Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist - Tissue Viability - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, WaterfordLocation: UPMC Whitfield HospitalJob type: PermanentOverview of role: The Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Tissue Viability is a developmental role designed to enable the post holder to gain the required competencies, experience, and education to achieve registration as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Tissue Viability in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) CNS Framework. the post holder will practice across the five core concepts of Clinical Practice, Patient Advocacy, Education & Training, Audit & Research, and Consultant Practice, contributing to high-quality, safe, and patient-centred care.The post holder will provide specialist nursing input in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, complex wounds, and skin integrity issues, while working under appropriate clinical and managerial supervision. The role will support service development, quality improvement, staff education, and patient safety within UPMC Whitfield Hospital. This is a part-time position of 24 hours per week (0.65 WTE), with working arrangements aligned to service needs and structured development goals.Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Managerial and Leadership Responsibility Demonstrate developing clinical leadership in tissue viability practice across relevant clinical areas. Act as a resource to nursing staff, escalating complex issues appropriately. Support nursing management in the implementation of tissue viability policies, guidelines, and initiatives. Contribute to service planning, audit activity, and quality improvement projects relevant to tissue viability. Contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of a nurse led wound care clinic, in collaboration with nursing management, medical consultants and the multidisciplinary team.Participatein hospital committees or working groups as appropriate.Professional and ClinicalResponsibilityProvide specialist assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for patients with tissue viability needs, under the guidance of senior nursing and medical staff as required. Support the prevention, identification, and management of pressure ulcers and skin integrity issues. Provide advice on wound management, dressing selection, pressure area care, and pressure-relieving equipment. Identify patients at high risk of skin breakdown and support early intervention strategies. Maintain accurate, timely, and professional clinical documentationPractice in accordance with the NMBI Scope of Practice, hospital policies, and professional standards.Ensure completion of incident / near miss on hospital Risk Management reporting system Maintain a feedback mechanism with the clinical risk manager and report to senior management team where appropriateEnsure advice of relevant stakeholders is sought when required e.g. IPC CNS, pharmacy, biomedical, facilities. dietician Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), JCI, CHKS Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, etc.Advocate for patient safety, dignity, comfort, and quality outcomes in wound and skin care management.Educate and support patients and families regarding wound care, pressure ulcer prevention, and ongoing management.Promote shared decision-making and continuity of care, including discharge planning and liaison with community services where appropriate.Learning and DevelopmentResponsibilitiesEngage in a structured development programme to meet the criteria for CNS registration.Have undertaken or willing to undertake and complete relevant postgraduate education in Tissue Viability/Wound Management Maintain a professional portfolio demonstrating development across the five CNS core concepts. Participate in education, audit, research, and service development activities. Seek supervision, mentorship, and feedback to support progression to CNS level.CommunicationResponsibilitiesCommunicate effectively with patients, families, nursing staff, medical staff, and the multidisciplinary team. Provide clear, appropriate advice related to tissue viability within the scope of the candidate role. Contribute to patient education and shared decision-making.Liaise with internal and external stakeholders as required to support continuity of care.Clinical Governance, Quality Assurance, Risk,Health & SafetyParticipate in clinical audit, surveillance, and quality improvement initiatives related to tissue viability and pressure ulcer prevention. Assist in monitoring and reporting wound care outcomes and pressure ulcer data. Support risk assessment, incident reporting, and review processes related to skin integrity.Adhere to hospital governance structures, accreditation requirements, and safety standards. Promote a culture of patient safety, qualitycare, and continuous improvement. Qualifications & Experience:Registered General Nurse (RGN) on the NMBI Register. Minimum 5 years post-registration nursing experience. Demonstrated experience in tissue viability / wound care or a related clinical area.Postgraduate qualification in Tissue Viability / Wound Management or commitment to undertake same. Meets, or is working towards meeting, NMBI criteria for CNS registration.Skills and Competencies Developing specialist knowledge in tissue viability and wound management. Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to educate, support, and influence clinical practice. Commitment to audit, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Organised, self-motivated, and committed to professional development.Patient-focusedapproach with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.EqualOpportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environmentfor all employees.At UPMC we provide a total rewards programthat is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunitiesfor all our colleagues.Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related payand premium pay where applicable.Benefits –Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive PensionPlan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness coverfor all employees up to the age of 66.Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission ofUPMC through our annual ACES programme.Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexibleworking opportunities to support you to work around external familycommitments.Developmentand Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reachtheir career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.AboutUPMC UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medicalcentre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home.Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of PittsburghSchools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health throughclinical and technological innovation, research and education.UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care acrosscontinents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operatednetwork of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland andCroatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialtyservices of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others tomore people in more places around the world. In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since2006. UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital inWaterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital inClane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available atthe UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapylocations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and acrossUPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, andMayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC'sGlobal Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.