JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist
Neurology, Headache – Integrated Community Service
Fulltime Permanent
Reference No : 07.011 (2025)
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist (cCNS) Neurology - Headache Service will carry out assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care in the Community and Tallaght University Hospital setting as part of the integrated Community Care team.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 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.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.If 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.If 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 pathways
Have 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 Applications
Age 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. Health
A 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 2015 Schedule 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 OFFICE
1. The appointment is fulltime, permanent 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 March 2025 is :
Clinical Nurse Specialist : €60,854 by 11 increments to €76,897 incl. 1 LSI
Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist : €56,081 by 8 increments to €66,045
Salary 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 Age
There 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 Scheme
Please 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 Neurology – Headache Service will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.
5. Hours of work :
Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 7 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change 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, 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 ACCOUNTABILITY
Maintain 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 PracticeComply 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.Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.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 ACCOUNTABILITY
Clinical Focus
Carry out assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of care in the community and Tallaght University Hospital setting as part of the integrated community care teamHelp meet the psychological, emotional and educational needs of headache patients at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. The support should be provided for patients commensurate with International best practice nursing standards.Actively participate in planning and carrying out care for headache patientsBe competent to carry out the administration of BTX (Botulinum toxin) and GON (Greater occipital nerve) Provide support to the family / significant other, though listening, problem solving and education on all aspects of headache care. Promotion of self-care for the patient in the management of their condition. The CNS liaises with the pharmacist hospital & community prior to the new patient visits to discuss the patient’s medication.Assess patients regarding their need for referral to specialist services.Report patient concerns promptly to the consultant / clinical leader and discuss referral to other relevant specialist services.Co-ordinate relevant MDT services required for treatmentAttend multidisciplinary team meetingEducate patients re : diagnoses and treatments.Foster good working relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team, which are both professional and supportive.Maintain accurate clinical records complying with legislation and best practice.Demonstrate specialist knowledge of and clinical expertise in the delivery of patient care.Be aware of all hospital policies and procedures and collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure that these are observed.Triage and prioritise urgent patients for referral into the headache service from registered medical practitioners in Emergency department, primary care, community and GP.Act as a link between statutory, voluntary and community based services.Be actively involved in the preparation and implementation of policies and nursing guidelines in relation to the management of care to headache patients.Administer specialised treatment options for headache within competence level and in accordance with Hospital policies and nursing guidelines.Demonstrate leadership ability and good communication skills.Patient Advocate
Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient.Act as a resource / contact person for patients on all aspects of headache care.Provide patients and family / significant others with contact details for the clinical nurse specialist and advise for out of hours contact.Be aware of existing resources / services, which help patients and their families / significant others, e.g. MAI, social services, support groups, entitlements.Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions regarding treatment for patients.Act as the patients advocate when necessary, especially in an informed discussion to promote the patient’s participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment optionsDemonstrates an awareness of ethical awareness and social issues on an individual patient basisFacilitate development of information and educational leaflets for headache patients and their families.Promotes an awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all community activities. Ensuring 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.Education and training
The specific needs and educational requirements of this patient population demands specialist nursing care and advice that can only be provided by the specialist nurse who through academic and practical development has acquired the necessary specific body of expert knowledge (Commission on Nursing 1998).Assist in the development and delivery of training programmes for nursing staffDevelop and maintain awareness on all aspects of headache care to patients, families and colleagues.Play an active role in teaching all grades of nursing staff and other disciplines as required.Act as a speciality headache advice resource for healthcare professionals, including but not limited to nurses, GP’s, NCHD’s pharmacists and voluntary services.Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patients.Consultancy
Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for practiceGenerate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines, having regard to national and international advancements in nursing.Establish collegial partnerships and in the context of headache contribute to the professional development of students, peers, colleagues and others through consultation, education, leadership, mentorship and coachingWork with, support, advise and help build up knowledge of expertise of the primary care team in providing an appropriate system of care to meet the needs of the patient and their family / carersDevelop and maintain good collaborative working relationships and communication with all members of the speciality’s MDT and other health care professionals within and outside the service.Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance general nursing practiceWill 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 necessaryParticipate in relevant committees.Audit and Research
Ensure that his / her own practice is compliant and up to date with “best practice”, which is reflected in research and development.Participates in ongoing audit of his / her own clinical practiceBe expected to audit current nursing practice and evaluate improvements in the quality of patient care within the serviceEnsure the development and maintenance of a quality assurance programme which is patient centred utilising up to date research findingsUse such research findings to influence care within the specialty.Set objectives and develop policies, procedures and standards for the nursing services based on current nursing research and relevant research from other disciplines.Identify areas within the specialty relevant to nursing practice, which would benefit from research.Promote an awareness of research-based practice amongst staff.Participate in departmental research related to the specialty.Produce monthly figures on service activity and an annual report on the Headache Service.Evaluate the community Headache service and provide an annual report to the ADON.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.Maintain as required an asset register of appropriate equipment.Information Technology
Ensure that the team 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 the compliance of all your staff 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 Control
Ensure 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 Management
Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification, reporting and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.Confidentiality
You 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 Management
Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.Development of Hospital Groups
The 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.
