DOMAIN 3: KNOWLEDGE AND COGNITIVE COMPETENCES

Standard 3

The cANP/RANP (AHOS) nursing will actively contribute to the professional body of knowledge related to the area of advanced practice by enhancing competence and capability to:

• Provide leadership in the translation of new knowledge to clinical practice (for example, teaching sessions, journal clubs, case reviews, facilitating clinical supervision to other members of the team as appropriate)
• Provide ongoing education to team members using an advanced expert knowledge base derived from clinical experience, ongoing reflection, clinical supervision and engagement in continuous professional development.
• Demonstrate a vision for advanced nursing practice based on service need and the overall purpose of the AHOS nursing serviceand a competent expert knowledge base that is developed through research, critical thinking, and experiential learning
• Demonstrate accountability in considering access, cost and clinical effectiveness when planning, delivering and evaluating care (for example, key performance areas, key performance indicators, NCCP and AHOS nursing service metrics).

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The cANP/RANP AHOS will:

• Contribute to service development through appropriate continuous education and research initiatives, keeping current with nursing literature, recent nursing research, and new developments in nursing practice, education, and management.
• Provide support and advice to those engaging in continuous professional development in advanced nursing practice.

1. STATUTORY REGISTRATION, PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, ETC

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:
(i) Be a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland [NMBI]
(Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) or entitled to be so
registered.
(ii) Be registered in the division(s) of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
(Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) Register for which the
application is being made or entitled to be so registered.
In recognition of services that span several patient/client groups and/or
division(s) of the register, provide evidence of validated competences relevant
to the context of practice.
(iii) Have a broad base of clinical experience relevant to the advanced field of
practice
(iv) Be eligible to undertake a Master’s Degree (or higher) in Nursing or a Master’s
Degree, which is relevant, or applicable, to the advanced field of practice. The
Master’s programme must be at Level 9 on the National Framework of
Qualifications (Quality & Qualifications Ireland), or equivalent. Educational
preparation must include at least three modular components pertaining to the
relevant area of advanced practice, in addition to clinical practicum.
OR
(v) Be currently undertaking a Master’s Degree in Nursing (Advanced Practice
Pathway) or be eligible to register to undertake additional Level 9 National
Framework of Qualifications (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) specific modules
of a Master’s Degree in Nursing (Advanced Practice Pathway) within an agreed
timeframe. Educational preparation must include at least three modular
components pertaining to the relevant area of advanced practice, in addition to
clinical practicum.
OR
(vi) Possess a Master’s Degree (or higher) in Nursing or a Master’s Degree which is
relevant, or applicable, to the advanced field of practice. The Master’s
programme must be at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications
(Quality & Qualifications Ireland), or equivalent. Educational preparation must
include at least three modular components pertaining to the relevant area of
advanced practice, in addition to clinical practicum.
(b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of
suitability and clinical, professional and administrative capacity to properly discharge the
functions of the role.

1. STATUTORY REGISTRATION, PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, ETC

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:
(i) Are registered in the Advanced Nurse Practitioner division of the Nursing
and Midwifery Board of Ireland Register maintained by the Nursing &
Midwifery Board of Ireland [NMBI] (Bord Altranais agus
Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann).
OR
(ii) Be eligible to register in the Advanced Nurse Practitioner division of the
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Register maintained by the
Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland [NMBI] (Bord Altranais agus
Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) by meeting the criteria for registration as
an Advanced Nurse Practitioner as specified www.nmbi.ie
(iii) Have a broad base of clinical experience relevant to the advanced field of
practice
(iv) Demonstrates the competences relevant to the specialist area of advanced
practice
(b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high
standard of suitability and clinical, professional and administrative capacity to
properly discharge the functions of the role.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND/OR KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrate the specialist knowledge and clinical skills in the specific area of practice of haematology/Oncology Nursing.
The cANP/RANP must demonstrate:

PROFESSIONAL/CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrate a high degree of commitment, professionalism and dedication to the philosophy of quality health care provision
• Demonstrate evidence of Policy, Procedure, Protocol, Guideline (PPPG) development and the translation of PPPGs into action
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience of quality audit/assurance systems
• Demonstrate experience in developing, implementing and evaluating quality improvement initiatives
• Demonstrate awareness of relevant legislation and policy developments
• Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner
• Demonstrate ability to engage collaboratively and influence others
• Demonstrate competency in the general use of information technology, for example, computers, office functions, internet for research purposes, email and preparation of presentation materials
• Demonstrate evidence of skills in data management and report writing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO POST

Access to transport as the post may require travel.

CODE OF PRACTICE

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principled basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines procedures about requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.
The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role and as structures change the job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

An overview of the Acute Haematology Oncology Nursing Service (AHOS)
The AHOS nursing services focus on the management and treatment of patients who present acutely with cancer treatment side effects or as an emergency complication from a known cancer diagnosis. This service was set up following the National Action Plan 2020, published by the DOH in response to COVID-19, which emphasised the need to maintain critical and ongoing services.

The AHOS nursing service is accessible for:

• Patients with a diagnosis of cancer who are on active treatment (oncology or haematology).
• Patients receiving Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted therapy, Radiotherapy, Oral Chemotherapy, and Supportive therapies.
• Patients undergoing or have completed treatment in the last 6-8 weeks for acute care or up to 12 months for immunotherapy.

Previously, the NCCP advocated and secured funding for CNS positions in all 26 Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) hospitals to safeguard patients and minimise, where possible, their attendance at the ED and their requirement for hospital admission. Implementing an advanced nursing practice service will further enhance the AHOS nursing service, thus supporting the patient care pathway. The ANP will collaborate and liaise with the NCCP on strategic goals, including those set out in the National Cancer Strategy 2017 - 2026, through working groups and other approaches to implementation.
The AHOS nursing service is pivotal in providing a non-ED direct access route for cancer patients who require review. Cancer patients who are on treatment and become unwell can access the AHOS nursing service via a dedicated telephone line in any 26 centres across the country that deliver SACT.
The service gives patients access to specialist cancer nurse advice and support during the acute phase of their SACT treatment. Unwell patients who require additional clinical review are, where possible, seen in the cancer day care unit or a dedicated space away from the ED. This reduces the requirement for patients to attend the ED and prioritises appropriate ED referrals. The service is well placed to link with the MDT and community services as outlined in the Sláintecare strategy.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The primary purpose of the advanced practice post is to develop the job description and supporting documentation under the direction of the Healthcare Provider’s Advanced Practice Stakeholder Governance Group, enabling the individual nurse to meet the NMBI Criteria for Registration as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner as set out in Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements (NMBI, 2017).
The cANP/RANP will undertake the academic preparation and develop the clinical and leadership skills, competencies and knowledge required to meet the criteria to be registered as a RANP with NMBI. The scope of the cANP/RANP role must reflect the incremental development of expertise, and as such, the cANP/RANP cannot deliver care as an autonomous practitioner.
The cANP/RANP will complete and submit the necessary documentation for registration as an RANP with NMBI (NMBI, 2017).
The value of nursing’s contribution as a distinct profession must be safeguarded and articulated in developing new services led by advanced nurse practitioners, complementing rather than replacing current services delivered by doctors (NMBI 2017, p.9).
The overall purpose of the post is to provide safe, timely, evidence-based nurse-led care to patients at an advanced nursing level. This involves undertaking and documenting a complete episode of patient care (assess, diagnose, plan, treat, and discharge patients) according to collaboratively agreed protocols and scope of practice in the clinical setting; demonstrating advanced clinical and theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, clinical leadership, and decision-making skills.
The advanced practice role demonstrates a high degree of knowledge, skill and experience that is applied within the nurse-patient relationship to achieve optimal outcomes through critical analysis, problem solving and accurate decision-making (NMBI, 2017).
Central to this is providing quality care, a safe environment, and patient processes through evidence-based clinical guidelines that address patient expectations, promote wellness, and evaluate care given.
The role will provide clinical leadership and professional scholarship to develop local, regional, and national nursing practice and health policy.
The role will contribute to nursing research, shape and advance nursing practice, education, and health care policy at local, national, and international levels, and ultimately support the delivery and development of the AHOS nursing service.
Responsibilities:

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder’s practice is based on developing a higher level of capability across the six domains of competences as defined by Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2017).

The domains of competence (NMBI, 2017) are:

• Professional Values and Conduct
• Clinical-Decision Making
• Knowledge and Cognitive Competences
• Communication and Interpersonal Competences
• Management and Team Competences
• Leadership and Professional Scholarship Competences