JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist cCNS
Gynaecology Nurse Sonographer
Part time – Permanent
Reference Number: 05.031 (2026)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The purpose of the role of a gynaecology nurse sonographer is to provide specialist ultrasound care for women with reproductive and gynaecological health needs, combining advanced imaging skills with holistic nursing care.
The key elements of this post are:
The CNS/cCNS nurse sonographer performs and reports ultrasound scans to assess conditions affecting the female reproductive system, including:
- Ovarian cysts or torsions
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Adnexal masses
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Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Early pregnancy concerns (e.g., ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
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Uterine malignancies
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Cervical malignancies
The gynaecology nurse sonographer routinely performs both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, the purpose is to provide accurate, timely diagnostic information to guide treatment decisions.
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 OFFICE1. The appointment is part-time 18.75 hours, 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: €62,078 by 11 increments to €78,443 incl. 1 LSI
Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist: €57,208 by 8 increments to €67,372
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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The person chosen will be accountable for the nursing service provided to patients in transvaginal scanning department .This includes making provision for evidence based standards of patients at all times.
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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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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-
Ensure a high standard of evidence-based care is delivered safely in accordance with the Hospital policies, procedures and guidelines.
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Preserve the dignity and rights of the patient at all times during their stay in the department. Encourage the recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients’ needs and comport are given priority.
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Document and record accurately all details of scans performed in the department.
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Foster good nurse/patient relationships through the provision of holistic nursing care and support for each patient.
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Ensure that all equipment for use in your designated area is checked by an appropriate person according to Hospital policy.
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Complete computerised records in accordance with Hospital Policy. Ensure there are adequate levels of consumables and other supplies as agreed with Materials Management.
Clinical Responsibilities-
Provide high standard of safe practice for patient care.
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Assess patient care needs.
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Development, implementation, evaluation, documentation of care.
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Set and monitor standards.
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Ensure that protocols are evidence based, regularly updated and are utilised.
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Foster good nurse/patient relationships by being sensitive and supportive.
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Ensure Hospital policies and procedures in all aspects of care are implemented.
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Communicate effectively with patient and multi-disciplinary team to reduce anxiety and ensure positive outcomes for patients.
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Monitor infection control policies and liaise with the Microbiology Team where indicated.
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Ensure Health & Safety standards are met and enforced.
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Report accidents, incidents/complaints to the Nurse Manager or her Deputy. Ensure that accident/incident forms are completed and returned to Nurse Manager's Office.
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Observe daily and uphold cleaning standards in the department. Report on inadequacies.
Managerial Responsibilities-
Responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safe keeping of records.
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Attend meetings as required by Hospital Management and keep staff briefed on developments in the Hospital.
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Liaise with materials management regarding product use, advise/evaluate/supply reports. Implement and monitor stock control measures.
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Be familiar with Hospital & Departmental Emergency Plans and its implementation.
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Create and promote open communications and healthy working relationships.
- Identify and implement operational processes to the standards of best practice in order to optimise use of resources and to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
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Manage workload effectively, ensuring appropriate use of available time.
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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.
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, Synergy, IPMS, Order comms, Symphony, sap, core.
Personal Professional Development-
Continue to update and develop own clinical theoretical knowledge undertaking appropriate study days/courses and by utilising research based practice.
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Maintain clinical competence in patient management within the gynaecology sonographer nursing role, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice.
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Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing/midwifery colleagues as appropriate.
- Participate in the development, education and supervision of staff.
- Participate in training programmes for nursing/midwifery, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate.
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Endeavour to keep abreast of recent trends in development by reading widely.
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Develop a flexible and innovative approach, forming links with other specialists.
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Identify an appropriate tool to audit own practice and monitor workload.
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.
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: 10th June 2026
Informal enquiries to Amy Loughlin, (CNM3 Women’s Health), (Perioperative Directorate - Telephone (01) 4143983 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
