Job summary

The Eye Ward is looking for experienced and motivated Staff Nurses to join the team at Ashford, St Peter's and Woking.

The department cares for patients with eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma and provides eye clinics, minor procedures and day surgery.

We are seeking nurses with strong assessment and decision-making skills who can recognise emergencies, act quickly and escalate concerns to ensure patient safety.

Successful candidates should have excellent communication skills, provide compassionate, high-quality care, and work well independently and within a multidisciplinary team. Previous ophthalmology experience is desirable but not essential.

The department offers specialist training, professional development, flexible working and other NHS staff benefits.

Main duties of the job

You will be expected to work autonomously within the Eye Ward at Ashford and St Peters and Woking.

You will be Communicating with patients is a main part of this role, providing them with essential information surrounding their upcoming surgery and clinical diagnosis. You are expected to support other junior nurses and Health care support workers in their role and assist in their training.

Good communication skills to be used within the Multidisciplinary team and Admin support. Including legible documentation as per NMC code of conduct

Responsible for the safe custody of medication and safe administration of the prescribed medication.

Take charge of the Unit in the absence of the Eye Unit Sister or their deputies on a shift basis and to supervise junior registered and unregistered staff.

Details

• Date posted: 02 November 2026
• Closing date: 12 November 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 5
• Salary: £33,677 to £40,996 a year pa inc. HCAS, pro rata for part-time
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
• Reference number: 323-NM1023-SK
• Job locations: St Peters, Ashford and Woking, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

To supervise nursing practice and the delivery of patient care in accordance with NMC Code of Professional Conduct and Trust/Unit policies and procedures.

Act as an effective role model and demonstrate effective organisational and leadership skills.

Participate in planning and implementation of quality initiatives and targets in conjunction with the Eye Unit Sister/Matron Specialist Surgery

Be conversant with current emergency resuscitation techniques and fire regulations and procedures both in theory and practice.

Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs.

With the Eye Unit Sister and their deputies ensure that clinical and housekeeping practice follows policies/procedures designed to prevent hospital acquired infection.

Be aware of and contribute to the protection of individuals from abuse. Report and suspicions of abuse to the Eye Unit Sister and their deputies, or in their absence Matron Specialist Surgery or Site Coordinator.

The Eye Unit operates five days a week; therefore successful candidates need to be able to work different shift patterns covering The Ophthalmology service between the hours of 7:30 am to 7pm, depending on location

For further information about this post, please contact: Sister Miriam Villaescusa or Charge nurse Toni Varghese via email on [email protected] or [email protected]

Person Specification

ATTITUDE, BEHAVIOUR AND VALUES

Essential

• Flexible in their attitudes and behaviours to support team working and delivery of objectives
• Willing and able to take personal responsibility
• Demonstrates passion for excellence
• Always put patients first
• Supports learning and development of self and others

QUALIFICATIONS AND FURTHER TRAINING

Essential

• NMC Registered Nurse
• Basic adult life support
• Practice Supervisor and Assessor qualification
• Evidence of recent professional updating and relevant personal development.

Desirable

• Ophthalmic diploma or other relevant ophthalmic courses

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• NMC Registered Nurse
• Can demonstrate up-to-date clinical credibility/competence.
• Knowledge of clinical governance issues such as complaints handling, clinical risk management.
• You are able to communicate effectively to ensure high standards of care, treatment, service or support as appropriate to your role.

Desirable

• Acute ward experience

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Knowledge on the NHS Constitution

Desirable

• Trust vision, values and strategic objectives

SKILLS

Essential

• Good communication skills
• IT skills

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.

UK Registration

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

About us

Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the largest provider of acute hospital services to Surrey residents, serving a population of 410,00 people and employing approximately 4,800 staff.Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience and best outcomes for patients and the team. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to deliver our workforce plan.We work in partnership with Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.St Peter's Hospital delivers complex medical and surgical care, maternity and emergency services. Day and Orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology and outpatient services are delivered at Ashford Hospital. Additional services are delivered at Woking Community Hospital.Our Values provide us with the behaviours we respect and can commit to. By living our values through our everyday interactions, we can build a stronger, more resilient, and forward- thinking organisation, guiding us to achieve success and make a positive impact on how we deliver our services.We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits and discounts.Please note that adverts may close early, so early application is encouraged.For more information about careers at ASPH please visit:www.asph-careers.org

Employer details

• Employer name: Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Address: St Peters, Ashford and Woking, Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 0PZ, United Kingdom
• Employer's website: https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/