Enabling people with an intellectual disability to have full and meaningful lives through quality person-centred services in partnership with families.
Cheeverstown is a voluntary organisation regulated by the Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA). We provide a wide range of person-centred services, including residential, respite, and day services, supporting almost 400 adults with an intellectual disability across the south Dublin and Kildare area..
The Clinical Support Nurse will promote and enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals with intellectual disabilities and complex health needs by supporting access to healthcare services, facilitating the early identification and management of health concerns, and ensuring that nursing interventions are delivered in accordance with evidence-based practice, professional standards, and organizational policies.
The Clinical Support Nurse will promote and facilitate best possible health across Cheeverstown community. The role is aligned closely to the core GP service for Cheeverstown's residential clients. The post holder will co-ordinate and deliver Safe Medication Training as part of their role.
Working collaboratively with individuals, families, multidisciplinary colleagues, General Practitioners, Primary Care Services, and external healthcare providers, the Clinical Support Nurse will coordinate and support healthcare interventions that optimise health outcomes, promote independence, and improve quality of life.
The post holder will contribute to the ongoing development of clinical governance systems, quality improvement initiatives, and health promotion programmes, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the standards of the Health Information and Quality Authority, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland professional framework, and national disability policy. The role will support the organization in delivering responsive, rights-based, and person-centred healthcare services that uphold the dignity, autonomy, safety, and wellbeing of the individuals supported by Cheeverstown.
- The primary GP service for residential supports
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Residential Managers and support teams
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The Multi-Disciplinary support team
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Primary Care GPs, public health, acute services, pharmacies
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Acute Service Liaison Nurse(s) and other Clinical Nurse Specialists
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Personnel involved in the administration of medication across the service
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Any other personnel or services with whom co-operation is essential to the running and development of services
The Clinical Support Nurse provides nursing expertise, health facilitation, clinical oversight, and care coordination to individuals accessing Cheeverstown. The service works in partnership with General Practitioners, Primary Care Teams, and Acute Hospitals, Community Healthcare Networks, and specialist services to promote equitable access to healthcare and improve health outcomes for people supported by the organization.
The post holder will co-ordinate and deliver Safe Medication Administration training for staff. The service supports individuals with a broad range of healthcare needs, including:
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Comprehensive health assessment and ongoing health monitoring.
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Nursing management of chronic diseases
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Chronic disease management and health surveillance.
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Phlebotomy, venepuncture and diagnostic screening support.
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Specimen collection including bloods, urine samples, swabs and other investigations as required.
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ECG recording following appropriate training and competency assessment.
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Enteral feeding (PEG) management and nutritional support.
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Catheter care and continence management.
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Wound assessment, tissue viability support and wound management.
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Medication administration, monitoring and clinical review.
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Oral health promotion and facilitation of access to dental services.
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Vaccination and preventative healthcare programmes.
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Sexual health, reproductive health and health promotion initiatives.
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Cervical Screening
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Support during hospital admissions, discharge planning and transitions of care.
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Health action planning and annual health reviews.
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Clinical support for individuals with complex healthcare needs
The Clinical Support Nurse differs from a traditional GP Practice Nurse model by placing a stronger emphasis on:
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Health facilitation for people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
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Advocacy and reducing healthcare inequalities.
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Supporting individuals with complex and lifelong health needs.
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Clinical support across residential, respite, day and community settings.
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Education and competency development of support staff.
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Coordination of care across multiple healthcare providers and services.
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Rights-based, person-centred healthcare in line with HIQA standards and national disability policy.
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Support research relative to best possible health outcomes for person's with a Disability e.g. TILDA / TCAID
The above description is intended to provide an overview of the current scope of the Clinical Support Nurse. It is not an exhaustive list of all activities undertaken by the service, and additional clinical, health facilitation, quality improvement, educational, or service development functions may be introduced as required to meet the needs of individuals supported by Cheeverstown and the organization
- Must be a Registered General Nurse with the NMBI
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Experience in Phlebotomy
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Have minimum 2 years of post-graduate experience
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Excellent interpersonal, communication, organisational, and telephone skills
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Computer literate
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Excellent written and spoken English
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Flexible attitude to changing work practices
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Willingness to undertake clinical training as relevant to the role
Salary: In line with the HSE Grade Staff Nurse pay scale, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applicants should note that this role is not eligible for employment permit sponsorship. Candidates must have the appropriate authorisation to work in Ireland.
