Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist - Tissue Viability - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview 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.
* Participate
in hospital committees or working groups as appropriate.
Professional and Clinical
Responsibility
* Provide 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 documentation
* Practice 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 appropriate
* Ensure 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 Development
Responsibilities
* Engage 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.
Communication
Responsibilities
* Communicate 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 & Safety
* Participate 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, quality
care, 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-focused
approach with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.
Equal
Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment
for all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards program
that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities
for all our colleagues.
Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay
and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits –
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension
Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover
for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of
UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible
working opportunities to support you to work around external family
commitments.
Development
and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach
their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
About
UPMC
UPMC is a renowned multinational academic medical
centre committed to delivering people-focused care that's close to home.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh
Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shapes the future of health through
clinical and technological innovation, research and education.
UPMC expands its expertise globally, bringing world-class care across
continents through its UPMC International division — an owned and operated
network of hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Italy, Ireland and
Croatia. UPMC International brings new access to the signature specialty
services of UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, UPMC Sports Medicine and others to
more people in more places around the world.
In Ireland UPMC has provided high-quality healthcare in the South East since
2006. UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in
Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in
Clane, and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at
the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy
locations in Waterford and Cork, UPMC The 4th Practice in Mallow, and across
UPMC Sports Medicine Clinics in Dublin, Waterford, Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, and
Mayo. UPMC has also established a nationwide Concussion Network. UPMC's
Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny.