JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)/ Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate (cCNS)- Nursing Home Liaison
Full time, Permanent
Reference No: 11.021 (2024)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The CNS Nursing Home Liaison will work closely with consultant geriatrician and RANP to implement care pathways that supports the needs of older people in Residential Care Facilities (Public & Private). The role will work across acute hospital and RCFs with an outreach / in reach function.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office:
1.1 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Be registered in the General Division of the active register held by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or in exceptional circumstances which will be assessed on a case by case basis be registered in another division of the register of Nurses and Midwives.
- Have a minimum of 1 year post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 1 year full time experience in the division of the register in which the application is being made.
- Have a minimum of 1 year experience or aggregate of 1 year full time experience in the specialist area of care to which they are applying.
- Have a third level qualification at not less than level 9 or higher award that is relevant to the specialist area of care (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above), and in line with the requirements for specialist practice as set out by the National Council for Nursing and Midwifery.
1.2 Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate (cCNS)
- Be registered in the General Division of the active register held by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be entitled to be so registered.
OR
In exceptional circumstances which will be assessed on a case by case basis be registered in another division of the register of Nurses and Midwives.
- Have a minimum of 1 year post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 1 year full time experience in the division of the register in which the application is being made.
- Have a minimum of 1 year experience or aggregate of 1 year full time experience in the specialist area of care to which they are applying.
OR
If the applicant does not have the relevant specialist experience, they will be supported to attain one years’ clinical specialist experience.
- Have a third level qualification at not less than level 9 or higher award that is relevant to the specialist area of care (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above), and in line with the requirements for specialist practice as set out by the National Council for Nursing and Midwifery.
OR
If the applicant does not have the relevant specialist experience, the applicant will be supported to undertake the required post graduate education as relevant to the specialist area.
- All of the above must be achieved within two years from start of employment for this pathway.
1.3 Applicable to both pathways
- Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrate evidence of continuing learning and professional development.
- Confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Patient safety Assurance Certificate.
Desirable
- A recognised qualification in Healthcare Management or be willing to undertake within a reasonable time of being in post.
2. Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where they are not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Be of good character.
5. Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda Vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquired during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda Vetting Unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate this contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda Vetting policy.
- Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
PARTICULARS OF OFFICE
1. The appointment fulltime, permanent and pensionable.
2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st June 2024 is:
Clinical Nurse Specialist - €59,070 by 9 increments to €69,834
Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate - €54,437 by 8 increments to €64,109
Salary scales will be updated in line with nationally agreed pay agreements and will be updated accordingly and retrospective payments applied as applicable.
3. Pension arrangements and retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
4. Duties:
The CNS will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.
5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
6. Probation:
The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a probationary period of 6 months. During the probationary period progress or otherwise will be monitored and at the end of the probationary period the service will (a) be certified as satisfactory and confirmed in writing or (b) if not satisfactory, the probationary period may be extended by 3 months.
7. Annual Leave:
Annual leave entitlement is 25 -28 working days (pro rata), depending on length of service, plus 10 Bank Holidays per annum as they occur. The annual leave year runs from 1st of April to 31st March each year.
8. Sick Leave:
Payment of salary during illness will be in accordance with arrangements as approved from time to time by the Department of Health and Children.
9. Termination of Office:
The employment may be terminated at any time by two months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
ROLE SUMMARY
The CNS Nursing Home Liaison is responsible to provide an expert knowledge based Specialist Nursing Service to patients by developing and implementing integrated services and pathways for older people living in Residential Care Facilities with complex health and social care needs. The remit of the post is far reaching and includes all aspects of a clinical nurse specialist profile including the role of educator, researcher, expert clinical practitioner and resource/consultant. In collaboration with the MDT the CNS function includes assessing, planning and effectively managing patients.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY
- Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
- Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families that is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Hospital.
- Lead the professional organisation and management of age related patients by providing professional and clinical leadership, leading a team of skilled staff.
- Create and promote healthy working relationships both within the age related department and other departments throughout the hospital. Including relevant external agencies.
- Be responsible to the CNM3 and ADON.
- Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
- Support the CNM3 and ADON in the implementation of Hospital Policy in all matters.
- Be involved in the development and expansion of the nursing home liaison services in the Hospital and take a proactive role in planning for the expansion of the services delivered by age related health care.
- Work closely with the Consultants, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Managers.
