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.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust