University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Staff nurse - Ophthalmology

The closing date is 24 November 2026
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Job summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Staff nurse - Ophthalmology
Contract Type: Fixed term contract
Fixed Term Contract End Date: 31 October 2027
Purpose for Fixed Term: Maternity Cover

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if we receive a large number of applications.

Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our busy, fast paced Eye Outpatients department for a band 5 registered nurse position.

We are looking for a highly motivated, trustworthy, professional & reliable band 5 Nurses with an interest in Ophthalmology. Previous Ophthalmic experience is not an essential requirement; however a devotion to develop & learn is paramount. There will be specific in house training to develop specialised Ophthalmic knowledge & skills

The right candidate will be integral to the growth of the team and the service.

This is a part time position, 30hrs/ week for 9 months (maternity cover).

Eye outpatients provides a positive work life balance with clinics currently running from Monday to Saturday.

Eye Outpatients is a dynamic department that continues to change & develop, this requires the successful applicant to be flexible, forward thinking and have the skills to motivate peers. As a large team with over 50 staff members, we stretch over 2 locations: Southampton and Lymington hospital and we see up to 200 patients per session.

The successful candidate will need to be highly motivated, professional, flexible, trustworthy and positive role model. The ability to teach, empower and coach staff it's essential for this role.

If you think you are suitable for this role, we would highly recommend an informal visit to the department.

About us
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated 'Good' by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Details
Date posted: 10 November 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: Depending on experience, £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 9 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 188-NM051126
Job locations: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities
A detailed job description and person specification is attached.

Main duties:

• Assessing patients visual acuity and using knowledge and skills developed to determine next stage of the patients journey
• Support the unregistered Nurses with medicines management, observing and guiding the instillation of eye drops as per SOP
• Preparing patients for invasive procedures including cannulation
• Administration of intra-venous drugs
• Venesection
• Leading and guiding small teams/co-ordinating the department with support from Nurse in charge
• Develop own knowledge and skills, and provide information to theirs to help their development.
• Monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others.
• Contribute to the improvement of services.
• Maintain quality in own work and encourage others to do the same.
• Support equality and value diversity, identifying when own or others behaviour undermines equality and diversity
• Health and well-being: plan, develop and implement approaches to promote health and well-being, preventing adverse affects to health and well-being contribute to assessing and undertaking health and well-being needs.
• Input, store and provide data and information.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise acting as a role model within the clinical specialty.
• Facilitate a good learning environment for staff and learners.
• Establish and maintain communication with a range of people on a range of matters in a form that is appropriate to them and the situation.

Person Specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential

• Qualified Nurse (Degree/Diploma)
• Registered nurse on appropriate part of the register
• Knowledge of current issues within acute Health Service
• Understanding of personal accountability
• Knowledge of own role within the team
• Provide evidence of teaching and supporting learners in practice in the role of practice supervisor
• Awareness of evidence-based practice
• Awareness of responsibilities for management of infection control
• Evidence of on-going personal development
• Able to use initiative

Desirable

• Evidence of recent study
• Previous experience/qualification in relevant specialty
• Teaching 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
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).

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

Employer details
Employer name: University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Address: Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Junior Sister Ioana Raluca Oprea, Ioana-Reluca.Oprea@uhs.nhs.uk, 02381208738

Supporting documents
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