JOB DESCRIPTION
Assistant Director of Nursing - Nursing Acute Floor
Fulltime, Permanent Position
Reference No: 04.018 (2025) PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The post of Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) for is accountable and professionally responsible to the Director of Nursing but will work in close collaboration with the Directorate Nurse Managers and Senior Nursing Executive, committees, medical staff, senior managers and department heads to ensure the smooth running of the service. The ADON is an integral part of the Senior Nursing Executive team and will work to ensure a quality service.
The ADON requires knowledge of the work to be done and has the potential to lead staff in a changing Health Service. To fulfil the requirements of the position targets and key objectives (based on the job description) will be set by the Director of Nursing for the Assistant Director of Nursing appointed. Quarterly review of performance versus targets will be done during the probationary period and annually thereafter.
Although this is an established role the above duties and responsibilities are reflective of the expectation in defining this role now. This is not an exhaustive list and it is expected that the post holder will embrace the evolving nature of the role, consistent with the direction being followed by the hospital and the DMHG in the current dynamic and changing operating environment. The following job description sets out the role in managing nursing staff and in controlling and managing services within budgetary allocation.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office -:
- 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.
- Have 7 years post registration experience with 3 years nursing management experience at a minimum of CNM2 grade in an acute setting.
- Possess a post graduate qualification at not less than level 8 on the NFQ framework in the area of healthcare or management related area, or can provide written evidence from the Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a level 8 or higher standard.
- 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.
- Proven clinical and managerial ability with vision and leadership skills to lead and manage the nursing and services agendas in line with the HSE, Dublin Mid Leinster Hospital Group (DMHG) and the Regional Health Authority’s Strategic goals and objectives within the areas of responsibility.
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 full time, permanent and pensionable position.
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:
€69,315 by 9 increments to €85,539
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 Assistant Director of the Nursing Acute Floor 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 9 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 three 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.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
- Reporting relationship will be to the Directorate Nurse Manager and be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
- Establish a clear leadership role for all staff and act as a focal point of all management effort within the area of responsibility. He/she will ensure the provision of the most efficient and effective standard of services that is possible within the available resources.
- Responsible for staff recruitment and retention, induction, orientation, continuous professional development, roster review and deployment of staff, the definition and assignment of work and the judging of the quality of its performance.
- Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Service
- Work collaboratively with the CNM3 responsible for the operational management of the ED and within the Acute Floor.
- Participate in the appropriate management and co-ordination of effective and efficient patient flow to improve patient flow within the Emergency Department and Acute Floor.
- Take remedial action where necessary to improve patient flow and the patient experience.
- The ADON has responsibility for developing and enhancing relationships creating collaborative fora across the Primary and Community Care structures in order to reduce unnecessary attendances and support early discharge to the most appropriate setting.
- Participate in the overall financial planning of the service including the assessment of priorities in pay and non-pay expenditure.
- Identify opportunities to develop IT practices to enhance patient care and flow, and to increase efficiency while decreasing workload e.g. the development of systems to facilitate rapid ordering, tracing, and review of diagnostic testing, electronic bed mapping and navigational hub.
- The ADON will ensure that relevant timely data is available to support decision making and to assess quality improvement deliverables.
- Ensures that critical human and material resources are allocated in an effective way, monitors activity levels and intervenes to align resources and maximize efficiencies.
- Collaborate and liaise with key stakeholders’ national and local e.g. relevant clinical programmes, patient flow project, SDU, Quality Improvement projects.
- Assist with the direction and supervision of the nursing service to provide a high level of patient care and clinical/functional area/sector management.
- Provide innovative and effective leadership, support and advice to nursing and healthcare staff at all levels to improve the quality of care in the across the acute floor i.e. Emergency Department and associated assessment units as part of the Acute Floor.
- Provide guidance to nursing and other staff in the implementation of nursing guidelines and policies
- Maintain good employee relations and promote good communication with all relevant staff.
- Give support and counsel to nursing and healthcare staff as necessary and take action in accordance with agreed service policy, if necessary.
- Plan and guide activities to provide optimum patient care in accordance with service policies and procedure and undertake audits as required.
- Ensure adherence to all standards and guidelines relating to professional nursing practice and behaviour.
- Undertake other relevant duties as may be determined from time to time by the Director of Nursing.
Quality of Services
- Ensure the delivery of high quality patient care within areas of responsibility in line with organizational governance structures and processes.
- Develop and foster a proactive Health and Safety culture, having regard to legislative requirement and best practice.
- Lead and be proactive in the delivery of best practice standards in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Ensure professional protocols, policies and guidelines reflecting the code of professional conduct of NMBI and of the organisation are communicated, implemented, monitored and evaluated regularly.
- Be responsible, in partnership with lead clinicians, for identifying services for development within the portfolio and for preparing business cases for these areas including the rationale for development.
- Support, monitor and evaluate methods of quality assurance and clinical effectiveness in nursing practice and overall patient services.
- Identify and develop research awareness in nursing practice and service delivery and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings among the Multidisciplinary teams.
- Identify areas for continuous quality improvement and work with interdisciplinary team members to improve processes /systems/practices in line with organization’s risk management strategy.
