Clinical Nurse Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) / Clinical Nurse Manager II (CNM2) - Liaison Psychiatry

Reference No:

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The post-holder will work as a key member of multidisciplinary liaison psychiatry – psychological medicine team providing care in the general Hospital to patients who experience psychological health difficulties and psychiatric disorders Responsibilities will include the evaluation of specific clinical problems in conjunction with the medical and surgical teams in the general hospital, providing initial assessments of patients, providing specialist intervention where appropriate, and helping to arrange their aftercare. The post-holder will liaise closely with medical staff; paramedical staff; staff from psychiatry and psychological services; staff from palliative care services; with General Practitioners; and with other staff involved in patient services, to ensure delivery of a patient-focused, co-ordinated and consistent service. Liaise closely with clinical management teams in Tallaght University Hospital and with the Community Mental Health Teams in Dublin south Mental Health Services including in the Approved Centres. Work closely with voluntary and statutory agencies. Participate in the development and maintenance of psychiatric databases, research and clinical audit. Play an important educational role relating to patient and clinical staff The post-holder will contribute to the development of various areas of service specialisation within the liaison psychiatry – psychological medicine service. As the service develops, there is scope for development of areas of special clinical expertise in the nursing team. These may include, for example, psycho-oncology; alcohol and/or substance misuse; pain and somatoform disorders; suicidality and self-harm; trauma/orthopaedic care; patients with neuro behavioural symptom; support to those with long term renal conditions, and others. QUALIFICATIONS
1. Each candidate must on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office -: Be registered in the Psychiatric Division of the active Register held by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or be entitled to be so registered. Have 5 years post registration experience and a minimum of 2 years in the specialty or related area. Have a recognised post graduate course of not less than a level 8 on the NFQ framework to the specialist area of practice. Candidates without the relevant post graduate course will be appointed at CNM2. 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. Desirable In addition, it is highly desirable that each candidate would be registered in the General Division of the live Register of Nurses kept by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. 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, 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. A panel of suitable applicants may be formed from which further vacancies may be filled.

2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st January 2024 is:

€58,485 by 11 increments to €73,904 incl. 1 LSI

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 Clinical Nurse Manager II – Liaison Psychiatry will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.

5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days 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 days (pro rata), 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 2 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 Practice Comply with all existing Hospital policies Demonstrate knowledge of the Hospital/Departmental emergency plans Ensure 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. 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. Play an active role in patient education and be actively involved in health Education and promotion. In regard to day-to-day clinical functions, report to the Consultant in charge, Liaison Psychiatry. Report in the first instance to the Director of Nursing, Tallaght University Hospital, through a designated Assistant Director of Nursing. Have access to appropriate specialist support from the Director of Mental Health Nursing, Health Service Executive – South West Area; but he/she will also be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing, Tallaght University Hospital. The Director of Nursing, Tallaght University Hospital, and the Director of Mental Health Nursing, HSE-South West Area, Dublin West/South West Mental Health Service, will work in partnership to ensure the smooth operation of the post, in the interest of providing optimal patient care. SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY
Clinical Role Be trained to an agreed level of competence by the Consultant in Liaison Psychiatry in the assessment of psychological difficulties in patients attending the general hospital; including risk assessment of patients with self-harm and suicidal behaviour. The post holder will: Provide a psychiatric nurse liaison service between all areas of the general hospital including Emergency Department / Acute Floor, and in-patient psychiatric services and appropriate community services in line with professional & evidence based practice guidelines, using a holistic triage framework, to include assessment, planning specific interventions, and evaluation strategies Develop specialist expertise in the assessment and management of the full spectrum of psychological health difficulties in patients in the general hospital. Have responsibility in referring patients to other services after their assessment and initial management has been completed in the liaison psychiatry service. Participate in and promote close links with community teams and other agencies to develop effective plans for care Provide such follow up as may be necessary to ensure the provision of optimal patient care, when required to do so by the Consultant in charge, Liaison Psychiatry service. In conjunction with the Consultants in Liaison Psychiatry and others as appropriate, perform risk assessment on patients experiencing ideas of self-harm or exhibiting suicidal behaviours in the General Hospital. In conjunction with the Consultants in Liaison psychiatry, and others as appropriate, liaise with other professionals in the management of the agitated or disturbed patient. Have specialist knowledge of the legal framework for the assessment of mental capacity and in relation to ability to give informed consent; and in relation to admission and treatment of patients in approved mental health facilities and in accordance with legislation. Ensure patients have access to relevant information, enabling understanding of their condition and available treatment options. Demonstrate vision, innovation and flexibility in nursing practice. Promote a safe clinical environment for patients, visitors and staff. Work with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of carers and families. Education In conjunction with the Consultants in Liaison Psychiatry, and others as appropriate, develop and facilitate educational and support programmes, for staff in the hospital. These would include training in initial assessment of psychological distress and mental health problems for staff in medical, surgical and other services in the general hospital, for staff in the general psychiatric service and others. In addition the post-holder will assist with teaching duties for undergraduate students (medical, nursing and others) and for graduate students (medical, nursing and other). Provide knowledge and expertise to other disciplines in the area of mental health legislation issues such as capacity and consent to treatment. Research and Audit In conjunction with the Consultants in Liaison Psychiatry, and others as appropriate, initiate and participate in multidisciplinary research studies, as appropriate. Maintain awareness within the speciality of current developments in mental health nursing. In conjunction with the Consultant in Liaison Psychiatry, and others as appropriate, use research findings to influence care within the speciality. Assist in monitoring and auditing the level of service on a hospital wide basis. In conjunction with the Consultants in Liaison Psychiatry, and others as appropriate, continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs, and implement agreed change where required. In conjunction with the Consultant in charge, Liaison Psychiatry, and others as appropriate, develop a system for recording clinical activity. Demonstrate commitment to evidence-based practice. Ensure that accurate documentation and record keeping is maintained. Professional Development Undertake appropriate continuous professional development to enable best contemporary practice within the specialised filed of care. Develop the required skills and knowledge to support the service needs within the scope of professional practice. Undertake to acquire the appropriate skills in Information and Communication Technology to fulfil the requirements of the post. Take personal responsibility for own professional development and updating. Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient. Consultancy Evaluate clinical problems in conjunction with the medical team, co-ordinate investigation, therapy and patient follow up. The post-holder will have responsibility in ensuring co-ordination of care between all professionals involved with the patients. Provide specialist knowledge and expertise for the surgical and medical teams working in the acute hospital, for example advice in management of psychological distress, disturbed behaviour, confusional states, substance misuse. Maintain a visible, professional presence where patients, carers and staff can turn for assistance, advice and support. Participate as a member of clinical and other committees as required. 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.

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