Job summary
We are seeking a motivated Band 5 Staff Nurse to join our busy Ophthalmology Outpatients Department on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover a secondment. This is an exciting opportunity to expand your clinical expertise within eye care, working across both routine outpatients and our dedicated emergency eye service.

Our department is exceptionally busy, caring for over 100 patients every single day. This is an active, hands-on role that involves considerable walking and standing, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a high-energy environment.

Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities
More detail about the role
Key Responsibilities

• Emergency Eye Care: Deliver high-standard, compassionate nursing care to patients attending the urgent emergency eye service.
• Diagnostic Testing: Perform a range of specialized ophthalmic diagnostic tests. Full, comprehensive training will be provided, making this a fantastic career development step even if you are new to ophthalmology.
• Clinical Skills: Undertake clinical procedures including IV cannulation and phlebotomy.
• Patient Flow & Support: Work efficiently as part of a multidisciplinary team to manage a high-volume daily clinic safely and effectively.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: Valid NMC Registration as an Adult Nurse.
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Proficiency or a willingness to rapidly build confidence in IV cannulation and venepuncture.
  • A proactive, energetic approach to nursing, with the physical resilience needed for a fast-paced, ambulatory environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills under pressure.
• Flexibility: Ability to work 4 days per week within our operational window (07:30 18:00), which must include some Saturdays.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive, structured training program provided for all ophthalmology-specific diagnostic tools and clinical duties.
• Valuable specialized experience in ophthalmic nursing and emergency triage.
• Supportive, friendly multidisciplinary team dedicated to high-quality patient care and staff development.

Working Pattern: 4 days per week (Must include some Saturdays, 07:30 18:00). No nights, no Sundays. Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

For further information or informal enquiries, please contact: Victoria Abayomi at 01392 406043, Email: J.Crump@nhs.net

This is a fixed term contract until 29/08/2027. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit
You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification
General Requirements
Essential

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

Desirable

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer details
Employer name: Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://royaldevon.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Recruiter, Royal Devon NHS Recruitment Team, rduh.recruitment@nhs.net, 01392403642

Details
Date posted: 03 September 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 185-536-14080
Job locations: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom