CHW Clinical Nurse Specialist, Respiratory, Integrated Care

**Please ensure you download, save and read the Job Specification, Additional Campaign Information as well the Application Form attached to this campaign. As we require the same information from all candidates in order to ensure fairness and transparency across our recruitment process, we will NOT be able to accept applications by CV or any other method. You must submit a fully completed Application Form particular to this campaign via Rezoomo. **

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care

Community Services West, HSE West and North West

Job Specification – Terms and Conditions

Job Title, Grade Code

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care

(Grade Code: 2628)

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is:

€60,854 €61,862 €62,715 €64,106 €65,644 €67,154 €68,664 €70,364 €71,943 €74,658 €76,897 LSI

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Campaign Reference

CHW020-CNSRIC-2025

Closing Date

Friday 21st March 2025

Proposed Interview Date (s)

As soon as possible following the closing date.

Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.

Taking up Appointment

A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.

Location of Post

There is currently one permanent, whole-time vacancy available in Integrated Care Hub for Chronic Disease – East Galway Roscommon Integrated Care Hub, St Brigids Campus, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care, HSE West and North West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Andrea Devine, Operational Lead Integrated Care Programme Chronic Disease

Tel: 090 96 25700 / 0871038409

Email: andrea.devine@hse.ie

Details of Service

In line with Sláintecare (2017) and the Department of Health’s Capacity review (2018), a shift in healthcare service provision is now required to place the focus on integrated, person-centred care, based as close to home as possible. In order to enable this, the Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease (ICPCD) is supporting the national implementation of a model of integrated care for the prevention and management of chronic disease as part of the Enhanced Community Care Programme (ECC). The Model of Care for the Integrated Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease has a particular focus on preventive healthcare, early intervention and the provision of supports to live well with chronic disease.

The investment in the ECC programme will be delivered on a phased basis with a view to national coverage being achieved within a two- to three- year period. Three priority areas have been identified as follows:

The focus is on providing an end-to-end pathway that will reduce admissions to acute hospitals by providing access to diagnostics and specialist services in the ambulatory care hubs in a timely manner. For patients who require hospital admission, the emphasis is on minimising the hospital length of stay, with the provision of post-discharge follow up and support for people in the community and in their own homes, where required. A shared local governance structure across the local acute hospitals and the associated CHO will ensure the development of a fully integrated service and end-to-end pathway for individuals living with chronic disease.

The ECC Programme is underpinned by a set of key principles including:

• Eighty percent of services delivered in Primary Care are through the GP and CHNs;
• Identifying and building health needs assessments at a CHN level (approximate population of 50,000) based on a population stratification approach to include identification of people with chronic disease and frequent service users, thereby ensuring the right people get the right service based on the complexity of their health care needs;
• Utilisation of a whole system approach to integrating care based on person centred models, while promoting self-care in the community;
• The Older Persons and Chronic Disease Service Models set out an end to end service architecture for the identification and management of frail older adults with complex care needs and people living with chronic disease;
• Learning from, and delivering services, based on best practice models and the extensive work of the integrated care clinical programmes to date, particularly in the areas of Older Persons and Chronic Disease;
• Embed preventive approach to chronic disease into all services;
• Availability of a timely response to early presentations of identified conditions and the ability to manage appropriate levels of complexity related to same in the community;
• Resources applied intensively in a targeted manner to a defined population, implementing best practice models of care to demonstrate the delivery of specific outcomes and sustainable services; and,
• The need to frontload investment, coupled with reform to strengthen community services.

Ambulatory care hubs are sites identified outside of the hospital setting that will provide access to specialist services within the community. Each hub will be affiliated with a local hospital and will serve a population of approximately 150,000 and will focus primarily on the prevention and management of chronic diseases. These hubs will be established to support the provision of care closer to home and to facilitate ready access to diagnostics, specialist services and specialist opinions in order to enhance the delivery of patient-centred care, support early intervention and avoid hospital admission, where possible.

