Purpose of the Post
The Policy on the Development of Graduate to Advanced Nursing and Midwifery Practice (DOH, 2019) describes a pathway to support specialist practice and meet service needs. The cCNS pathway will enable the post holder to professionally and clinically develop the skills and knowledge required to achieve the competencies of the CNS role.
Eligibility and Requirements
A minimum of 1 year of clinical experience prior to completing a post‑graduate qualification at Level 9 or higher (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above) relevant to the specialist area.
Recognition as a CNS/CMS requires completion of the post‑graduate qualification and a minimum of 1 year of specialist experience.
Compliance with HSE requirements to ensure safe, effective practice.
Candidate CNS/CMS Pathway
Eligible nurses/midwives currently working as Staff Nurses/Midwives, Enhanced Nurses/Midwives or other grades with at least 1 year of clinical experience and an expressed interest in CNS/CMS roles may be supported to progress on this pathway.
Successful candidates will be offered a contract for a candidate CNS post (Diabetes) at CNM1/CMM1 grade, with a job description outlining required competencies.
Demonstrate specialist experience or, if lacking, be supported to attain one year’s clinical specialist experience.
Show completion of the required post‑graduate education or agree to undertake it at a Level 9 qualification.
Demonstrate relevant continuing professional development (CPD) or be supported to obtain it.
All aims must be achieved within 2 years from appointment.
For those holding a Level 8 qualification in the specialist area, this qualification will be recognised until September 2026.
Clinical Focus
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Diabetes) will maintain a strong patient focus aligning with nursing ethics.
Role may be divided into direct and indirect care.
Direct care involves assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to patients, families and carers.
Indirect care includes activities that influence and support direct care.
Direct Care
Provide specialist nursing service for patients with diabetes across the continuum of care.
Undertake comprehensive assessments covering physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements using evidence‑based practice.
Develop and implement care plans with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and patients, families or carers.
Monitor and evaluate treatment outcomes, adjusting plans in collaboration with the MDT.
Manage referrals and coordinate investigations, treatments and follow‑up.
Communicate with patients and families to provide support, education, counselling and relevant information.
Collaborate with MDT across primary and secondary care for seamless service delivery.
Participate in medication reconciliation and support medication reviews.
Identify symptom management strategies and provide self‑management guidance.
Manage nurse‑led clinics with MDT input.
Identify health promotion priorities and provide comprehensive educational materials.
Indirect Care
Identify and agree referral pathways.
Participate in case reviews with MDT.
Use a case management approach for complex patients.
Formulate and provide evidence‑based practice guidelines (PPPGs).
Ensure diabetes service aligns with best practice guidelines and HSE standards.
Patient/Client Advocate
Negotiate and represent patients’ and families’ values in collaboration with MDT.
Support patient participation in decision‑making for informed choice.
Maintain privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
Improve collaboration between acute services, primary care and voluntary organisations.
Challenge interactions that fail to deliver quality service.
Education & Training
Develop clinical competence in diabetic nursing and stay current with research.
Provide patients, families and carers with education and support to manage diabetes.
Design, develop and implement educational programmes and resources.
Participate in training programmes for nursing and MDT colleagues.
Organise learning opportunities such as journal clubs and conferences.
Maintain links with Regional Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (RCNME), NMPDUs and HEIs.
Assume responsibility for personal CPD.
Audit & Research
Maintain a register of service users with diabetes.
Collect data aligned to national KPIs.
Conduct nursing audits and research and contribute to MDT research.
Analyse and disseminate best evidence related to diabetes.
Use audit outcomes to improve services and advocate for non‑nursing improvements.
Contribute to service planning and budgeting using audit data.
Monitor and disseminate current research to ensure evidence‑based practice.
Consultant (Leadership)
Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a role model for diabetes practice.
Develop and support clinical standards and guidelines.
Use specialist knowledge to enhance generalist nursing practice.
Establish collaborative relationships with local Clinical Nurse Specialists, advanced midwives and MDT to promote integrated care.
Maintain relationships with voluntary services supporting community patients.
Liaise with other health service providers for national programme delivery.
Network with CNSs and cCNSs in professional associations.
Management / Administration
Deliver high‑quality nursing/midwifery service respecting each service user, family and/or carer.
Manage time and caseload to meet evolving service needs.
Monitor service changes and implement improvements.
Ensure confidentiality of service user records.
Represent the specialist service at local, national and international forums as required.
Maintain accurate records and data for planning, delivery and evaluation.
Contribute to service planning under the direction of the Director of Nursing or Line Manager.
Support sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to reduce the health service’s carbon footprint.
Additional Information
The above description is not exhaustive; the post holder may be required to perform additional duties as appropriate to the post and as assigned from time to time.
Applications will be accepted only through the designated online platform and must be fully completed in accordance with the provided instructions.
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