JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist / Clinical Nurse Manager II - Dermatology
Reference No: 03.003 (2023)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The CNS / CMN II will manage and develop the nursing service within the area and co-ordinate the smooth running of the department. The CNS / CNM II will plan and develop the department in order to constantly improve the service offered to patients and families.
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 (NMBI) or be entitled to be registered.
- Have 5 years post registration experience, and a minimum of 2 years in the specialist or related area.
- Have completed a recognised postgraduate course in Dermatology Nursing to level 8 in the NFQ framework. Candidates without the relevant post graduate course will be appointed at CNM2
- Candidates without the relevant level 8 qualification must have undertaken a formal post registration clinical education at Higher Certificate or higher, relevant to the area of specialist practice. In circumstances where an award or modules relevant to the area of specialist practice are not available, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has successfully undertaken a substantial course/programme relevant to the specialist area of practice prior to application.
- Have the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role
- Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrate evidence of continuing learning and professional development.
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 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 2nd February 2022 is:
€54,701 by 9 increments to €64,669
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 / CNM II 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 if not satisfactory, the probationary period may be extended by 3 months.
7. Annual Leave:
Annual leave entitlement is 25 - 28 working days, 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.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
- Reporting relationship will be to the Assistant Director of Nursing.
- Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Management
- Provide team leadership and management in the maintenance and development of a high quality medical nursing service in the department.
- Initiate and encourage appropriate participation from nursing staff to the development of the medical nursing service in the department and the smooth management of the department.
- Liaise closely with Dermatology Consultants and the medical team, other members of the multidisciplinary team, administrative staff, other hospital staff and outside agencies as required.
- Liaise closely with the Clerical Support Manager and Clerical Support Staff to ensure the smooth running of the department.
- Ensure that the system for the provision of clinical support services is satisfactory. This will involve establishing and maintaining relationships with the following departments: pathology, laboratory, clinical engineering and pharmacy. It will also involve periodic reviews of policies for the ordering of these services, in consultation with medical staff.
- To ensure that the provision of non-clinical support services are satisfactory. This will require establishing and maintaining relationships with the Materials Management, Portering, Cleaning and Technical Services departments.
- To participate in meetings with the Dermatology team when required.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Display qualities of leadership and effective communication with nursing colleagues, all users of service and other service providers.
- Act as a professional role model for nursing colleagues.
- Ensure that the requirements of An Bord Altranais for the practice of professional nursing are upheld.
- Lead the team in the establishment and maintenance of a high standard of nursing practice within the department.
- Provide advice, support and education regarding dermatological conditions, the various forms of treatment and any side effects of these treatments.
- Provide effective communication for the Nursing Staff and Care Assistant within the Department to disseminate information.
- Ensure the maintenance of a suitable environment for patients and staff with a particular emphasis on health and safely factors.
- Ensure that nursing care is delivered within the parameters of hospital policies.
- Play a leading role in the review and formulation of specific departmental guidelines in collaboration with the Dermatology team
- Liaise with the Nurse Practice Development Department with regard to seeking advice when renewing and formulating new practices
- Communicate with the Assistant Director of Nursing in all matters relating to the Department.
- Direct nursing and non-nursing staff in the event of an emergency situation within the hospital and in any disaster that involves the hospital.
- Foster good nurses/patients relationships by being sensitive and supportive.
- Report accidents, incidents/complaints to the ADON/Nurse Manager or her Deputy. Ensure that accident/incident forms are completed and returned to ADON Office.
Financial
- 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 Department systems for audit
- Ensure effective and efficient use of nursing and financial resources.
- Manage the budget for the department ensuring the most effective use of available resources.
- Ensure that expenditure is controlled within agreed budgets/cash limits and in compliance with the Hospital’s financial plan.
- Help with support from the Director of Finance, budget estimates including a planned programme for the replacement of capital equipment.
- Assist with the preparation of statistical and management information that is provided to Management as required.
Education
- Evidence of Continued Professional Development within the Unit.
- Develop and facilitate educational and support programme for further knowledge and skills for members of the multi-disciplinary team.
- Develop educational material to ensure information standards are maintained.
- Assist in training members of the multi-disciplinary team and change in practice of the delivery of care.
- Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the higher standards of care to patients with medical diseases.
Research
- Maintain awareness within the speciality of current developments in Dermatology Nursing Care.
- To monitor, access utilise and disseminate current relevant research findings in order to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice in safe discharge and on-going care of patients.
- Initiate and promote research-based practice.
- Use such research findings to influence care within the speciality.
Self Development
- Maintain a personal record of professional development.
- Act as a role model.
- Keep an up to date record with trends by on-going education.
- Ensure that developments are research based.
- Develop/foster research.
- Ensure adherence to hospital policies and An Bord Altranais guidelines.
- Assist the Assistant Director of Nursing in maintaining a level of excellence in patient care by maintaining standards and supporting the overall management of the Department.
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 29th March 2023
Informal enquiries to Ms. Margaurita O’Brien, Assistant Director of Nursing - Telephone (01) 4144187 or email Margaurita.Obrien@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