Each site will develop a suite of pathways that provide access to the hubs and to diagnostics including spirometry, radiology and laboratory testing. The integrated care services will receive clinical governance from dedicated Specialist Consultants to ensure the provision of the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The Integrated Respiratory Service will support:

· A holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the care of individuals with chronic respiratory disease

· Provision of a reformed outpatient service that utilises telehealth and other ICT measures to facilitate a more effective and efficient delivery of care

· Reduced waiting times for patients for hospital-based outpatient services

· Timely access to specialist services and specialist opinion for patients with respiratory disease in the community

· Early intervention pathways/ rapid access clinics for acute, chronic or newly presenting respiratory conditions

· Development of pathways for the management of chronic respiratory disease.

· The early assessment and implementation of pathways that will support GP-led primary care, efficient discharge back to the community where appropriate and reduce the need for repeated hospital-based outpatient reviews

· Provision of oversight and implementation of self-management support services for chronic respiratory disease, including PR

· Facilitating access and reporting of non-invasive respiratory testing e.g. spirometry for GPs

· Providing improved integration of early discharge, outreach and potentially admission avoidance programmes

· Developing and managing oxygen assessment and review clinics

Reporting Relationship

The post holder’s professional/clinical reporting relationship is to the Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing (ADPHN) and works in partnership with Integrated Respiratory Teams.

The post holder will report operationally to the Operational lead Integrated Care ICPCD Specialist Community Team on operational and administrative matters.

Is clinically accountable to the Integrated Care Respiratory Consultant to the hub.

Key Working Relationships

· Have a clinical working relationship with the GP and the Respiratory Specialist team in the hub including the Consultant Respiratory Integrated Care and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Co-Ordinator

· Work collaboratively with the COPD Outreach teams and with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders involved in the provision of integrated respiratory care in the acute setting.

· Have a close working relationship with the DPHN or designated nursing manager and the Hub Operational lead

· Work in partnership with the multi-disciplinary teams across primary and secondary care

The Integrated Respiratory Service will support:

· A holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the care of individuals with chronic respiratory disease

· Provision of a reformed outpatient service that utilises telehealth and other ICT measures to facilitate a more effective and efficient delivery of care

· Reduced waiting times for patients for hospital-based outpatient services

· Timely access to specialist services and specialist opinion for patients with respiratory disease in the community

· Early intervention pathways/ rapid access clinics for acute, chronic or newly presenting respiratory conditions

· Development of pathways for the management of chronic respiratory disease.

· The early assessment and implementation of pathways that will support GP-led primary care, efficient discharge back to the community where appropriate and reduce the need for repeated hospital-based outpatient reviews

· Provision of oversight and implementation of self-management support services for chronic respiratory disease, including PR

· With training facilitate access and performance of non-invasive respiratory testing e.g. spirometry for GPs

· Providing improved integration of early discharge, outreach and potentially admission avoidance programmes

Developing and managing oxygen assessment and review clinics

Purpose of the Post

The role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory Integrated Care will differ according to the needs and configuration of established respiratory services at each site. The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Specialist, Respiratory Integrated Care post is to: provide expertise and specialist nursing services to patients with a respiratory condition both in the hospital outpatient settings and in primary care. The post holder will liaise between acute respiratory services and integrated respiratory services in the community along with other agencies to deliver effective evidenced based care. They will use resources efficiently to achieve the best possible outcomes in keeping with the NCP Programme model of care and HIQA standards.

The person appointed to this post will work in newly formed Respiratory Integrated Care services. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering coordinated evidence based care for patients in primary care whilst liaising closely with secondary care. The CNS RIC will deliver nurse-led clinics to provide support to patients and their GPs in creating management plans, assessing inhaler treatments, assisting with diagnosis development and will provide education to patients and staff. In line with the Model of Care, 80% of the CNS role will involve working with General Practitioners (GP’s) and MDT’s in the Community and 20% of CNS role will involve working with the Respiratory Consultant in the Specialist Ambulatory Care Hub or in Secondary Care OPD. There will be a strong focus on service integration and team-working. This post will also involve the core elements of the CNS post to include clinical audit and research.

In order to ensure continuity of service to patients the will be required to rotate/cover other parts of the integrated respiratory service such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Outreach. This will also promote service integration and enhance skillset development. It will be dependent on identified service needs at each site. If deemed appropriate, site rotation should occur within the first 3-6 months of taking up the post. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (RIC) caseload will focus initially on the following patient groups.

• COPD

Asthma

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory, Integrated Care will deliver care in line with the five core concepts of the role set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Post, 4th ed. National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008. The concepts are:

• Clinical Focus
• Patient/Client Advocate
• Education and Training
• Audit and Research
• Consultant

Whereby the CNS is required to rotate into Outreach or Pulmonary Rehabilitation, some aspects of their primary role under these headings may alter to include additional duties such as home visits, delivering pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen assessments and nurse led spirometry clinics.

Clinical Focus

The CNS 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 others in their provision of direct care. The CNS will work in conjunction with other team members in co-ordinating and developing the Integrated Care service to meet the needs of the population it serves in line with the objectives of the organisation.

Direct Care

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory-Integrated Care will:

· Provide a specialist nursing service for patients with COPD/Asthma that incorporates evidence based knowledge, investigative and analytical skills and specialist assessment techniques to triage comprehensibly assess and manage a range of complex presentations.

· Use the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the GP/Consultant/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 GP/Consultant/MDT and patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.

· Make alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the GP/Consultant/MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways, policies, protocols and guidelines (PPPG’s).

• Manage nurse led asthma and COPD Clinics with GP/Specialist input

· Evaluate clinical problems using objective measurement tools e.g. Spirometry, Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) in conjunction with other team members, co-ordinate investigations, therapies and patient follow-up in secondary or primary care as appropriate.

· Provide spirometry service to confirm differential diagnosis and staging of disease where appropriate.

• Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs

· If a Registered Nurse Prescriber (RNP) the nurse must work within the scope of their practice and adhere to the regulations set down by NMBI pertaining to this role and, local policy requirements.

· Use agreed direct pathway for patients who may present/become clinically unwell at time of attending/engaging with the service.

• In collaboration with the GP and Consultant, co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up and referrals as required.
• Communicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as required.
• Work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
• Participate in medication reconciliation taking cognisance of poly-pharmacy and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and medication management.

· Provide specialist interventions including, sputum clearance, and relaxation, breathing control, exercise and breathlessness management.

• 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/de-escalation plans.
• Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence and using the principles laid out by MECC (Make Every Contact Count). This will include the provision educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patients’ needs
• Assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.
• Communicate with patients, families and friends, assess needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling when and where necessary.

Indirect Care

• Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for patients with Asthma or COPD, or both COPD and Asthma
• Participate in case review with MDT colleagues
• Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care
• Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs relating to Integrated Care. Contribute to the development and implementation of information sharing protocols, audit systems, referral pathways, individual care plans and shared care arrangements through regular collaboration/meetings with respiratory nurses locally and nationally.
• Manage clinical risk within own clinical caseload, to have up to date knowledge of indications, contraindications and precautions for any treatment skills and techniques selected and applied throughout an individual course of treatment.
• Arrange referrals to other appropriate specialist services as deemed necessary
• Refer for further clinical psychological evaluation if felt necessary or requested by the patient and/or their family.
• Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet the needs of an evolving service
• Work closely with colleagues across services in order to provide a seamless integrated service for the patient
• Identify and utilise professional and voluntary resources and facilities at local and national level by direct and indirect referral
• Refer to relevant services to assist with procurement of domiciliary equipment and respiratory therapies that may be required by the patient such as oxygen
• Participate in the Departmental Clinical Governance processes, working in partnership with the Head of Departments, CNM3/ADPHN, and Clinical Governance lead and local respiratory governance groups.
• Ensure that effective clinical governance procedures are maintained and evolve according to defined needs and demands in Respiratory care.
• Maintain professional standards including patient and data confidentiality in line with HSE policy
• Develop and implement strategies as part of the Integrated Care team for delivering effective care within a changing environment using IT and alternative delivery strategies as needed.

Patient/Client Advocate

Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS) Respiratory – Integrated Care will:

• Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and /or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with GP/Consultant/MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate
• Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carer
• Establish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care and Voluntary Organisations

· Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients.

· Participate in meetings as a patient and service representative when requested to advocate and support the development of services/staff in respiratory care

· Support the development of local patient advocacy groups pertinent to specialty

· Contribute to case conferencing meetings with supporting consultant and other members of the MDT

· Provide and advocate for appropriate assessments, supports and strategies for patients with disease related changes and difficulties.

