JOB DESCRIPTIONClinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)/Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist(cCNS) - Multiple SclerosisPermanent Part time Post Reference No: PURPOSE OF THE ROLEThe CNS/ Candidate CNS Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will be responsible for providing a specialist nursing service for patients with a diagnosis of MS who require support and treatment through the continuum of care and will act as a resource for patients on all aspects of their condition and provide education, support and guidance to all staff.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition with onset typically in 20's and 30's.
Women are 2-3 more likely to be affected than men.
There are over 9000 people living with MS in Ireland and approximately 10% of whom are attending our department in TUH.
The TUH Neurology team coordinates an outpatient and inpatient service and provides a Liaison Neurology service to other specialties on-site.
We also offer remote consultation to both Naas General Hospital and Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
In 2019, the Neurology service had the third-highest throughput of outpatients of all TUH medical specialties and conducted 9,976 out-patient consultations.
Neurological diseases encompass a broad range of conditions ranging from genetic/hereditary disorders, through to autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases.
The department treats thousands of patients with chronic neurological illnesses such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), migraine, stroke, dementia and motor neurone disease as well as inflammatory and infectious neurological disorders.QUALIFICATIONS1.
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.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.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.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.ORIn exceptional circumstances which will be assessed on a case by case basis be registered in another division of the register of Nurses and Midwives.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.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.ORIf 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.ORIf 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.All of the above must be achieved within two years from start of employment for this pathway.Applicable to both pathwaysHave the clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Demonstrate evidence of continuing learning and professional development.Confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Patient safety Assurance Certificate.2.
Age Restrictions In Relation To ApplicationsAge restriction shall only apply to a candidate where they are 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.
HealthA 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 ; 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 permanent, part time 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 August 2025: Clinical Nurse Specialist €61,463 by 11 increments to €77,666 incl.
1 LSICandidate Clinical Nurse Specialist : 56,642 by 8 increments to 66,705Salary scales will be updated in line with nationally agreed pay agreements and will be updated accordingly and retrospective payments applied as applicable.3.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement AgeThere 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 SchemePlease 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 MS will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.5.
Hours of work:Normal working hours 19.5 worked over 5 days.
Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between 7 days 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 25-28 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 two 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 ACCOUNTABILITYMaintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.Encourage recognition of the patient as an individual, ensuring patients' needs and comfort are given priority.Work within the Scope of Practice Comply with all existing Hospital policiesDemonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plansEnsure 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.Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.Reporting relationship will be to the Assistant Director of Nursing.Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITYClinical RoleTo work with multi-disciplinary team to ensure those patients receiving treatment have access to specialist care, knowledge and expertiseProvide clinical leadership to ward staff when caring for MS patientsProvide a PPPG led specialist nursing service for in-patients and out-patients with MS Have up to date knowledge of best practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of MS:Provide education to patients in the management of MSBe flexible in addressing acute and chronic needs of MS patientsBe point of contact for patient with queries regarding symptom management or relapse.
Discuss patients with medical team with a view to manage as Out Patient and avoid attendances/ admission from Emergency DepartmentCo-ordinate patient treatment schedules and interventions.
Liaise with medical team, pharmacy, Community pharmacy as appropriate.Plan and run nurse-led clinics Be available to give skilled emotional and psychological support to patients throughout their patient journey in TUH.Facilitate effective communications between the multidisciplinary team, the patients and their families.Refer patients/relatives to other members of the multi-disciplinary team when appropriate.Review if and when necessary, update written information for patients and families.Patient Advocate RoleCommunicate with patients and families, assess needs and provide relevant support, information, education and advice as necessary.
Act as the patients advocate when necessary, especially in informed discussion to promote the patients' participation in decision making thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.Be expected to promote within the Neurology Service and throughout the Hospital an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all Hospital activities.
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.Actively promote neurology health issues within the Hospital and within the community using various forums, clinics, committees and patient information leaflets.EducationThe CNS MS will be expected to deliver structured and impromptu educational opportunities to facilitate staff and patient education.
This will include educational sessions for Pre-Registration and Post Registration Nurses, medical staff, attendants and allied health professionalsUndertake continuing professional development, availing of formal and informal educational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongst nursing, medical and allied health professionals (NCNM 2001)Manage workload effectively, ensuring appropriate use of available time.Make effective use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner, which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.Serve as a resource to affiliated health care and community organisations seeking information and guidance on MS related issues.Consultative RoleFacilitate and promote effective communications between the medical staff, nursing staff, allied Health Professionals, other hospital staff, the patients and their families.
Will be expected to actively participate in change management and developments within the area.
Identify and plan with support from the Nurse Practice Development Department, in consultation with the Nurse Manager and Director of Nursing requirements for the service at a strategic level.
Develop a flexible and innovative approach, forming links with other specialists.
Liaise with the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery as necessary Participate in relevant committees.
Provide advice and information about MS and its management where required to nursing, medical and allied health care staff within the hospital.
Communicate with Consultants and Clinical Nurse Specialists within other hospitals.
Co-operate with development in information technology to ensure a safer and more efficient service.
Audit Role Be expected to audit current nursing practice and evaluate improvements in the quality of patient care within the service.
Produce monthly figures on service activity and an annual report on the MS Nursing Service.
Conduct nursing research relevant to MS. Maintain as required an asset register of appropriate equipment.
Ensure that expenditure within the department is controllable within agreed budgets/cash limits and in compliance with hospital financial plan.Co-ordinate and maintain equipment and monitor the use of resources to ensure that unnecessary expenditure by misuse does not occur.
Participate in cost awareness and cost control policies in the department.
Information TechnologyEnsure that your service 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.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, Pims, Order comms, Symphony, sap, core.Health & Safety Ensure that you are compliant with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.Comply and enact Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital policies, protocols and procedures relevant to your area.Prepare risk assessments and departmental safety statements as required.Hygiene/Infection ControlEnsure 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."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.Ensure that staff in your area are aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.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 ManagementSupport the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification, reporting and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.ConfidentialityYou 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 ManagementEnsure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.Development of Hospital GroupsThe 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.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.