JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 - Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT)
Reference No: 06.012 (2026)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The CNM 2 OPAT is a senior nursing role designed to facilitate the use of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) in a safe and appropriate manner under the clinical governance of the TUH Infectious Diseases Service working collaboratively with Clinical Microbiology, Antimicrobial Pharmacists, Community home infusions services and various medical and surgical services. The Clinical Nurse Manager 2 will manage and coordinate a smooth operation especially when the CNM3 is unavailable ensuring the highest standard of quality care is delivered at all times.
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.
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Have 5 years post registration experience and a minimum of 2 years in the specialty or related area.
- 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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Be able to demonstrate managerial abilities.
Desirable Criteria-
Have a post graduate qualification of not less than 7 on the NFQ Framework in the specialist area.
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Knowledge of hospital patient management IT systems
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Evidence of management experience in an acute hospital setting
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Experience working in specialist area
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 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 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 1st February 2026 is:
€62,078 by x 11 increments to €78,433 incl. 1 LSI
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 CNM2 OPAT 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 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:
The annual leave entitlement is 25 – 28 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of 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 two 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-
Ensure a high standard of care delivered safely in accordance with the hospital policies and procedures.
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Maintain throughout the hospital an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
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The CNM 2 OPAT is a senior nursing role designed to facilitate the use of Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) in a safe and appropriate manner under the clinical governance of the TUH infectious Diseases Service, working collaboratively with Clinical Microbiologists, Antimicrobial Pharmacists, Community home infusions services and various medical and surgical services.
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The overall purpose of the CNM 2 OPAT role is to identify suitable patients, support and educate patients and carers, liaise with all stakeholders regarding service provision and to co-ordinate/lead OPAT clinics.
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The role is essential in the provision of effective, high quality, integrated care for patients needing IV antimicrobials outside the Acute Hospital.
- The successful applicant will report to the CNM 3 Vascular Access Quality & Safety Team and will receive training, to enable them work within the OPAT service.
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Clinically report to the Infectious Diseases Consultant Lead for OPAT.
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Build good relationships with key stakeholders in the patient’s journey through hospital including medical teams, nursing, health and social care professions and diagnostic areas.
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Identifies health promotion priorities in the area of practice.
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Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.
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Implements health promotion strategies for patient/client groups in accordance with public health agenda.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Managing the Service - Quality & Safety of Service / Delivery of Results (level 3)-
Act as the main contact point and facilitator for OPAT both within Tallaght University Hospital, and for patients and services in the community.
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Provide expertise and services to patients requiring OPAT services and will help medical and surgical teams identify suitable patients, educate patients and families around OPAT, facilitate and arrange discharges and ensure appropriate follow-up.
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Maintain a database of patients on OPAT, monitor laboratory values while on treatment
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Ensure laboratory values are reviewed, filed and escalated to Infectious Diseases team as needed.
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Review patients in a dedicated OPAT clinic on a regular basis
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Be the dedicated TUH contact person for community infusion services and patients and families on OPAT in the community.
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In conjunction with Infectious Diseases service develop a suite of KPI’s for this patient cohort and provide regular reports on this data.
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Act as the main contact point and facilitator for CIT (Community Intervention Team) both within TUH, and for patients and services in the community when available.
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Communicate with relevant members of the Multi-Disciplinary Teams on a daily basis to progress with patients discharge.
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Regular communication with Consultants if discharge issues arise.
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Assist in the identification of process flow delays associated with the inpatient episode and the development of more efficient and effective processes.
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Model excellence in clinical practice and decision making.
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Work closely with nursing, medical, multidisciplinary team members and community partners to provide excellent OPAT – Integrated Care Service model of patient care.
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Encourage and support clinicians in identifying patient suitability for OPAT service.
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Promote the OPAT service to clinicians in facilitating earlier patient discharges to the community.
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Assist in the assessment and referral process of patients to the OPAT service.
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Conduct a comprehensive nursing assessment of patients requiring OPAT - including screening bloods and recommendations for IV access.
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Provide advice and guidance to those with concerns relating to condition and treatment.
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Educate in relation to options of care and recommended treatment plans.
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Provide telephone advice, for patients with queries relating to their dosages / conditions etc.
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Initiate treatments according to agreed protocols and within agreed parameters.
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Be a first line contact to staff with queries relating to care and treatment of patients within the OPAT patient cohort always promoting best practice.
