Clinical Nurse Specialist - Colorectal and Gastro-Intestinal

at  Blackrock Health

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Maintain clinical competence in patient management within colorectal and gastrointestinal nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice.
Provide the patient, family, and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing their conditions.
Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family, and/or carer in relation to colorectal and gastrointestinal conditions including wound and ostomy care, thus empowering them to self-manage their condition.
Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate.
Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues, and key stakeholders as appropriate.
Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based colorectal and gastrointestinal nursing care delivery through journal clubs, conferences etc.
Develop and maintain links with relevant third level Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the design, development, and delivery of educational programmes in specialist areas.
Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI
Have at least five years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting and a minimum of two years nursing experience in the specialist area
Have acquired a level 8 post registration Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic award relevant to the specialist area of Colorectal and/or Gastrointestinal Nursing (or similar) or be willing to complete within one year of taking up post.

SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES

Clinical Skills
Management skills
Leadership skills
IT skills
Quality focus
Risk Management
Clinical audit
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE

Experience in teaching & assessing
Experience with JCI standards

JOB PURPOSE

As a key member of the Nursing team, the post holder will demonstrate excellent clinical skills, quality patient care initiatives and facilitate effective interpersonal communication with colleagues in the unit(s) and hospital. The role will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients using evidence-based practice and adjusting resources to ensure continuity of care, will act as a role model for excellence in patient care.
The CNS will communicate and collaborate with the medical/nursing staff teams in the delivery of quality continuing care for the patient, including liaison with Consultants, and GP’s. The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives. The role demands a broad range of professional skills and knowledge as well as skills in communication, leadership, teaching, education, research and counselling all in keeping with the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist Posts, 4th edition, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008.