- Refer to and comply with the Scope of Practice Framework as stated by NMBI in relation to all components of the position: clinical role, patient advocate role, educational role, consultative role and audit role.
- Comply with all existing Hospital policies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plans.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
- Be cognisant of the TUH Nursing strategy for 2022 -2027 in terms of its commitment to digital health transformation and actively engage in the process.
- Ensure flexibility in the event of being asked to assist in another department during a crisis.
- Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
- Work in collaboration with all members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure that a safe quality driven evidence based service is being delivered to all patients within the shared caseload with ANPs.
- Liaise closely with the patient’s, senior management of residential care facilities, general practitioners/medical officers and integrated care team.
- Responsible for completing comprehensive gerontological assessment including active medical problems, past medical history, medication, functional assessment, social history, bedside physical assessment, cognitive assessment and review of lab/x-ray tests and current as well as past medical history.
- The CNS’s caseload includes both in-reach and outreach services:
- Review of acutely admitted patients from Residential Care Facilities, as part of the Nursing Home Liaison Team
- Post discharge follow up telephone clinic
- Post discharge follow up review in Residential Care Facilities, supported by Consultant Geriatrician, Geriatric Medicine Spr and RANP.
- Have full driver’s licenses and vehicle.
- Maintain accurate and complete nursing records and ensures confidentiality.
- Provide a service that is evidence based.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of education on an on-going basis.
- Adhere to established clear patterns for communicating with the ANP’S and co-operating with medical and ward staff and other professionals such as general practitioners, public health nurses and practice nurses.
- Ensure that protocols are evidence based, regularly updated and are utilised.
- Foster good nurse/patients relationships by being sensitive and supportive.
- Perform intravenous cannulation and venipuncture.
- Facilitate effective communications between the multidisciplinary team, the patients and their families, residential care facilities, integrated care teams.
- Liaise with General Practitioners and other health care facilities.
- Review and, if necessary, update written information for patients and families.
- To make & maintain effective links with staff in other hospitals, and residential care facilities both public and private..
Patient /Client Advocate
- Respect and maintain the privacy and dignity at all times for the patient/family
- The CNS Nursing Home Liaison will communicate with patients, families and friends, assess needs and provide relevant support, information, education and advice.
- Act as the patient advocate when necessary, especially in informed discussion to promote the patients’ participation in decision making thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.
- Demonstrate an awareness of ethical awareness and social issues on an individual patient basis.
Education & training
- Liaise with the Nurse Practice Development Department and Clinical Facilitator in the development and review of standards of nursing practice in line with evidence based practice
- Assist the CNM3 / ADON in the recruitment, selection and training of staff as requested.
- Deliver structured and opportunistic educational opportunities to facilitate staff and patient education. This will include educational sessions for Undergraduate, Post-graduate and other members of the multi-disciplinary team, including NCHDs.
- Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based care to older persons through journal clubs, conferences etc.
- Demonstrate clinical expertise and act as a resource for clinical information.
- Be a resource for patients and their families/ carers by offering support and specialist advice, education and expert knowledge.
- Undertake continuing professional development through formal and informal educational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongst nursing, medical and allied health professionals.
- Make use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner, which integrates well with the systems throughout the organisation.
- Organise both patient and group patient education sessions with other members of MDT.
- Develop and maintain links with Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (CNME’s), the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Units (NMPDU’s), development and delivery of gerontological educational programmes.
Audit and Research
- The CNS Nursing Home Liaison will be expected to audit current nursing practice and evaluate improvements in the quality of patient care within the gerontology service.
- Conduct nursing research relevant to the gerontology Services with support from the Nurse Practice Development Department.
- Audit the role of the CNS Nursing Home Liaison and partake in the accreditation process within Tallaght University Hospital.
- Promote timely response in completing consultations.
- Ensure that expenditure within the department is controllable within agreed budgets/cash limits and in compliance with Hospital financial plan.
- Produce monthly data to examine efficiency and effectiveness of the service.
- Co-ordinate and maintain equipment and monitor the use of resources to ensure that unnecessary expenditure by misuse does not occur.
- Participate in cost awareness and cost control policies in the department.
- Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure.
Consultative Role
- Develop collaborate working relationships with other CNS’s, ANP’s, and MDT colleagues and develop person centred care pathways to promote an integrated model of care delivery.
- Develop an intervention plan based on identified needs.
