OverviewPost Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Neurovascular Service Post Status: Specified Purpose Department: NeuroCent Directorate, Beaumont Hospital Location: Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 Reports to: Neurosurgical Consultant Team for Clinical Matters, Directorate Nurse Manager (DNM) and Clinical Nurse Manager 3 for Professional Nursing Matters Salary: Appointment will be made on CNS Pay scale at a point in line with Government pay policy. (€ 62,078 - € 78,443) Hours of work: 37.5 hours/week Closing Date: 11th June 2026 @ 12 noon*Please note the hospital reserves the right to close the competition early should a substantial number of applications be received*Position Summary:Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a severe subtype of haemorrhagic stroke that is associated with high morbidity and mortality and occurs when a blood vessel bursts within the subarachnoid space which is part of the brain’s outer protective layers known as the meninges. An alternative form of haemorrhagic stroke, known as intracerebral haemorrhage, involves the bursting of a blood vessel within the brain tissue. These conditions exact a high social and economic cost, causing a potential loss of productive life years, and is a disease of relatively young people (median age 50 years for SAH). Outcomes for these conditions are poor with a significant prevalence of death within the initial months following survival as well as a high likelihood of inability of survivors to independently manage their activities of daily living. The positive impact that specialised nursing care has on the outcomes of patients and families for this cohort group and this is well documented in the contemporary literature. The Beaumont Hospital Neurovascular Service provides both acute and elective care of patients with cerebral and spinal vascular pathologies (e.g. subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and dural arteriovenous fistulas). The majority of the patients in this category are those patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms. The clinical nurse specialist acts as a single point of contact for the patient and family through admission, discharge, and recovery. Providing a visible, accessible specialist nurse presence to key stakeholders, using influencing and collaboration skills across different levels of multidisciplinary professionals, optimising key performance indicators, maintaining and developing standards, provision of education and training, and leading a nurse clinic specific to this patient cohort are some of the competencies expected of this role. Please see the information below for a more elaborate description of the job role and responsibilities.ResponsibilitiesPrinciple Duties and Responsibilities:The post holder’s practice is based on the five core concepts of the Clinical Nurse Specialist role as defined by the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM 4th edition (2008)) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are:Clinical FocusPatient/Client AdvocateEducation and TrainingAudit and ResearchConsultantClinical Focus: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 patient, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care.Direct Care:The clinical nurse specialists will:Provide a specialist nursing service for patients within their remit who require support and treatment through the continuum of care Undertake comprehensive patient assessment to include physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements of care using best evidence based practiceUse the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriateMonitor and evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient, family and/or carer as appropriateMake alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPGs)Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleaguesCo-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies, and patient follow-upCommunicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as requiredWhere appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriateParticipate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly-pharmacy and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication managementIdentify and promote specific symptom management strategies as well as the identification of triggers which may cause exacerbation of symptomsProvide patients with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathwaysSupport (where appropriate) clinics with MDT inputIdentify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patient’s needs.Indirect Care:Clinical Nurse Specialists will:Support and facilitate agreed referral pathways for patientsParticipate in case review with MDT colleaguesUse a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriateEnsure that practice is evidence based and guided by policy or local protocolsTake a lead role in ensuring the service for patient is in line with best practice guidelines and the Safer Better Healthcare Standards (HIQA, 2012).Patient/Client Advocate:Clinical Nurse Specialists will: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 appropriateDevelop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment optionsRespect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carerEstablish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care, and Voluntary Organisations as appropriateProactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patientsEducation & Training:Clinical Nurse Specialists will:Maintain clinical competence in patient management within nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practiceProvide the patient, family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence in managing their conditionContribute to the design, development, and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer thus empowering them to self-manage their conditionProvide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriateParticipate and lead training programmes for nursing/midwifery, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriateBe responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needsAudit & Research:Clinical Nurse Specialists will:The post holder will maintain a register of patients within the CNS remitMaintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Support and/or lead audit and research projects relevant to the area of practiceUtilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence based practiceConsultant:Clinical Nurse Specialists will:Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role modelUse specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practiceDevelop collaborative working relationships with local Clinical Nurse Specialists/Registered Advanced Nurse/Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care deliveryWith the support of the Director of Nursing, attend integrated care planning meetings as requiredDevelop and maintain collaborative networks with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the communityLiaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the National Clinical Programme model of careHealth & Safety:These duties must be performed in accordance with local organisational and the HSE (Health Service Executive) health and safety policies. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act (2005). Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the local policy documents and as set out in the local safety statement, which must be read and understood.Quality, Risk and Safety Responsibilities:It is the responsibility of all staff to:Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to quality, risk, and safetyParticipate and cooperate with local quality, risk, and safety initiatives as requiredParticipate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of the organisation’s structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to, The National Hygiene Audit, National Decontamination Audit, Health and Safety Audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authoritiesSupport and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with local organisational quality, risk, and safety requirementsSupport the MDT in the development of PPPGs and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulation, and standardsComply with Health Service Executive (HSE) Complaints PolicyEnsure completion of incident/near miss forms and clinical risk reporting – lead investigations and disseminate findings to key stakeholders where appropriateAdhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment suppliedManagement/Administration:Clinical Nurse Specialists will:Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient, family and/or carerEffectively manage time and caseload in order to meet changing and developing service needsContinually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needsSupport and lead change and quality improvement initiatives with the support of the wider MDT and other stakeholdersEnsure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintainedRepresent the specialist service at local, national and international forumsMaintain accurate and contemporaneous records and data on all matters pertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of care and ensure that this service is in line with HSE requirementsHave a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the roleTo support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health serviceSkills, Competencies, and Knowledge:Professional Knowledge Clinical Nurse Specialists will:Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regard to The Scope of Nursing & Midwifery Practice Framework (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI, 2025)Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be professionally accountable for actions/omissions.Take measures to develop and maintain the competences required for professional practiceAdhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion, and Commitment (DoH, 2016)Adhere to national, regional, and local HSE PPPGsAdhere to relevant legislation and regulationAdhere to appropriate lines of authority within the nurse/midwife management structureClinical Nurse Specialists will demonstrate:In-depth knowledge of the role of Clinical Nurse SpecialistA commitment to developing in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology for the conditions they are supportingAbility to support nursing assessments for patient caseloadsCritical thinking with regards to referral onto specialist teams or agenciesThe ability to formulate a plan of care based on findings and evidence based standards of care and practice guidelinesThe ability to follow up and evaluate a plan of careKnowledge of health promotion principles/coaching/self-management strategies that will enable people to take greater control over decisions and actions that affect their health and wellbeingAn understanding of the principles of clinical governance and risk managementEvidence of teaching in the clinical areaA working knowledge of audit and research processesEvidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, E-mail, PowerPointCommunication and Interpersonal SkillsEffective communication skillsAbility to build and maintain relationships particularly in the context of MDT workingAbility to present information in a clear and concise mannerAbility to manage groups through the learning processAbility to provide constructive feedback to encourage future learningEffective presentation skillsOrganisation and Management Skills:Evidence of effective organisational skills including awareness of appropriate resource managementAbility to attain designated targets, manage deadlines and multiple tasksAbility to be self-directed, work on own initiativeA willingness to be flexible in response to changing local/organisational requirementsBuilding & Maintaining Relationships including Team and Leadership skillsLeadership, change management, and team management skills including the ability to work with MDT colleaguesCommitment to providing a quality service:Awareness and respect for the patient’s views in relation to their careEvidence of supporting quality improvement programmesEvidence of conducting audit or service evaluation initiativesEvidence of motivation by ongoing professional developmentAnalysing and Decision MakingEffective analytical, problem solving and decision making skillsThe above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.QualificationsSelection Criteria:Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etcEligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition: Be a registered nurse/midwife on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be eligible to be so registered. AND Be registered in the division(s) of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Register for which the application is being made or be entitled to be so registered. 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. AND Have a minimum of 1 year’s post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 1 year’s full time experience in the division of the register in which the application is being made (taking into account (ii) (iii) if relevant). AND Have a minimum of 1 year’s experience or an aggregate of 1 year’s full time experience in specialist area of Neurosciences. AND Have successfully completed a post registration programme of study, ascertified by the education provider which verifies that the applicant has achieved a QQI NFQ Level 9 or higher award relevant to Neurosciences (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above), in line with NCNM 4th edition (2008). Alternatively provide evidence from a Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to Level 9 or higher, prior to application. AND Have continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the specialist area. AND Have the ability to practice safely and effectively within their scope of practice.Note: For Nurses/Midwives who express an interest in CNS/CMS roles and currently hold a level 8 qualification in the specialist area, this qualification will be recognised up to September 2026.AND Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative capacity for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.Annual registrationi) Practitioners must maintain live annual registration on the appropriate Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the NMBI. ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by the annual Service User Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).HealthCandidates 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 such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.CharacterCandidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.Desirable • Management or leadership experience • Project management • Policy developmentFurther Information for Candidates:The Hospital www.beaumont.ie Management Unit: www.beaumont.ie/hrInformal Enquiries ONLY to:Name: Cam Salcedo and Shymol PaulTitle: Directorate Nurse Manager and Clinical Nurse Manager 3 respectivelyEmail: camilosalcedo@beaumont.ie shymolpaul@beaumont.ieTelephone: 0873859439 or internal extension 01 852 8337 (Cam) 01 852 8754 (Shymol)Note: The following paragraph is retained only if needed; removed here as per formatting guidelines.
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