- Liaise with Nursing Site managers as required.
- Participate and lead in the Hospital’s Accreditation processes (for example HIQA) and other quality management systems in the hospital and DMHG.
Clinical Role
- Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership to maintain efficient patient flow in the Emergency Department and across the Acute Floor.
- Provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to service users within the guidelines laid out by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
- Practice nursing according to Professional Clinical Guidelines, National and Area Health Service Executive guidelines, local policies, protocols and current legislation.
- Place the values of kindness, care compassion, trust and learning at the core of daily work.
- Manage own work load in accordance with the needs of the post.
- Participate in teams as appropriate, communicating and working in co-operation with the other team members, the wider multi-disciplinary teams and integrated care teams.
- Facilitate co-ordination, cooperation and liaison across health care teams programmes and services.
- Formulate, manage and implement best practice policies and procedures.
- Ensure, as part of the team approach to patient care uphold the HSE’s policy that service users and others are treated with dignity and respect and develop opportunities for service users to contribute to service improvements.
- Adhere and contribute to the development and maintenance of nursing standards, protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of patient care.
- Maintain professional standards in relation to confidentiality, ethics and legislation.
- Assist in the development of divisional service policies and procedures and the implementation of same and to update them as required.
- Participate in development of quality initiatives including clinical audit, standard setting, investigation of complaints and untoward incidents, use of quality improvement methodologies.
Leadership and Management
- Creates an enthusiastic and committed work climate through the articulation of the role and contribution of nursing to the service, contributing positive views on the future direction and determine how best to achieve the aims, directions and objectives set for the Nursing Service and your areas of responsibility within the department to ensure they are delivered within the set timeframe, policies and guidelines.
- Adopt a proactive forward planning approach to service delivery, anticipating health trends and developments, identifying the need for new services, staffing and succession planning.
- Lead and drive the change agenda and initiatives within your portfolio and contribute to wider change agenda for the Hospital, DMHG and HSE, working collaboratively with key stakeholders to achieve strategic and operational change.
- Lead, manage and develop the services as part of your remit in partnership with consultants/clinical leads within agreed financial allocation and staff complement.
- Actively pursue cost containment, resource efficiency measures, bed reconfiguration and catchment area management initiatives and Value for Money (VFM) activities, aimed at contributing positively to the Hospitals budgetary/financial and headcount challenges in the current operating environment.
- Ensure good communication and inter-personal relationships with all staff and the multidisciplinary teams, promoting an environment that enhances staff retention and promotes good employee relations.
- Participate in meetings, committees and represent the Nursing Service and the Hospital as required.
- Introduce changes in education, clinical and organizational processes and structures that support the hospital and nurses compliance with the new Nurses and Midwives Act, 2011.
- Be an active participant and leader in the implementation of the National Clinical Care programmes and models of care such as the Directorate Model as required. Take an active role in the design and implementation of structured policies and systems for the management of service delivery which ensure clear role responsibility and accountability for service levels, quality and decision making discretion.
- In consultation with the CEO or other authorised officer and the Human Resources Directorate to ensure effective people management such as resourcing and retention and the allocation of staff within agreed complement.
- Ensure effective and efficient use of resources within agreed headcount complement and agreed budgets.
- Carry out ongoing reviews of the workforce plan within areas of responsibility to ensure correct grades and skill mix of staff are available to deliver services and resources are effectively and efficiently utilised.
- Work in partnership with the relevant clinical personnel, other departments and agencies in the development of service level agreements and service development or cost effective business cases as appropriate.
- Be responsible for people management activities and the introduction and maintenance of management tools and initiatives such as; Team Based Performance Management, Legal Framework, Personal Development Planning, Continuous Professional Development and Learning Needs Analysis etc.
- Have a strong focus on developing the contribution of staff at all levels. Is a good judge of capability and promotes talent, creating a positive climate for the development of performance and contributions at all levels of the services. This will include performance appraisal and review, including management development planning, developmental tasking and stretching of staff, promoting a continuous improvement culture, championing and promoting learning throughout the system and putting in place systems to capture and disseminate learning.
- Promote and monitor the uptake of continuous professional development planning for staff and meet targets for full compliance.
- Manage staff performance, grievance, disciplinary and other issues within the context of the organisations HR policies and procedures.
- Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.
Education
- Ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles responsibilities and the competencies expected to deliver a safe service.
- Be responsible for facilitating the undergraduate and post registration education programmes.
- Participate and lead in the delivery of continuous professional development education programmes.
- Identify and facilitate educational development needs of nurses, healthcare assistants and members of the multidisciplinary teams as appropriate.
- Participate in in-service education as required and represent Tallaght University Hospital at national and international meetings and conferences.
- Read current literature and recent nursing research, attend seminars/ conferences and be aware of any new developments in areas of responsibility.
- The post holder may be requested to participate/ lead projects on a hospital/organisational wide basis by the CEO or other authorised officer.
- Engage in performance review processes including personal achievement processes by setting own objectives and providing and receiving feedback.
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 and Synergy.
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: 13th May 2025
Informal enquiries to Fiona Hillary, Medical Directorate Nurse Manager, Telephone (01) 4142186 or email: Fiona.hillary@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.