Education & Training:

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care will:

• Maintain clinical competence in patient management within respiratory 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 respiratory conditions.
• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer in relation to Asthma and/or COPD thus empowering them to manage their own condition independently and autonomously.

· Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate.

· Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate.

· Address the educational needs of nursing and other professionals by participating in or facilitating training programmes for all members of the MDT.

· Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based respiratory 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 respiratory care
• Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.
• Develop and deliver education and training programmes for the wider primary and secondary care MDTs as requested or deemed necessary
• Seek advice and assistance with assigned cases which prove to be beyond the scope of their professional competence.

Audit & Research:

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care will:

· Collect and maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to the business intelligence unit (BIU) and National KPI’s as directed and advised by the PR coordinator, the National Clinical Programmes and senior management.

· Provide annual reports/updates on patient numbers and activity levels as required for service planning.

• Identify, initiate and conduct nursing and collaborative MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice.
• Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to respiratory care into practice.
• Contribute to nursing research on all aspects of Asthma and COPD nursing care
• Use the outcomes of audit to inform service provision and the need for change
• Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and specialist knowledge.
• Monitor, access, utilise and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice.

· Contribute to the examination of patients and staffs experiences when engaging with Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Integrated services

• Assures all patient evaluations are performed and results communicated to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Represent the department / team at local, national and international meetings and conferences as appropriate.

Consultant:

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care will:

• Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model to primary care staff in the area of asthma/COPD/respiratory practice.
• Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
• Use specialist knowledge in Respiratory Care to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with local respiratory CNS’s/Registered and Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner/ GP/ Consultant/ MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.
• With the support of the DPHN, attend integrated care planning meetings as required.
• 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 respiratory care and in related professional associations.

· Support the development of local disease specific patient support groups by acting as a specialist resource and point of contact for educational elements as needed.

· Liaise with other chronic disease specialist teams (such as diabetes/heart failure) to discuss joint management/assessment needs of patients as necessary.

Management/Administration

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care will:

· Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient, family and/or carer

· Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet changing and developing service needs

· Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs.

· Implement and manage identified changes.

· Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintained.

· Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora as required.

· Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records and data on all matters pertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of care and ensure that this service is in line with HSE requirements.

· Contribute to the service planning process as appropriate and as directed by the DPHN.

To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

Health & Safety

These duties must be performed in accordance with local organisational & 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)6. 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.

Quality, Risk and Safety Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all staff to:

• Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to quality, risk and safety;
• Participate 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 requirements;
• Contribute to the development of PPPGs and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standard Comply with Health Service Executive (HSE) Complaints;
• Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms and clinical risk reporting;

· Adhere to department 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 Respiratory Care;

· To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene

Hygiene in healthcare is defined as “the practice that serves to keep people and the environment clean and prevent infection. It involves preserving one’s health, preventing the spread of disease and recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards” (HSE 2006)7. In the healthcare setting it incorporates the following key areas: environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, management of laundry, waste and sharps, and equipment“ (HIQA, 2008; P2)

It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with local organisational hygiene standards, guidelines and practices

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 experience

All eligible candidates must at the latest date for receipt of completed applications for the post:

1. Statutory Registration, 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

(ii) Be registered in the General Division of the of Nurses and Midwives Board of Ireland (An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) Register for which the application is being made or be entitled to be so registered.

Or

(iii) 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.

And

(iv) Have a minimum of 1 years 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 (taking into account (ii) (iii) if relevant)

And

(v) Have a minimum of 1 years experience or an aggregate of 1 years full time experience in specialist area of Respiratory care.

And

(vi) 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 9 or higher award that is relevant to the specialist area of Respiratory care, and in line with the requirements for specialist practice as set out b the National Council for nursing and Midwifery 4th ed (2008).

Alternatively provide written evidence from the Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 9 or higher standard, relevant to the specialist area of Respiratory 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 4th ed (2008).

And

(vii) Be required to demonstrate that they have continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the specialist area.

And

(viii) Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling their professional responsibility within their scope of practice.

And

(b) Candidate must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative capacity for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

2. Annual registration

(i) On appointment, practitioners must maintain live annual registration on the appropriate/relevant Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) for the role.

