Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Glaucoma Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

You will be responsible for providing expert nursing care and clinical leadership for patients attending the Glaucoma Service within Ophthalmology at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Working across all MSE sites, you will play a key role in supporting the assessment, monitoring and management of patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and patient-centred care.

The successful candidate will be expected to work autonomously within their scope of practice, managing nurse-led glaucoma clinics and contributing to service development and improvement. They will work collaboratively with consultants, optometrists, senior nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care and support patients throughout their treatment pathway.

The Glaucoma CNS will be accountable for the provision of excellent nursing care, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of patients while promoting dignity, respect and human rights through the adoption of person-centred care principles. They will also act as a clinical resource for patients, carers and colleagues, providing education, support and expert advice to improve patient outcomes and experience.

Main duties of the job

• Be conversant with Trust policies, procedures and clinical guidelines, ensuring compliance with local and national standards relating to glaucoma care.
• Act as a clinical expert within the Glaucoma Service, contributing to the development and delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care and supporting service improvement initiatives.
• Undertake comprehensive patient assessment, monitoring and review
• Ensure patients are managed within recommended clinical timescales and national targets, supporting the prevention of avoidable sight loss through timely intervention and follow-up.
• Provide clear, evidence-based information, education and support to patients, carers and families to enable informed decision-making and promote self-management where appropriate.
• Work autonomously within scope of practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, making clinical judgements based on analysis of available information.
• Initiate appropriate referrals to consultants, optometrists and other multidisciplinary team members to ensure seamless patient care and effective management of complex cases.
• Supply and/or administer medications in accordance with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), local protocols, or the Trust's prescribing policy for non-medical prescribers where appropriate.
• Provide advice and support to patients regarding diagnostic tests, treatment options, laser procedures and surgical interventions, ensuring relevant written and verbal information is provided.

About us
At Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, our ambition is to deliver outstanding local and specialist services that improve the health, wellbeing and outcomes of our patients. We are committed to providing a supportive, innovative and inclusive environment where staff can develop their skills, advance their careers and contribute to service excellence.

We believe in making the most of the diverse skills, expertise and experiences of our workforce so that, together, we can achieve the highest standards of care. As one organisation, we are able to offer a wide range of opportunities for professional development, helping us attract, develop and retain exceptional specialist staff across our Trust.

As a Glaucoma Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality glaucoma services, supporting patients through their care pathway and contributing to the continued development of our specialist ophthalmology services.

Job responsibilities
The Glaucoma Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will provide expert nursing care and clinical leadership within the Glaucoma Service across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Working autonomously within nurse-led clinics, the post holder will assess, monitor and manage patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, ensuring timely interventions and supporting the prevention of avoidable sight loss.

The successful candidate will provide specialist advice, education and support to patients, carers and healthcare professionals, promoting high-quality, evidence-based and patient-centred care. They will work collaboratively with consultants, optometrists and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive safe, effective and seamless care throughout their treatment pathway.

The role will involve contributing to service development, clinical governance, audit and quality improvement initiatives, while supporting the development and education of nursing and clinical colleagues. The post holder will act as a specialist resource within Ophthalmology, ensuring care is delivered in accordance with professional standards, Trust policies and national guidance.

The position will be based across all MSE sites with Southend as the base site and offers an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop glaucoma services within a forward-thinking and innovative ophthalmology department.

Person Specification
Essential

• Registered Nurse (Level 1) with current NMC registration - Degree in Nursing or equivalent experience.
• Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (or willingness to undertake)
• Significant post-registration experience within Ophthalmology.

Desirable

• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience of autonomous clinical decision-making and patient assessment. Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Teaching, mentoring or assessor qualification (or willingness to undertake).

Essential

• Sound understanding of glaucoma, ocular hypertension and current glaucoma treatment pathways.

Desirable

• Experience of managing patients with glaucoma and other chronic ophthalmic conditions.

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).