- Communicate assessment findings and recommend interventions plan to appropriate physician and/or staff.
- Facilitate referrals to services, programs and agencies as appropriate.
- Provide supportive and counselling to residential care facilities to decrease inappropriate admission and repeat emergency visits
- Negotiate for adequate community supports for patients.
- Facilitate and advance discharge planning process.
- The CNS Nursing Home Liaison will be expected to facilitate and promote effective communications between the medical staff, nursing staff, Allied Health Professionals, Hospital staff, the patients and their families.
- The CNS Nursing Home Liaison will be expected to actively participate in change management and developments. Identify and plan with support from the Nurse Practice Development Department, in consultation with the ADON and CNM3 requirements for the service at a strategic level.
- Develop a flexible and innovative approach, forming links with other specialists.
- Participate in relevant committees at an organisational level and also at a National level.
Self-Development
- Maintain a personal record of professional development keeping up to date with current trends.
- Assist the CNM3 and Assistant Director of Nursing in maintaining a level of excellence in patient care by maintaining standards and supporting the overall management of the Department.
Leadership
- Promote a philosophy of empowerment in which all team members are developed to reach their full potential.
- Create and promote open communications, healthy working relationships and stimulate initiative among the team.
- Promote, nurture and maintain a high level of staff morale hence promoting team spirit and job satisfaction among nursing and other staff within the department.
- Motivate team members, by agreeing goals and objectives, through performance review.
- Maintain team work and, only when necessary and in consultation with the CNM 3 / ADON, take action in accordance with the Hospital’s disciplinary policy.
- Reports any concerns or behaviours outside acceptable limits which may impact on team dynamics or patient care to the relevant line manager for action
- Liaise closely with other CNMs and CNS’s within the age related services to share ideas, promote harmony and work together to drive excellence and to promote a holistic approach to care as one age related service
- Liaise with other hospital staff and departments in order to promote and maintain good working relationships and high standards of care and service for patients.
- Lead, by example, a professional, punctual and dedicated team.
- Provide a service that promotes evidence based practice in nursing and enhances recruitment and retention.
- Communicate effectively with the Clinical Nurse Managers, Allied Health Professionals and the wider multi-disciplinary team.
- Create and promote open communications, healthy working relationships, and stimulate initiative among the renal team.
- Develop a flexible and innovative approach forming links with other services and specialists.
- Participate in relevant committees at an organisational level and at a national level
- Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
Finance
- Ensure that expenditure is controlled within agreed budgets/cash limits and in compliance with the Hospital’s financial plan.
- Support management in producing an annual departmental report for CNS service.
- Participate in cost awareness and cost control policies in the department.
- Co-ordinate and maintain equipment and monitor the use of resources to ensure that unnecessary expenditure by misuse does not occur.
Information Technology
- Ensure that the team makes the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner, which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
- Ensure that all staff are trained in the use of computer systems, which are used in the management of patient episodes in the Hospital, e.g.: EPR, Pims, Order comms, Symphony, Synergy, sap, core.
Health & Safety
- Ensure the compliance of all your staff with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
- Comply and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital policies, protocols and procedures relevant to your area.
- Prepare risk assessments and departmental safety statements as required.
Hygiene/Infection Control
- Ensure you are aware of your responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
- Act as a role model and actively promote infection control and prevention and ensure that staff in your area familiarise themselves with the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
- Ensure that staff in your area are aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
- Ensure that all your staff are advised that they have a responsibility to prevent the transmission of infection particularly in relation to hand hygiene.
Quality, safety and risk management
- Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification, reporting and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Confidentiality
- You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Data Management
- Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Development of Hospital Groups
- The Hospital Structure is currently under review and therefore, reporting relationships may change. The development of Hospital Groups may require the post-holder to adopt a different reporting relationship and additional accountabilities. Full consultation will take place in advance of any such change.
NOTE: The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential at this level of appointment. The appointee will be required to maintain, enhance and develop their knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to this changing environment. They will also be required to participate in and support the Hospital’s Digital transformation strategy which may impact work processes and role profiles in the future. The Job Description must therefore be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present time, which will be reviewed and assessed on an on-going basis as advancements and developments evolve.
GENERAL
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV.
Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
Closing Date: Before close of business on 3rd January 2025
Informal enquiries to: Anna Smyth, Assistant Director of Nursing, phone 01 414 2134 or email anna.smyth@tuh.ie All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to