And

(ii) Confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Service user Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

3.Health

Candidates 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.

4.Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Demonstrate depth and breadth of Nursing experience in the area of Respiratory as relevant to the role.

Have successfully obtained spirometry accredited training such as the Irish Association of Respiratory Physiologists (IARS) CPD Certificate in Spirometry for Healthcare Professionals' or equivalent, or commit to undertake and complete the IARS programme, as soon as possible following appointment. A formal written commitment will be required from the applicant if a job offer is made.

Other requirements specific to the post

It is recommended that the CNS in consultation with line management consider completing the Nurse & Midwife Medicinal Product Prescribing and/or Nurse Prescribing Ionising Radiation programmes in line with the evolving service requirements.

Access to own transport as a significant portion of the appointees work will be carried out “off-site”. This means that the appointee will travel to patient’s home/ place of residence and community hubs to perform duties related to the role.

•

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care 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 practice, to include developing and or maintaining competencies in spirometry

· Adhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion and Commitment (DoH, 2016)

• Adhere to national, regional and local HSE PPPGs
• Adhere to relevant legislation and regulation
• Adhere to appropriate lines of authority within the nurse management structure

Demonstrate:

• An in-depth knowledge of the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care (RIC)
• In-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of Asthma and COPD
• The ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the patient with Asthma and/or COPD, Including taking an accurate history of their respiratory condition and presenting problem

· The ability to employ appropriate diagnostic interventions including (Inhaler techniques, Spirometry, Peak Flow, Arterial Blood Gas analysis) to support clinical decision making and the patients’ self- management planning

• The ability to formulate a plan of care based on findings and evidence based standards of care and practice guidelines
• The ability to follow up and evaluate a plan of care;
• Knowledge of health promotion principles/coaching/motivational interviewing and self-management strategies that will enable people to take greater control over decisions and actions that affect their health and wellbeing

· An understanding of the principles of clinical governance and risk management as they apply directly to Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS) Respiratory – Integrated Care (RIC) role and the wider health service

• Evidence of teaching in the clinical area
• A working knowledge of audit and research processes;
• Evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, E-mail, PowerPoint.
• Have an awareness and understand the work of the National Clinical Programme Respiratory and Chronic disease
• Knowledge and understanding of oxygen assessment procedures and relevant guidelines.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrate:

• Effective communication skills;
• Ability to build and maintain relationships particularly in the context of MDT working
• Ability to advocate strongly and consistently on behalf of patients and the respiratory service
• Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to manage groups through the learning process
• Ability to provide constructive feedback to encourage future learning
• Effective presentation skills

Organisation & Management skills:

Demonstrate:

• Evidence of effective organisational skills including awareness of appropriate resource management
• Ability to attain designated targets, manage deadlines and multiple tasks;
• Ability to be self-directed, work on own initiative
• A willingness to be flexible in response to changing local/organisational requirement

Building & Maintaining Relationships including Team and Leadership skills

Demonstrate:

• Leadership, change management and team management skills including the ability to work with MDT colleagues.

Commitment to providing a quality service:

Demonstrate

• Awareness and respect for the patient’s views in relation to their care

· Evidence of providing quality improvement programmes

· Evidence of conducting audit

• Evidence of motivation by on-going professional development.

Analysing & Decision Making

Demonstrate:

· Effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A 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 progressing 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.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Employees of the HSE bring a range of skills, talents, diverse thinking and experience to the organisation. The HSE believes passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to its success – we aim to develop the workforce of the HSE so that it reflects the diversity of HSE service users and to strengthen it through accommodating and valuing different perspectives. Ultimately this will result in improved service user and employee experience.

The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential. The HSE aims to achieve this through development of an organisational culture where injustice, bias and discrimination are not tolerated.

The HSE welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and offers a range of supports and resources to staff, such as those who require a reasonable accommodation at work because of a disability or long-term health condition.

Read more about the HSE’s commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

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 CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards to be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

Read the CPSA Code of Practice.

The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

This Job Specification 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.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Respiratory – Integrated Care

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 37.5 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 37.5 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation

The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

• Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

• Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

• Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

• Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

• Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

• Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1]A template SSSS and guidelines are available on writing your site or service safety statement.

2 Structures and processes for effective incident management and review of incidents.