Job Description

The Scrub Nurse is an essential member of the peri-operative team, providing expert clinical support and compassionate care to patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery. Working in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct and other relevant national and local professional guidelines, the Scrub Nurse upholds the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism throughout every stage of the surgical process.



Based at Moorfields Eye Hospital and its associated satellite sites, the Scrub Nurse plays a central role in delivering world-class ophthalmic care by ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. The role demands technical competence, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining the dignity, comfort, and wellbeing of all patients.



The post holder will work in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct and relevant guidelines, delivering high-quality, safe, and compassionate peri-operative care to a defined group of patients. As a Scrub Nurse, they will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care throughout the peri-operative period, including discharge planning from the theatre suite. The role involves providing skilled assistance to anaesthetists and surgeons within Moorfields Eye Hospital operating theatres, maintaining the highest standards of aseptic technique, infection control, and patient safety. The post holder will act promptly and effectively in emergencies, demonstrating sound clinical judgment and competence. They will promote and support the Moorfields Nursing Strategy, maintaining a visible and professional presence for staff and patients. Effective liaison with the Patient Booking Team is essential to ensure theatre lists are efficiently managed and resources are optimised. The nurse will foster effective communication across the multidisciplinary team at Moorfields and its satellite sites, ensuring continuity of care. They will also support the learning and development of student nurses and healthcare assistants, acting as mentor or assessor as required. Flexibility is key, with the expectation to provide support across other Moorfields sites when needed to ensure consistent, patient-focused surgical care.



What's in it for You?



At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future.

You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement) Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme 24/7 independent counselling support Career-long learning and development opportunities Excellent transport connections Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes Free Pilates classes Full support and training to develop your skills

And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.



Patient Care



To maintain and ensure safe delivery of peri-operative care during the patients stay in theatre.



Have the knowledge and skills to be able to take appropriate action in emergencies and to act as a member of the Resuscitation team.



To promote a patient focused multidisciplinary approach to care in collaboration with the health care professionals, carers and agencies.

To complete patient documentation correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner.



To provide information this will enable patients to make choices about adopting a healthier lifestyle.



To maintain a safe environment and work with other members of the team at the sites to produce health care environments that are conducive to safe, therapeutic and ethical practice.



To assist in establishing and monitoring protocols/care pathways.



To participate in the promotion and maintenance of effective communication.



To supervise junior staff in the delivery of care.



To be aware of any changes in the NHS and anaesthetic practice which may affect the care of patients undergoing both general and local anaesthetics



Professional Development and Education



To develop own teaching skills and participate in staff/student education programmes that develop competence and performance.



To help maintain a suitable learning environment for staff and act as a facilitator/mentor/preceptor in the supervision and teaching of nursing students and others to develop their competence.



To attend Trust/local orientation programmes and mandatory training sessions and annual updates.



To be responsible for developing and sustaining own knowledge, develop role as advanced theatre practitioner, clinical skills and professional awareness in accordance with PREP requirements and to maintain a professional profile.



To be accountable for own practice and ensure own competence in practice.



To be appraised at least annually and contribute to personal performance/development plan (PDPs).



To attend the NHS Theatre Suite at Moorfields, City Road Site in order to update clinical skills as part of professional development programme.



To participate in clinical supervision as appropriate.

To develop computer literacy skills and work towards developing computer skills in relation to Open Eyes, PAS and Gala



Research and Development



To assist in promoting nursing practice in line with relevant research and evidence based practice working to the Nursing Strategy



To work with the Practice Development Team at City Road



To deliver care based on current evidence, best practice and, where applicable, validated research when available



To assist in the development and implementation of nursing practice guidelines, standards and policies.



To contribute to research and developmental programmes within the theatre, admission unit and preoperative assessment areas.



Audit, Quality and Risk Management



To contribute to the setting and monitoring of measurable standards of care and be accountable for maintaining standards.



To maintain awareness of the national, professional and local quality issues relevant to the delivery of nursing services,



To be aware of the developments and changes by NHS estates regarding decontamination issues.



To uphold quality initiatives that improve 'customer care' and enhances the interface between staff, patients, visitors to the theatre suite.



To participate in the audit process for monitoring and reviewing nursing quality through TENDABLE.



To assist in the maintenance of a safe environment and identification of potential risks for all personnel, patients and visitors.



To be aware of the role of the nurse in handling complaints in accordance with Moorfields Policy and MEH policy.



To assist in maintaining a clean environment, work within the remit of the Hygiene Code and participate in local hygiene and environmental audit collection and ensure submission to the Infection control Team at Moorfields



To uphold quality initiatives that promotes awareness and understanding of the nature and complexity of equality and diversity issues.



To report all incidents in accordance with MEH Incident and Serious Incidents reporting policy and contribute to any investigations



Resource Management



To develop and maintain an awareness of budgeting, exercising care and adhering to current policy in the recruitment and staff use, procurement of equipment and materials.



To contribute to the directorate management process and service development issues.