Clinical Nurse Consultant

Company Overview

Freshwater Day Surgery is a privately owned day hospital dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare on Sydney's stunning Northern Beaches. Offering unique expertise in ophthalmic surgery, Freshwater Day Surgery comprises two fully integrated theatres with state-of-the-art equipment and technology for anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic surgery. Currently accommodating 14 Ophthalmic surgeons, our hospital is committed to offering high quality and innovative medical care.

Position Overview

The Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) – Ophthalmic Team Leader is responsible for providing advanced clinical leadership, coordination, and support to the ophthalmic nursing team and ophthalmic surgeons. The role ensures high standards of patient care, promotes clinical excellence, and supports the development of efficient and safe ophthalmic services. The CNC acts as a senior scrub nurse, educator, and role model within the multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Promote a culture of patient safety, clinical governance, and continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on clinical support in ophthalmic procedures, pre- and post-operative care, and emergency management.
• Ensure evidence-based practice is maintained and aligned with current ophthalmology standards and guidelines.
• Facilitate continuity of care and optimal patient flow throughout the service.

Team Management & Supervision

• Provide leadership, mentoring, and supervision to nursing and support staff.
• Facilitate staff orientation, ongoing education, and competency assessments.
• Contribute to workforce planning & rostering to ensure adequate skill mix & staffing levels.
• Support performance management processes, including feedback, coaching, and appraisal.

Clinical Education & Development

• Identify and address learning needs within the team.
• Develop and deliver education programs on ophthalmic nursing, infection control, and procedural protocols.
• Promote professional development & ongoing learning opportunities for nursing staff.
• Participate in teaching and training of medical, nursing, and allied health staff.

Quality, Safety & Risk Management

• Lead quality improvement initiatives within the ophthalmic service.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in clinical audits, incident review, & root cause analysis where applicable.
• Maintain infection prevention and control standards.

Service Coordination & Collaboration

• Liaise effectively with ophthalmologists, anaesthetists, orthoptists, and administrative staff to optimise patient care.
• Coordinate with Northern Beaches Cataract Retina Glaucoma and other external providers to ensure integrated care delivery.
• Contribute to service planning and development to meet clinical demand and enhance patient experience.

Operational Efficiency & Service Performance

• Lead initiatives to improve workflow efficiency, patient throughput, and resource utilisation within the ophthalmic service.
• Monitor and manage consumable use, staffing levels, and scheduling to optimise operational performance.
• Contribute to financial sustainability by supporting cost-effective practices without compromising clinical quality or patient safety.
• Identify opportunities to enhance productivity, reduce waste, & improve profitability.
• Provide input into budget planning, expenditure monitoring, and business development initiatives.

Key Selection Criteria

• Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
• Demonstrated advanced clinical skills and knowledge in ophthalmic care.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Commitment to quality improvement, clinical governance, and patient-centred care.

Performance Indicators

• Maintenance of high patient safety and satisfaction outcomes.
• Staff competency and retention within the ophthalmic team.
• Successful implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
• Positive collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Efficient management of staff rosters, equipment, and consumables to minimise waste and overtime costs.
• Evidence of initiatives that enhance profitability, reduce operational inefficiencies, or support business growth while maintaining clinical excellence