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Partake in a regular OPAT clinic at TUH, directly reviewing patients under the supervision of Infectious Diseases Consultant.
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Promote nurse led clinics for education & treatment of patients
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Assist in dressing changes for wounds / IV access devices at OPAT clinic where appropriate.
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Liaise with the Patient Flow Department to reduce the patient length of stay & also plan for the readmission of patients as required
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Interact with CNM’s and patient flow staff on expediting discharges and in relation to Planned Patient Pathway Boards (PPPB’s) & Bed Management systems. Note all related actions on the Patient Flow /Planned Patient Pathways boards.
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Enable patients/clients, families and communities to participate in decisions about their health needs.
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Articulates and represents patient/client interests in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
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Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate
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Implements changes in healthcare service in response to patient/client need and service demand.
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Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carer
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Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients
- Comply with Health Service Executive (HSE) Complaints Policy
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Identify, critically analyses, disseminates and integrates nursing/midwifery and other evidence into the area of practice.
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Awareness of targets set by both TUH and the HSE. Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National KPI’s as directed and advised by TUH & HSE.
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Establish and maintain a register of patients within the CNM2 OPAT Caseload.
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Initiates, participates in and evaluates audit.
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Evaluate audit results and research findings to identify areas for quality improvement in collaboration with nursing/midwifery management and MDT colleagues (Primary and Secondary Care).
- Uses the outcomes of audit to improve service provision & service planning.
- Collate data which will provide evidence of the effectiveness of the CNM2 OPAT interventions undertaken
- Participate in Quality Improvements Initiatives/Programmes
Managing Change - Problem Solving & Decision Making / Communications & Influencing (level 3)-
To act as a change agent for staff in introducing change within the clinical environment.
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To facilitate ongoing development of nursing documentation to meet professional standards and legal requirements.
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To liaise with all CNMs/registered nurses and HCAs.
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To act as an effective role model in promoting healthy professional relationships.
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To promote communication within the nursing profession and the organisation.
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Promote awareness of and participate in nursing research activities.
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To liaise where appropriate with multidisciplinary teams.
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To inspire and disseminate innovative practice.
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Addresses problems through balanced decisions making while identifying learnings.
- Adopt a range of communication techniques to explain complex information.
- Tailors their communication style dependent on the audience and situation.
- Manages the adherence to Hospital policies on confidentiality and data protection.
Managing Yourself - Team player / Planning & Organising (level 3)-
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.
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Develop skills on an ongoing basis as required.
- Maintain own knowledge on both local, national and international professional nursing practice issues.
Managing People – People Management / Leadership (level 3)-
Create a learning environment for all staff, to encourage and promote staff development.
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Maintain a personal record of professional development.
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Create and promote open communications, healthy working relationships, and stimulate initiative amongst ward staff.
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Lead by example while focusing on the achievement of operational and strategic goals.
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Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
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To model a professional approach in all aspects of work being undertaken.
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Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients’ needs and comfort are given priority.
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Support all registered nurses and in some cases, multidisciplinary colleagues, in the implementation of Hospital Policies.
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To create and promote open communications, healthy working relations, and stimulate innovation in practice.
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To evaluate all initiatives undertaken according to predetermined criteria as agreed with the Assistant Director of Nursing Nurse Practice Development.
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To provide feedback for nursing staff and HCAs.
- To audit and evaluate all initiatives undertaken.
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Educate patients/clients, families and communities in relation to their healthcare needs in this area of practice.
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Promote the role of OPAT nurse in Outpatient IV treatments among the health care professions within the hospital and in the community
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Provides mentorship, preceptorship, teaching, facilitation and professional supervisory skills for nurses and midwives training, students and other healthcare workers.
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Maintain clinical competence in patient management within infectious diseases nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice.
- Identifies own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs and engages accordingly.
Information Technology & data-
Make 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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Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Health & Safety
- All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
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Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
- Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
- All employees have 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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All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
- All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
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All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection
Quality, Safety and Risk Management-
Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification 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. He/she 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
Level
Managing the service
Quality & Safety of Service
3
Managing the service
Delivery of Results
3
Managing Change
Problem Solving & Decision Making
3
Managing Change
Communications & Influencing
3
Managing Yourself
Team player
3
Managing Yourself
Planning and Organising
3
Managing People
People Management
3
Managing People
Leadership
3
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 2nd July 2026
Informal enquiries to: Ms Andrea Doyle, Clinical Nurse Manager 3 - Email: Ms. Andrea Doyle [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.
