JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist cCNS
Rheumatology – Fracture Liaison Service
Full time - Permanent Role
Ref Number: 06.017 (2026)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Department of Rheumatology are seeking an exceptional, committed, caring, and compassionate candidate for the position of Fracture Liaison Service CNS or Candidate CNS
.
The Fracture Liaison Service within the Rheumatology Department coordinates a secondary prevention service for patients who sustain a fragility fracture. This service currently identifies persons age 50 and over attending outpatient clinics and under the admission of Trauma Orthopaedics at Tallaght University Hospital. Through our CELLMA Electronic Patient Record assessments, investigations and person centred treatments are coordinated. This service integrates with Primary Care to ensure ongoing management. This service is involved in the national Fracture Liaison Service Database directing key performance indicators for the service. The service provides many nurse led services which improve patient care and ensure higher patient satisfaction. The successful candidate will require a strong desire to enhance their assessment skills, create and facilitate more efficient workflows to enhance the patient journey through the Fracture Liaison Service. They will require drive and motivation to develop their career as a Bone Health CNS. There is a strong emphasis on patient-centered research within the Rheumatology Department and the candidate will be expected to work seamlessly within an academic teaching and research clinical environment to facilitate these goals and ensure that service delivery is comparable to the highest standards of academic rigor. The Department will ensure the candidate is supported to become a highly skilled and valued Bone Health CNS.
The CNS/cCNS will deliver care in line with the 5 core concepts of the role set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Posts, 4th edition, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008.
The 5 core concepts are:-
Clinical Focus (Direct and Indirect Care)
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Service User/Client Advocacy
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Education and Training
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Audit and Research
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Consultancy (including Leadership in Clinical Practice)
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.
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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.
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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.
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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-
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.
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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.
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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.
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Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Demonstrate evidence of continuing learning and professional development.
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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 he/she is 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 2015Schedule 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.
2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st February 2026 is:
Clinical Nurse Specialist: €60,854 by 11 increments to €76,897 incl. 1 LSI
Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist: €57,208 by 8 increments to €67,372
These particulars are subject to change in line with overall public pay policy. Point on scale allocated is based on relevant HSE Circulars.
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/cCns
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 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 to 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.
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Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients’ needs and comfort are given priority.
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Work within the Scope of Practice
- Comply with all existing Hospital policies
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Demonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plans
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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.
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Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning and Development prospectus.
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Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
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Reporting relationship will be to the Assistant Director of Nursing.
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Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Managing the Service - Quality & Safety of Service / Delivery of Results (CNS /cCNS - level 3)
Clinical Focus – Direct / Indirect Care-
Develop a strong service user focus whereby the specialty defines itself as nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions and ethical standards of nursing.
- The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care:
-
Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to the service user, family and/or carer.
- Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care.
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Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual; ensuring patient’s needs and comfort are given priority.
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Plan and assess patient care, together with the Nursing Team.
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Play an active role in patient education and be actively involved in Health Education and promotion
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Act as a patient advocate within the multidisciplinary setting.
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Communicate with the Multidisciplinary Team regarding all aspects of patient care.
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Be a point of contact for patient journey in the service
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Educate the patient and family concerning their condition and treatment options
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Be involved in staff education
- To be involved in research and continuous self-directed education
- Adhere to departmental patient identification policy at all times.
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Ensure a high standard of care, evidence-based, is delivered safely in accordance with the Hospital policies, procedures and guidelines.
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Maintain a database of patients attending the service
- Produce and maintain an action list and outcomes arising out of decisions made at the meetings at MDTs.
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Register patients with the PCRS who are receiving high cost medicines.
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Communicate with the relevant team’s regarding the patient’s condition and relaying information and changes in Doctor Orders.
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Complete computerised records in accordance with Hospital Policy.
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Attend meetings as required by Hospital Management and keep staff briefed on developments in the Hospital.
Service User/Client Advocacy-
Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient.
- Act as a resource/ contact person for patients.
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Be aware of existing resources/ services, which help patients and their families / significant other.
