Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To support qualified staff in the assessment of health needs, planning, delivery and evaluation of care for a number of individuals or groups of patients, including clinical and laser risk assessment

Contribute towards patient care and clinical activity in the Department to include assisting with the care of the surgical patient, supporting and observing the patient during the peri and post-operative period, maintaining a high standard of patient care within agreed departmental standards, policies and procedures.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the benefit of the patient, appreciating each member of the team's needs and role.

Establishing effective communications between Departments. Relaying messages to and from the surgical team and liaising with personnel outside the Operating Theatre.

To communicate effectively, respectfully and in a timely manner within the team. 

Understand the principle of confidentiality. Communicating and acting in a manner that maintains the patient’s confidentiality and dignity at all times.

Capture and maintain patient data/documentation.

Participating in meetings of Operating Department staff.

Participating in the safe collection, transfer and return of peri-operative patients:

Assisting in the safe movement of patients throughout the unit.

Assisting in positioning the patient for surgical procedures.

Preparing tables/trolleys and beds as appropriate.

Ensuring the patient tracking system is updated.

Preparing the ophthalmic operating theatre and assisting the ophthalmic surgical team:

Checking the environment and equipment for cleanliness and carrying out cleaning procedures e.g. operating tables, lights etc.

Checking and selecting sterile and non-sterile equipment including instrument packs.

Preparing sterile and non-sterile equipment.

Assisting in gowning and gloving.

Supplying the sterile team with items as instructed by the qualified practitioner.

Participating in swab, instrument and needle count.

Check theatre instruments and other extras with the scrub nurse.

To exercise a reasonable and agreed degree of professional autonomy and make judgements and decisions in order to satisfy the expectations and demands of the job after a period of training and completion of appropriate competencies.

To work alongside all staff in all areas of the ophthalmic patient pathway–outpatient clinics and day care including admissions and discharge areas.

To undertake clinical work and related tasks as delegated by qualified nursing staff, following appropriate training and assessment of competency.

To liaise effectively with all stakeholders in the care process, including carers and relatives, aspiring to provide an effective, seamless and integrated service to patients.

To attain the competencies such as patient observations (BP electronic and manual measurement, TPR, RBS), ECG.

To act as a chaperone when required.

To give clear and concise explanation and test instructions to ensure maximum patient understanding and co-operation takes place, taking into account patients who have visual impairment hearing loss, physical or mental disabilities, learning difficulties different age groups cultural differences and non-English speaking patient.