Senior Charge Nurse - Ophthalmology Clinic

The Methodist Church in Britain; Minster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Senior Charge Nurse leads the Ophthalmology Clinic and ward at Southend Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The role delivers clinical and operational leadership across outpatient and inpatient pathways, ensuring patient safety, workforce management and quality improvement.

The post requires proven ophthalmology management experience, full NMC registration, and the ability to lead a team of nurses and technicians, manage rotas, sickness and appraisals, and to work with

Qualifications

• Nursing degree and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Full NMC registration and registered general nurse status.
• Substantial ophthalmology management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and operational leadership of the ophthalmology clinic and ward.
• Lead nursing staff and technicians, including sickness management, rota planning, recruitment and appraisals.
• Lead on patient safety, workforce management, quality improvement, governance, education and service development.
• Support daily clinical and operational management and the flow of patients through outpatient, day case and inpatient pathways.
• Work with the Matron, Head of Nursing, medical staff and the multidisciplinary team.
• Ensure evidence-based care is delivered to agreed standards and contribute to clinical and operational performance indicators.

Skills

Ophthalmology management

Clinical leadership

NMC registration

Staff management

Education

Nursing degree

CPD evidence

Job description

Senior Charge Nurse post leading the Ophthalmology Clinic and ward at Southend Hospital, run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. The holder provides clinical and operational leadership, covering patient safety, workforce, quality improvement, governance and patient flow across outpatient, day case and inpatient pathways. The role centres on managing nursing staff and technicians, including rotas, sickness and appraisals, in a specialist eye care setting. Fit depends on proven ophthalmology management experience, clinical knowledge and full NMC registration.

What the job involves

• Provide clinical and operational leadership of the ophthalmology clinic and ward
• Ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centred care and promote best practice in ophthalmic conditions
• Lead nursing staff and technicians, including sickness management, rota planning, recruitment and appraisals
• Lead on patient safety, workforce management, quality improvement, governance, education and service development
• Support daily clinical and operational management and the flow of patients through outpatient, day case and inpatient pathways
• Work with the Matron, Head of Nursing, medical staff and the multidisciplinary team
• Ensure evidence-based care is delivered to agreed standards and contribute to clinical and operational performance indicators
• Keep accurate, compliant records in line with Trust and NMC guidelines
• Ensure risk-management procedures are followed and oversee reporting, investigation and learning from incidents, near misses, accidents and equipment faults
• Ensure a clean, safe and compliant environment in line with legislation, policies and clinical protocols
• Apply local and national nursing strategies, including Compassion in Practice and the 6Cs
• Manage competing operational demands while complying with Trust policies, professional standards and national ophthalmology best practice

Qualifications

• Nursing degree
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Registration & licences

• Full NMC registration
• Registered general nurse

Experience

• Substantial experience as a qualified nurse
• Proven significant ophthalmology management experience
• Clinical leadership and management of a team
• Experience managing budgets
• Experience managing rotas
• Experience managing complex clinical scenarios

Skills & knowledge

• Sound clinical ophthalmology knowledge and skills

Nice to have

• MIPS, ENB 998 or willingness to complete
• Experience of sickness management
• Experience of complex employee relations