JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist/ Candidate CNS - Rare Neurological Diseases
Full Time Permanent
Reference No: 04.038 (2025) PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
- The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS/ CNS candidate) for Neurology will play a vital and multifaceted role that bridges complex clinical care for patients with Rare Neurological Diseases (in particular including cerebellar ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegias and other rare neurological conditions), with patient advocacy, education, and system navigation. The CNS/CNS candidate will contribute to the delivery of specialist care to patients with Rare Neurological Diseases in the outpatient and inpatient settings.
- The CNS/CNS candidate will work collaboratively with the wider neurological medical and nursing team to ensure seamless patient care and journey.
- The CNS/CNS candidate will provide expert clinical assessment, education, and support to patients at various stages of their rare disease journey, from those with initial symptom presentation, through patients with newly diagnosed conditions, and to those requiring ongoing outpatient or inpatient care and advice.
- The CNS/CNS candidate will enhances health outcomes, promote continuity of care, and ensure that patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care in the appropriate healthcare setting.
QUALIFICATIONS
Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office -:
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.
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.
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.
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.
6. 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 is a full time, 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 October 2024 is:
Clinical Nurse Specialist - €59,661 by 11 increments to €75,389 incl. 1 LSI
Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate - €54,981 by 8 increments to €64,750
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 Clinical Nurse Specialist /Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.
5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 7 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 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 2 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.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY
- Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
- Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients’ needs and comfort are given priority.
- Work within the Scope of Practice.
- Comply with all existing Hospital policies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plans.
- Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families is consistent with the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of the Hospital.
- Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
- Reporting relationship will be to Assistant Director of Nursing.
- Works in close collaboration with Consultant Neurologists.
- Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Clinical Focus
- Deliver specialist nursing care in line with the five core competencies concepts set out in the framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist posts ( 4th edition ), National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing And Midwifery 2008.
- Using best practice guidelines, the nurse will aim to take responsibility for providing a specialist nursing service for patients with Rare Neurological Disease, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, who require support and treatment through the continuum of care.
- Work as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a patient centred quality and seamless service.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with Rare Neurological conditions, including post void bladder scans, venepunctures, OCT and other relevant assessments and use the outcomes of patient evaluation to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with MDT and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
- Monitor and evaluate patient’s progression and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the multidisciplinary teams and patient, family and/or care as appropriate.
- Collaborate with neurologists and multidisciplinary teams to optimise patients’ management plans in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines and one’s own Scope of Practice.
- Coordinate transition from children’s to adult service when appropriate.
- Collect pre-clinic data for new patients.
- Educate patients and caregivers about the nature of the disease, prognosis, and treatment options.
- Provide pre- and post-diagnosis support to patients, families and/or carers as appropriate.
- Provide guidance to patients facing progressive, often incurable conditions on symptom management, medications, genetic implications, and available resources.
- Support patients and families in managing rare or poorly understood symptoms.
- Coordinate referrals to various multidisciplinary team members and community services as required.
- Initiate palliative care discussions when appropriate and support advance care planning.
- Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues.
- Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow up.
- Communicate with patients, family and/or carer, as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as required.
- Where appropriate work with multidisciplinary team colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and /or carer, as appropriate.
- Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best practice.
- Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for patients with a Rare Neurological Disease.
- Participate in case review with MDT colleagues.
- Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs for the Rare Neurological Disease Service.
- Assess, plan and deliver patient care, together with the multidisciplinary team.
- Communicate with relevant team regarding patients’ condition.
- Facilitate the arrangements necessary and participate where appropriate, in education and training of other Hospital staff as the need arises. This includes students at both undergraduate and post-graduate level and junior staff.
Patient advocate role
- Communicate with patients, families and friends, assess needs and provide relevant support information, education and advice.
- Act as the patients advocate when necessary, especially in an informed discussion to promote the patient’s 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. Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Hospital.
- Promote an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
Educational Role
- Continue to update and develop own clinical theoretical knowledge by undertaking appropriate study days/courses and by utilising research based practice.
- Endeavour to keep abreast of recent trends in development by reading widely.
- Develop a flexible and innovative approach, forming links with other specialists.
- Manage workload effectively, ensuring appropriate use of available time.
- Identify an appropriate tool to audit own practice and monitor workload
- Develop a flexible and innovative approach, forming links with other specialists.
- Manage workload effectively, ensuring appropriate use of available time.
- Identify an appropriate tool to audit own practice and monitor workload.
- Attendance and participation in the MDT meetings, Journal Club.
- Attendance and active participation at National and International Meetings and workshops.
Research and Audit
- Attendance and active participation at National and International Meetings and workshops.
- Participate in collaborative research projects that improve the quality of care and Health outcomes.
- Participate in audit activities to assess and monitor the quality of care. Assist in the implementation of change based on the findings.
- Audit own caseload and participate in the annual evaluation feedback sharing results.
- Establish and maintain a register of patients with Rare Neurological Disease within CNSp service caseload.
- Contribute to nursing/ midwifery research.
- Use the outcomes to improve service provision.
Consultative Role
- Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model.
- Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice.
- Develop collaborative working relationship with local CNSp, ANP s and MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.
- With the support of ADON, attend integrated care planning meetings as required.
- Where appropriate, develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community.
- Liaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the National Clinical Programme model of care.
- Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
- Network with other CNSp in Rare Neurological Diseases and in related professional associations.
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, 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 5th June 2025
Informal enquiries to:
Ms. Jane Hally, Assistant Director of Nursing Telephone (01) 4144068 Bleep or email maryjane.hally@tuh.ie
Or
Dr. Petya Bogdanova-Mihaylova, Consultant Neurologist, email Petya.mihaylova@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.