About this role
Job summary
Join our Ophthalmology team and be part of something exciting! Were preparing to move into our brand-new Eye Hospital in Sunderland in Summer 2026, ensuring the region continues to have the only dedicated standalone eye hospital. This state-of-the-art facility will strengthen our reputation as a centre of excellence for ophthalmology care across the NHS. As one of the few specialist eye hospitals in the country, research and innovation are at the heart of what we do. We embrace new technology and encourage staff to get involved in projects that shape the future of eye care. If you share our vision for Excellence in all that we do, wed love to hear from you.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, flexible and motivated Band 6 Registered Nurse/ODP to work within the ophthalmology Main Theatres. The successful candidate will be supported by a trained theatre manager and provided with a comprehensive induction programme. The post is full time, 37.5 hrs per week on a permanent basis. The role is interesting and varied. In house training will be given to achieve the competency-based assessments required for the role.
The service is presently Monday to Friday with variable shift patterns, 8am to 5.30pm, and provide on-calls after working hours.
Main duties of the job
The Ophthalmology service at STSFT is an established centre of excellence providing a range of services for ophthalmic patients. With the development of the new hospital planned for 2026 this poses an exciting opportunity for the right candidates.
As a Band 6 junior sister/Theatre Team leader / Deputy Department Manager, the main duties include:
Deliver safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision to other staff. Support operational efficiency, theatre utilisation, and team development. Uphold patient safety, quality, and compliance standards. Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team, including surgeons and anaesthetists. Respond to clinical queries, emergencies, and incidents when holding the Senior Nurse Bleep. The Band 6 role involves coordinating theatre lists, assisting and circulating in ophthalmic surgeries, admitting and discharging day-case patients, and recovering patients after anaesthesia or sedation. The post requires supporting students and staff from other departments, and participation in the on-call rota, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
We are seeking a motivated, dynamic, and enthusiastic 1st level NMC Registered Adult nurse/HCPC registered ODP with strong communication and organisational skills to deliver high-quality care in a fast-paced environment.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Job description Job responsibilities
PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
To be responsible and accountable for the safe, effective and compassionate perioperative care for all patients in theatre.To exercise accountability as set out in the NMC/HCPC Code. To supervise, support and educate junior members of the team, acting as a role model.Support Theatre Manager to ensure organisational goals/objectives are met within ward/department. When taking charge of the ward/department or in the absence of the ward/department manager, is directly responsible for ensuring that clinical, professional and cleanliness standards are maintained in the entire ward/department.To ensure effective communication internally and externally, regarding patient care and resources. To comply with the trusts vision, values and behavioural compact.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Previous experience at Band 5 in Theatres. Experience of leading a team. Evidence of innovation in practice. Experience of coordinating a team in caring for patients from admission to discharge.
Desirable
Expertise within the sub-speciality. Experience of line management of staff.
Qualifications Essential
Current NMC or HCPC Registration (Level 1 adult nurse/Registered Operating Department Practitioner). Degree in nursing studies/Operating Department. Practice or healthcare related subject. Mentorship certificate/Practice Assessor training or demonstrable equivalent experience.
Desirable
Leadership and management qualification.
Physical Skills Essential
Ability to assist patients to move as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Awareness of national health and social care policy. Knowledge of a wide range of theatre/anaesthetic work. Thorough understanding of expanded roles/professional practice issues. Clinical teaching experience. Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required. Able to work without supervision. Competent in the use of IT packages. Proven interpersonal skills. Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the post.
Desirable
Understanding of budget and financial control systems.
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 South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Address Sunderland Eye Infirmary
Queen Alexandra Road
SUNDERLAND
SR2 9HP
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.stsft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)