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Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions regarding treatment for patients.
- 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
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Demonstrates an awareness of ethical awareness and social issues on an individual patient basis
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Facilitate development of information and educational leaflets for patients and their families.
- Ensuring 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.
Audit and Research
- Ensure that his/her own practice is compliant and up to date with “best practice”, which is reflected in research and development.
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Identify, initiate and conduct nursing and MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice.
- Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to specialist care into practice.
- Contribute to nursing research.
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Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.
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Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and specialist knowledge.
- Monitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice.
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Participates in ongoing audit of his/her own clinical practice
- Use such research findings to influence care within the specialty.
- Set objectives and develop policies, procedures and standards for the nursing services based on current nursing research and relevant research from other disciplines.
- Identify areas within the specialty relevant to nursing practice, which would benefit from research.
- Promote an awareness of research-based practice amongst staff.
Managing Change - Problem Solving & Decision Making / Communications & Influencing (CNS- level 3/cCNS – level 2)-
Addresses problems through balanced decisions making while identifying learnings.
- Assists with the development of and implementation of strategic and operational priorities through the provision of feedback and key learnings.
- Have a can do attitude and implement unpopular decision through effective engagement.
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Adopt a range of communication techniques to explain complex information.
- Tailors their communication style dependent on the audience and situation.
- Manages the adherence to company policy on confidentiality and data protection.
Managing Yourself - Team player / Planning & Organising (CNS - level 3/cCNS – level 2)-
Demonstrate flexibility if and when asked to work in other areas of the Medical Service as needed.
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Delegates effectively to the team and ensure timelines are met and efficient use of resources.
- Assists in the development and implementation of operations plans to ensure smooth and consistent execution of tasks.
- Research and promote quality initiatives that are evidence based.
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Takes into account others when making an important decision, addresses team conflict, sets clear goals, embraces diversity, and promotes collaboration and team strengths to achieve goals. Offers recognition.
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Builds and uses networks of influences for planning and organising workload.
- Develops and implements operational plans, essential systems and processes.
- Monitors performance, evaluates impacts and risks.
Education and training
- Maintain clinical competence in patient management within the Rheumatology nursing role, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice.
- Provide the patient, family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence in managing their condition.
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Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer.
- Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate.
- Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate.
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Create exchange of learning opportunities within the hospital.
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Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.
- Assist in the development and delivery of training programmes for nursing staff
- Play an active role in teaching all grades of nursing staff and other disciplines as required.
Managing People – People Management / Leadership (CNS - level 3/cCNS – level 2)-
Responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safe keeping of records.
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Play a central role in maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
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Create and promote open communications and healthy working relationships.
- Assist in the production of the departmental annual report.
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Ensure that all procedures are in accordance with established Hospital procedures.
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Handle complaints by patient, members of the public and staff in accordance with the Hospital complaints procedures.
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Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
Consultancy (including leadership in clinical practice)-
Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for best evidence based care practice.
- Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
- Attend integrated care planning meetings as required
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Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services which support patients in the community.
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Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialists and 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.
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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.
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Comply and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital policies, protocols and procedures relevant to your area.
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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.”
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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.
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Ensure that staff in your area are aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
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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.
TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area
Competency
CNS Level
cCNS Level
Managing the service
Quality & Safety of Service
3
3
Managing the service
Delivery of Results
3
3
Managing Change
Problem Solving & Decision Making
3
2
Managing Change
Communications & Influencing
3
2
Managing Yourself
Team player
3
2
Managing Yourself
Planning and Organising
3
2
Managing People
People Management
3
2
Managing People
Leadership
3
2
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.
TUH is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination in accordance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004. The Hospital values diversity and recognises the benefits of having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We are committed to equality of access to positions within the Hospital. All recruitment activity and documentation will encourage applications from all potential candidates without discrimination.
Closing Date: Before close of business on 3rd July 2026
Informal enquiries to Linda Collins, ADON Medical Directorate, Telephone (01) 4142094 or email [email protected]
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.
