Band 6 Deputy Sister/ Senior Staff Nurse Ophthalmology

Job Summary
You will be responsible to coordinate junior staff (Band 5 Registered Nurses, AHP or HCSWs) to ensure our patients are fit for surgery. The role is crucial in preventing and minimising procedure related complications and helping to avoid same day cancellations of surgery.
Day to day, you will monitor Registered Nurses conduct patient's assessment and medical history addressing their preoperative care needs (physically and emotional) are met.
You will work with a wide variety of healthcare professionals across our different specialities making this the optimum opportunity to network and connect across the Bristol Eye Hospital or external agencies.
To be proactive in supporting the nursing team and acting as a positive role model always promoting best clinical and professional practice.
Demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills. Be actively involved in recruitment and staff development reviews.
Ensure patient management care provided is according to agreed policies and protocols, taking appropriate action, seeking advice from other members of the multi-disciplinary team as necessary. This will include identification of risk (clinical, health, safety and security).

Main duties of the job

• To be proactive in supporting the nursing team and acting as a positive role model always promoting best clinical and professional practice.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills. Be actively involved in recruitment and staff development reviews (including appraisals, sickness management, 1:1 regular meetings).
• Ensure patient management care provided is according to agreed policies and protocols, taking appropriate action, seeking advice from other members of the multi-disciplinary team as necessary. This will include identification of risk (clinical, health, safety and security).
• Deputise on behalf of the Band 7 Charge Nurse absence (including attending to meetings or taking active part in all projects including the Preoperative Optimisation Group monthly meeting).

About Us
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) is one of the largest acute Trusts in the country, bringing together a combined workforce of over 13,000 staff and over 100 different clinical services across 10 different sites, serving a core population of more than 500,000 people across South West England. UHBW has been rated by the CQC as 'Good' overall and our staff are proud to deliver excellent care to the people of Bristol, Weston and beyond. As a forward-thinking multi-award winning Trust and a digital exemplar committed to improving patient care, our world-leading research and innovations are having a positive local and global impact. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone's throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we're meeting our pledge.

Details
Date posted: 12 November 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: Depending on experience. Per annum, pro rata.
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 387-SD0539-HN
Job locations: Bristol Eye Hospital Band 6 Deputy Sister/ Senior Staff Nurse Ophthalmology H305 Victoria Ward, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LX

Job Description
Job responsibilities
To be discussed after recruitment process finalised and job offer accepted by candidate. Main responsibilities are detailed in the job description and objectives will be set up depending on experience.

Person Specification
Registered Nurse
Essential

• Minimum 3 years experience
• Able to work within NMC Code of Conduct
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle a fast throughput of work whilst maintaining high standards of individualised care
• Adaptable to changing needs of service
• Supervisory/Leadership Skills
• ILS competence
• Demonstrable experience of leadership and management of a clinical team
• Insight into effective teamwork and work constructively in a multi-disciplinary team
• Positive approach to change, enthusiastic and motivated
• Willingness to undertake skills training related to the post

Desirable

• Ophthalmology qualification/Experience
• Demonstrable experience of leadership and management of a clinical team

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.