Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist cCNS - Arthroplasty.

JOB DESCRIPTION Clinical Nurse Specialist CNS / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist cCNS - Arthroplasty Permanent- Full time Position Reference No: 10.011 (2026) BACKGROUND The primary purpose of the CNS/cCNS in Arthroplasty is to provide specialist, patient-centred nursing care across the arthroplasty pathway, supporting patients before, during and after joint replacement surgery while contributing to quality, safety and service improvement. An Arthroplasty CNS provides specialist clinical leadership and coordination across the patient's entire arthroplasty pathway, supporting safe, timely and evidence-based care while facilitating enhanced recovery, reducing complications and avoidable length of stay, and ensuring continuity between the multidisciplinary team and community services. The role provides a dedicated specialist resource for the management of complex patients, clinical escalation, patient education, staff support, audit and quality improvement. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE Deliver care in line with the 5 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 5 core concepts are: Clinical Focus (Direct and Indirect Care) Service User/Client Advocacy Education and Training Audit and Research Consultancy (including Leadership in Clinical Practice) Key aims of the post are: Provide specialist nursing expertise to patients undergoing primary and revision arthroplasty, particularly hip and knee replacement. Coordinate the patient's journey through the arthroplasty pathway, from pre-operative assessment and education through to discharge and follow-up. Prepare and educate patients regarding surgery, expected recovery, pain management, mobilisation, wound care, thromboprophylaxis and rehabilitation. Act as a key link between the patient, orthopaedic consultant, multidisciplinary team, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, theatre, ward and community services. Identify and manage potential complications and escalate concerns appropriately, including infection, wound problems, DVT/PE, neurovascular compromise, pain issues and delayed recovery. Support early mobilisation and enhanced recovery, promoting evidence-based practice and reducing avoidable length of stay. Provide continuity of care, particularly for patients with complex needs, complications or those requiring additional support following discharge. Facilitate communication and patient advocacy, ensuring patients understand their treatment and are involved in decisions about their care. Contribute to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement, risk management and implementation of evidence-based arthroplasty standards. Support education and professional development of nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Collect and monitor service data, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to improve outcomes and patient experience. 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 full-time experience in specialist area of Orthopaedics. Have completed an Orthopaedic course to level 8 or higher in the NFQ framework Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development. 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. OR 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. OR If the applicant does not have the relevant specialist experience, they will be supported to attain one years’ clinical specialist experience. Have successfully completed or be eligible to undertake same within an agreed timeframe, a post registration programme of study relevant to the specialist area of Orthopaedics 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. OR 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. Post Specific Requirements: Demonstrate depth and breadth of nursing experience and knowledge in the specialist area of Orthopaedics as relevant to the role. Have undertaken or agree to undertake, within an agreed timeframe, the Nurse/Midwife Medicinal Products Prescribing Education Programme. Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice. 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. Confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC). 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. 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 he/she is 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 https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. 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 June 2026 is: Clinical Nurse Specialist: €62,699 by 11 increments to €79,227 incl. 1 LSI Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist: €57,780 by 8 increments to €68,046 These particulars are subject to change in line with overall public pay policy. Point on scale allocated is based on relevant HSE Circulars. 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/cCns 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 to 28 working 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. Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning and Development prospectus. Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital. Reporting relationship is to the Clinical Nurse Manager 3 Peri operative directorate. