Clinical Nurse Specialist – Breast Care - Women's Health Clinic

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist – Breast CareDepartment: Women's Health CentreJob Type: PermanentHours: 37.5 per week (Full-Time) Blackrock Clinic is the leading and longest established private hospital and clinic in Ireland. Since it opened in the mid-1980s, the clinic has consistently built an unparalleled reputation in new high-tech surgical procedures, medical treatments, and ground-breaking diagnostics. As a JCI accredited hospital, Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do. Blackrock Clinic is now part of Blackrock Health Private Hospital Group along with the Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic, and Limerick Clinic, some of the most advanced hospitals in Irish private healthcare. A key pillar of the group’s strategic plan is a commitment to further build on its excellence in healthcare for women at every stage of life. Our planned new state-of-the-art Women’s Health Centre will combine a comprehensive range of services under one roof, in a prominent Dublin City Centre location. From expert consultations, diagnostic testing to specialized treatments, we will support women through their healthcare journey.Role Purpose The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an integral member of the Blackrock Health Breast Care Team and Women's Health Centre. The CNS will provide expert clinical leadership and support for patients with breast-related concerns, including breast cancer, benign conditions, and general breast health. This role is primarily focused on clinical duties, including the assessment, planning, development, and evaluation of care provided to patients and their families. The CNS will play a key role in liaising with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and primary care providers, to ensure a seamless and comprehensive care pathway for patients. Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Care:Assess and manage patients with breast cancer, benign breast disease, and other related conditions, ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes.Develop personalized care plans, integrating physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of care.Provide direct clinical care, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care.Monitor patients throughout their treatment journey, adjusting care plans as necessary based on individual needs.Act as a point of contact for patient concerns and queries, providing guidance and emotional support.Assist with Decision-MakingEnsure all patients receive necessary information to make informed decisions about their care, including options such as breast reconstruction and other available treatments, empowering them to make choices that align with their needs and valuesMaintain Accurate and Legible Records: Ensure that all patient records are kept accurate, legible, and up to date. Patient Education & Support:·      Educate patients and families about breast health, treatment options, and side-effect management related to breast cancer and other breast conditions.·      Lead and facilitate breast care education programs and support groups for patients and their families.·      Provide counselling and emotional support for patients dealing with breast cancer diagnoses, treatment challenges, and survivorship. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:·      Work closely with oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.·      Coordinate patient care across various services (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, psychosocial support) to ensure a seamless patient experience.·      Attend and actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing input and feedback on individual patient care plans. Leadership & Education:·      Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for nursing staff, providing expertise on breast care and complex patient management.·      Facilitate educational sessions and training for nursing and medical staff on the latest best practices and developments in breast care.·      Contribute to the development of protocols, guidelines, and policies to enhance the care provided to breast patients.·      Establish, implement, and continuously monitor standards of nursing practice to ensure adherence to best practice guidelines and high-quality care delivery.·      Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora as required.·      Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice. Research & Quality Improvement:·      Participate in and contribute to clinical research projects related to breast care and oncology nursing.·      Identify opportunities for quality improvement within the breast care service and help implement initiatives to improve patient outcomes.·      Implement Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Use evidence-based practices in care planning, focusing on a pathway approach that ensures high standards of care based on the latest research and clinical findings.·      Ensure clinical audits and evaluations are conducted to maintain high standards of care and patient safety.·      Contribute to the hospital’s accreditation and regulatory programmes on behalf of the breast care teams (JCI, HIQA).  Essential RequirementsBe registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBIHave at least five years recent post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting Oncology/ Surgical Experience A recognised level 8 post-registration Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic award relevant to the specialist area – Oncology Nursing/ Breast Care or Gynaecology, or be willing to complete same within one year of taking up postHolds an up-to-date ACLS course or be in pursuit of same