Overview of Role  

The CNM1 Ophthalmology position in Ophthalmology involved overseeing patient care operations within the Ophthalmology Dept. The successful candidate will lead a team of nurses, ensuring safe patient journey started from admission through theatre to the discharge, monitoring patients during procedures, and overseeing their recovery. 

Duties & Responsibilities   

Leadership and Supervision

• The CNMI provides leadership to the nursing team, including assigning duties, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring sufficient staffing levels.
• They will provide guidance and support to nurses, promoting a positive work environment.
• Manage theatre stock control, co-ordinate purchasing in accordance with theatre needs.
• Directs and coordinates daily patient care activities in the operating room (OR).
• Analyses workloads and skill requirements to meet patient care needs.
• Assesses staff competencies and assigns patient care tasks.
• Delegates appropriate tasks to personnel following legal and professional guidelines.
• Monitor and improve the standard of record keeping, including patient notes and theatre register.
• Manage queries directed to the team.
• To assist the CNM2 /Theatre Manager with being accountable for the overall management and performance of the Ophthalmology department.
• Identify resource needs to meet both the patients' needs and safety requirements (e.g., manual handling equipment). Alert the Theatre Manager if the lack of resources compromises health and safety.
• Ensure that the Ophthalmology Department meet regulatory requirements and standards set by accrediting bodies.
• The job holder should work closely with relevant stakeholders to maintain compliance and prepare for accreditation surveys or inspections.

Managerial

• To assist the CNM2 with being accountable for the overall management and performance of the Ophthalmology Department.
• Brief teams within Ophthalmology on current issues and Hospital wide affairs, developing systems to promote effective internal communication.
• Motivate and coach team members, providing feedback on performance to individual staff.
• Support the CNM2 in staff roster planning, induction for new starters, education planning, communication and feedback.
• Identify resource needs to meet both the patients' needs and safety requirements (e.g., manual handling equipment). Alert the Theatre Manager if the lack of resources compromises health and safety.
• Develop and maintain good working knowledge of technology systems used in the Ophthalmology dept.
• Develop good working relationships with the relevant supportive services responsible for maintenance and service. Lead the team in prompt and efficient reporting of service maintenance. 

Professional Accountability and Development:

• Ensure you remain professionally updated and ensure care in all areas is delivered in line with the latest research to promote evidence-based practice. Actively participate in research where appropriate for the benefit of patients.
• Provide a supportive and learning environment in the Hospital, which enables the educational and professional development needs of staff to be met.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement among the nursing staff. They provide education and training on quality improvement methodologies, evidence-based practices, and regulatory updates to enhance staff knowledge and skills.
• Support the ongoing education and professional development of the nursing staff.
• Ensure that statutory rules, guidelines, and legislation are understood and complied with.
• Ensure that standards of care are safeguarded, and all staff are aware of the need for patients and clients. High quality care is recognised as of primary importance.
• Act as a positive role model with regards to the Hospital ethos.

Quality, Audit and Accreditation:

• To be responsible for maintaining high-quality standards within the department. This includes monitoring and evaluating patient outcomes, implementing best practices, collaborate with staff to identify areas for improvement, implement quality improvement projects, and monitor outcomes to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of the JAG standards and accreditation processes.
• Monitor and improve standards of good practice, safety, service, and patient care.
• Implement UPMC Kildare Hospital policies and legislative requirements regarding storage and administration of medicines.
• Ensure emergency equipment is routinely checked and maintained.
• Develop and implement quality improvement programs, policies, and procedures to promote patient safety and positive outcomes.
• Work closely with relevant stakeholders to maintain compliance and prepare for accreditation surveys or inspections.
• Collects and analyse data related to quality indicators, patient outcomes, and performance metrics within the department. They use this data to identify trends, monitor performance, and generate reports that contribute to quality improvement initiatives. 

Health and Safety:

• To uphold UPMC Kildare Hospital's policy requirements in relation to Fire, Infection Control, Radiation Safety and Health and Safety at work regulations and to attend updates.
• Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and adhere to relevant incident reporting procedures.
• To observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well-being of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management associated with this post.

Qualifications & Experience  

• Be Registered General Nurse with The Nursing and Midwifery Bord of Ireland (NMBI).
• At least 5 year's post registration experience - essential.
• Post registration qualification in Ophthalmic nursing or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.
• Management experience in a similar environment is desirable - Evidence of leadership at ward/unit level.
• High standard of written and verbal communication
• Must have strong organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to teach and competency in preceptorship.
• Involvement in nursing audit and research
• Commitment to quality initiation and improvement
• Competence in commonly used IT applications

This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility. As the UPMC Kildare Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital. 

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.

• Compensation - Competitive pay for the work employees do - base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
• Benefits - Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
• Performance and Recognition - Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
• Work-Life Balance - Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
• Development and Career Opportunities - Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

About UPMC      

A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.

Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, UPMC Mardyke Arena, Cork and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.