Job Title: Gynaecology Candidate/Clinical Nurse Specialist
Department: Nursing
Job Function: Nursing
Reporting to: Assistant Director of Nursing
Location: Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic
Job Purpose
Working in partnership with General Surgeons, Gynaecologists and Oncologists, this role is responsible for the provision of a high standard of treatment and care to Gynaecology Oncology patients. The Gynaecology care service at the Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic shall facilitate patient transition through the various specialities: Surgery, Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. As a key member of the nursing team, the Gynaecology Nurse Specialist will provide education, training and support to all members of staff. The Gynaecology Nurse Specialist will provide a quality focused, seamless service for the patient from the point of referral. The Gynaecology Nurse Specialist shall work exclusively in Gynaecology care and shall be an integrated part of the team. This specialist nurse will encompass a major clinical focus, which comprises of assessment, planning, developing and evaluation of care given to patients and their families in hospital, community and outpatient settings.
Job Background/Context
Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each Ward provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services at Ward level.
Key Responsibilities
Operations
The CNS/candidate will:
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Provide specialist knowledge, expertise and care to Gynaecology cancer patients.
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Offer advice and support recognising the differences in the psychosocial impact of a Gynaecology cancer diagnosis.
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Ensure continual optimal care for inpatients and out-patients and their families.
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Assess, plan, implement and evaluate all aspects of the patient's physical, psychological and social needs.
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Monitor patients on an ongoing basis, to evaluate outcomes and adjust nursing care practice to ensure optimum co-ordination and delivery of care.
Clinical Focus - Direct Care
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Provide pre and post-operative counselling
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Provide pre and post treatment care and support including in-depth information re; treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and endocrine treatment.
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Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate all aspects of the patient's physical, psychological and social needs maintaining autonomous practice.
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Ensure that all patients are provided with necessary information to assist them in decision-making
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Develop and participate in family history clinics, follow-up and results clinics as required
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Provide practical information on all aspects of altered image, which can be caused by the disease and treatment e.g. surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy.
Clinical Focus - Indirect Care
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Keep accurate, legible records and be aware of the legal implications of these documents.
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Review Gynaecology referrals in collaboration with the Lead Consultants.
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Participate in multi-disciplinary conferences with all professionals involved in delivery of patient care. The Gynaecology Nurse Specialist shall act as a patient advocate, using knowledge and skills to co-ordinate continuity of care.
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Establish and monitor standards of nursing practice in relation to ensuring best practice.
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Work in collaboration with the Surgical, Medical and Radiation Oncology Teams to develop care pathways, implement best practice guidelines and standards of care.
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Provide education, mentorship and professional development support.
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Monitors standards of nursing care provided and problem solves clinical nursing concerns.
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Implements evidence based nursing practice using a care planning / pathway approach.
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Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
- Regularly evaluate clinical practice by means of inspection, audit and surveillance with a view to recommending improvement and changes where required.
Patient/Client Advocate
The Gynae CNS will:
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Be available to patients, relatives and visitors to provide the necessary support, education, reassurance and clinical and allied clinical information.
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Work within a Multidisciplinary team in the co-ordination of holistic patient care.
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Liaise with medical staff on relevant matters concerning patient care and particularly with consultants.
Consultant
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Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintained.
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Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora as required.
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Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for Practice throughout the hospital.
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Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
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Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice.
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Develop collaborative working relationships with National Cancer Centres in relation to the National Cancer Strategy and Research.
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Network with other CNSs in Oncology Nursing and in related professional associations to build relationships and promote continuous practice development.
Learning and Education
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Contribute to the requirements of NMBI for the practice of professional nursing including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice.
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Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
- Attend and participate in development programmes on an ongoing basis and sharing knowledge with other members of the nursing team.
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Assist in the training of nursing support staff.
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Identify and inform the Learning and Education Lead of any training and professional development requirements.
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Attend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in date.
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Comply with all HR system and policy requirements.
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Provide education, mentorship and professional development support.
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Monitors standards of nursing care provided and problem solves clinical nursing concerns.
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Implements evidence based nursing practice using a care planning / pathway approach.
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Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
Audit, Research and Quality
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Ensure compliance with all relevant Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) as directed and advised by the ADON/DON.
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Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to care into practice.
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Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) where required.
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Assist in promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department.
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Be aware of the core objectives, standards and KPI's for the service and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standards.
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Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.
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Participate in the requirements of the hospital's risk management programme.
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Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients.
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Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
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Work with members of the MDT in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic.
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Assist in ensuring a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.
Essential Criteria
Knowledge / Experience
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Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI
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Have at least five years recent post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting
- Oncology/ Surgical Experience
- A recognised level 8 post-registration Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic award relevant to the specialist area - Oncology Nursing or Gynaecology, or be willing to complete same within one year of taking up post
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Holds an up to date ACLS course or be in pursuit of same
Skills/ Competencies
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Clinical Skills
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Management Skills
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Leadership skills
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IT Skills
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Quality Focus
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Risk management
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Clinical Audit
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Excellent Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Desirable Skills
Knowledge/ Experience
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Previous management experience would be an advantage.
