Staff Nurse Short Stay Unit

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role. An exciting opportunity has become available for a band 5 registered nurse to join our Ophthalmology Eye short stay unit. We are seeking dynamic, motivated, and enthusiastic nurses to become part of our friendly and supportive team.

The unit cares for patients from across Hampshire, the Channel Islands, and neighbouring eye units requiring specialist support. We are committed to supporting professional development; ophthalmic experience is not an essential requirement, however a devotion to develop and learn is paramount. We have a dedicated education team who supports training needs and development opportunities. Ophthalmology is a rapidly evolving specialty, and the Eye Short Stay Unit delivers both day case and inpatient services, therefore we require full flexibility to support shifts to cover the service, including weekdays, weekends, twilights and nights.

Successful applicants will join a diverse, supportive team that many describe as a second family. We welcome highly motivated, pro‑active, trustworthy and professional Band 5 nurses with an interest in Ophthalmology. If you are interested, we strongly encourage arranging an informal visit with the department managers.

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast. We believe that using technology wisely demonstrates 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. At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive and contribute.

• Provide a high standard of individualised care
• Coordinate all aspects of care delivery
• Work with all members of the multi‑disciplinary team to ensure treatments are carried out within agreed policies
• Coordinate the arrangements for the successful discharge of patients

In addition to clinical duties you will communicate effectively and share knowledge, skill and expertise with other members of the team as required for the benefit of patients and clients. Working with the nursing team you will provide supervision both directly and indirectly to members of the team, identifying and supporting their learning needs. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated nurse with an interest in Ophthalmology.

You will be given the required training and opportunity for development within the eye unit which will allow you to independently manage patients with acute and chronic eye conditions and pre and postoperative patients. The eye short stay unit is an excellent environment to experience inpatient, surgical and day case pathways. There are also great opportunities to develop leadership skills within a supportive environment.

We are looking for individuals who are empathetic, passionate, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• 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 criteria

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

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving