RQ507 Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology

Job Title and GradeClinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology    Campaign ReferenceRQ507Taking up AppointmentA start date will be indicated at job offer stage.Location of PostPeamount Healthcare Reporting relationshipAssistant Director of Nursing / Director of Nursing Details of service/background to postPeamount Healthcare is an independent voluntary organisation that provides a range of high-quality health and social care services. We help people return home after a serious illness, we provide safe and homely residential care for those who need it, and we support people to live as independently as possible in the community. Peamount Healthcare Services include –Neurological Rehabilitation ServicesNeurological Disability ServicesAge Related Rehabilitation and Residential ServicesRespiratory Services including Rehabilitation and Sleep servicesResidential Services for Older adults with an Intellectual DisabilityCommunity Outpatients Services Specific Clinical Area:Rheumatology is the medical speciality caring for patients with musculoskeletal disease. The service is a consultant led service that provides expert outpatient and inpatient services in the diagnosis, treatment, management and Rehabilitation of patients.  Inpatient Services:This service includes a 10 bedded inpatient unit on a Monday to Friday basis. Admissions to the unit are elective, arranged through OPD services or transfers from acute hospital services.The setting of care is rehabilitative. The ethos of care is rehabilitation, optimisation and access to multidisciplinary services to enhance the quality of life of patients with a musculoskeletal disease . Outpatient Services:Consultant led outpatient clinics. Infusion clinics for Rheumatology patientsRehabilitation led by the Multidisciplinary TeamMultidisciplinary Team servicesDiagnostics including bloods, Xray, Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Services Aligned to the Rehabilitation services is a Pulmonary Function Laboratory, a Radiology department and Gymnasium for Rehabilitation. The Service users in Peamount Healthcare present with complex medical, psychological and social care needs that are identified and supported through assessment.Interventions are developed to prevent, treat, or manage complex symptoms, in keeping with the “Strategic Framework for Role Expansion of Nurses & Midwives Promoting Quality Patient Care” (NMBI 2011). The appointment of the CNSp is an essential element in the provision of effective, high quality, integrated care for patients with A Neurological Condition requiring Rehabilitation. The application of specialty focused knowledge and skills of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNSp.)in Rheumatology   will provide for the care and on-going management of patients with Rheumatology   and Rheumatology conditions. The post holder will be required to work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team in the organisation providing physical, psychological and emotional support to patients and their families/carers throughout their rehabilitation and treatment journey. She / he will act as a liaison between Rheumatology   Services in Peamount Healthcare, Primary Care, Community services and other agencies. The CNSp in Rheumatology   is supported by the Rheumatology Consultant and the Multidisciplinary team. The CNSp manages a caseload of patients presenting with musculoskeletal disease both as inpatients and on an outpatient basis. This service is delivered in collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in accordance with best practice standards,(HIQA, 2016) Purpose of the Post The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Specialist (Rheumatology) post is to provide pivotal role co-ordinating patient care and managing activity and resources within the clinical area. The main responsibilities are: managing a patient case load, planning assessing and treating patients in consultation with the Rheumatology team using best evidence based practise. Deliver care in line with the five core concepts of the role set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist Posts, 4th edition, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008. The successful candidate will work as a key member of the multidisciplinary (Rheumatology) team providing a patient / client centred quality service to patients / clients and this specialist practice will encompass a major clinical focus which comprises assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care given to patients / clients and their families. Specific to the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology is to provide specialist nursing support and care to adults with Neurological conditions requiring rehabilitation. The aim is to help them achieve an optimum level of health with Rheumatology and supports. Provide comprehensive care under the care of the Rheumatology team during inpatient and outpatient attendances.Provide specialist clinical advice and support to patients attending the service.Be the key hospital contact person within the Rheumatology service.Contribute to the evidence based improvement of the health care experience and outcomes for the individual. Provide appropriate health and services education to the patient and health professionals.Liaise with other hospitals, service providers, respite services, palliative care providers and relevant community services to ensure the patient is linked with necessary, services and supports.Act as the patient’s advocate when appropriateLink with members of MDT in Peamount Healthcare and across the hospital and community services for musculoskeletal disease.The primary focus of the post holder will be to ensure that Adults with musculoskeletal disease receive timely and appropriate care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care delivery. The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology’s caseload is a broad role covering all aspects of Rheumatology care for patients with a musculoskeletal condition during outpatient and in-patient treatmentCo-ordinating and providing care and support to the patient and their family.Co-ordinating meetings and follow-up appointmentsDischarge planning, and management of waiting lists Role ResponsibilitiesThe person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree. Maintain throughout the hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities. Performance management systems are part of role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme. The post holder’s practice is based on the five core concepts of Clinical Nurse Specialist (Rheumatology  ) role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are:Clinical FocusPatient/Client AdvocateEducation and TrainingAudit and Research ConsultantClinical Nurse Specialist (Rheumatology) will: Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regard to The Scope of Nursing & Midwifery Practice Framework (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2014)Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be professionally accountable for actions/omissions. Take measures to develop and maintain the competences required for professional practiceAdhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion and Commitment (DoH, 2016)Adhere to national, regional and local HSE PPPGsAdhere to relevant legislation and regulationAdhere to appropriate lines of authority within the nurse/midwife management structure. Clinical Focus:Clinical Nurse Specialist (Rheumatology) will have a strong patient focus whereby the specialty defines itself as nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions and ethical standards of nursing. The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care. Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care to the patient, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care. Direct Care:Clinical Nurse Specialist (Rheumatology) will: Provide a specialist nursing service for adults with musculoskeletal conditions who require support and treatment through the continuum of careUndertake comprehensive individual care needs assessment to include physical, psychological, social and spiritual elements of care using best evidence based practice in Rheumatology careUse the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.Monitor and evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.Make alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPG’s).Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleaguesCo-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-upCommunicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as requiredWhere appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriateParticipate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly-pharmacy and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication managementBe the key co-ordinator for patients with complex needs who attend the Rheumatology   service, whilst they are an inpatient.Identify and promote specific symptom management strategies as well as the identification of triggers which may cause exacerbation of symptoms. Provide patients with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathways.Manage nurse led Rheumatology   clinics with MDT inputIdentify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patients’ needs Indirect Care:The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways to Rheumatology services.Participate in case review with MDT colleaguesUse a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriateTake a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs relating to musculoskeletal careTake a lead role in ensuring the service for patients with musculoskeletal conditions is in line with best practice guidelines and the Safer Better Healthcare Standards (HIQA, 2012)Patient AdvocateThe Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriateDevelop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment optionsRespect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carerEstablish, on behalf of the patient, clear patterns for communicating and working together with medical, ward staff and other healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, community health services, area medical officers, community pharmacists, public healthEstablish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care and Voluntary Organisations as appropriateProactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients Education and TrainingThe Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Maintain clinical competence in patient management within Rheumatology  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 musculoskeletal condition.Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer in relation to musculoskeletal l conditions.Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate.Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriateCreate exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based Rheumatology care delivery through journal clubs, conferences etc.Develop and maintain links with Regional Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (RCNMEs), the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Units (NMPDUs) and relevant third level Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the design, development and delivery of educational programmes in Rheumatology.  Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needsAudit & Research: The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Establish and maintain a register of patients requiring Rheumatology specialist services within the Clinical Nurse Specialist Caseload.Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) as directed and advised by the DoN.Identify, initiate and conduct nursing and MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice.Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to Rheumatology care into practiceContribute to nursing research on all aspects of Rheumatology care.Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and specialist knowledgeMonitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence-based practiceConsultant: The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for Rheumatology practice.Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementationUse specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practiceDevelop collaborative working relationships with National Rheumatology Clinical Nurse Specialist’s/Registered Advanced Nurse/Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.With the support of the Director of Nursing, attend integrated care planning meetings as requiredWhere appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community.Liaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the National Clinical Programme model of care.Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialist’s in Rheumatology care and in related professional associations.Health & SafetyThese duties must be performed in accordance with local organisational and the HSE health and safety polices. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act (2005). Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the local policy documents and as set out in the local safety statement, which must be read and understood. The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements regarding quality, risk and safetyParticipate and cooperate with local quality, risk and safety initiatives as required.Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of the organisation’s structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to, The National Hygiene Audit, National Decontamination Audit, Health and Safety Audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities Initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with local organisational quality, risk and safety requirementsContribute to the development of PPPGs and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standardsComply with Peamount Healthcare’s Complaints Policy Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms and clinical risk report on ViClarity.Adhere to organisational policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied and used to carry out the responsibilities of the role of CNS in Rheumatology.Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, guidelines and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.Have knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role.Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service. ManagementThe Clinical Nurse Specialist in Rheumatology will:Provide an efficient, effective, and high quality service, respecting the needs of each service user.Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet the needs of a changing and developing service.Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs.Implement and manage identified changes.Ensure that confidentiality in relation to resident /client records is maintained.Maintain accurate and up to date statistics of the service provided, including audit of resident / client contacts.Represent the specialist service at local, national and international meetings as required.Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records / data on all matters pertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of this service in line with organisational requirements. The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.  Eligibility Criteria Qualifications and/ or experienceCandidates must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post, possess:  1.     Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.(a)  I) Be a registered nurse on the active Register of Nurses or Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered And(b)   II) Be registered in General Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives in which the application is being made 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 AndIII) Have successfully completed a post registration programme of study, as certified by the education provider, which verifies that the applicant has achieved a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic Level 8 or higher relevant to the specialist area of Rheumatology prior to application. OrIV) Can demonstrate in writing that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 8 or higher standard, relevant to the specialist area of Rheumatology prior to applicationAnd V) Have a minimum of 5 years post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 5 years full time in the General division of the register in which the application is being made AndVI) Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in specialist area of Rheumatology Nursing AndVII) Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development (b) Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice 2.   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 such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 3.  CharacterEach candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character. 4.  AgeAge restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation 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 application forms for the office occurs. Please note that appointment to and continuation in posts that require statutory registration is dependent upon the post holder maintaining annual registration in the relevant division of the register maintained by Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).Post Specific Requirements Demonstrate depth and breadth of nursing experience in the specialist area of Rheumatology Nursing as relevant to this post.Other requirements specific to the postAccess to appropriate transport. Skills, competencies and/or knowledge  Candidates must demonstrate:·        Practitioner competence and professional credibility – demonstrates a high level of clinical knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.·        The ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality.·        Promotion of evidence-based decision making; evidence-based clinical knowledge in making decisions regarding patient / client care.·        The ability to plan and manage resource effectively.·        Effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.·        Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships.·        Effective communication and influencing skills.·        Initiative and innovation in the delivery of service.·        Resilience and composure.·        Openness to change.·        Integrity and an ethical stance.·        A commitment to continuing professional development.·        The ability to relate nursing research to nursing practice.·        Knowledge of quality assurance practices and their application to nursing procedures.·        Awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g. legislation relevant to the service area, health and safety, infection control etc.·        Awareness of current and emerging nursing strategies and policies in relation to the clinical / designated area.·        Awareness of the Health Service Transformation Programme.·        A willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role. Campaign Specific Selection Process Ranking/Shortlisting / InterviewA ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.  Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.  Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation. Code of PracticeThe 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 principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to 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”. Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on www.cpsa.ie. 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.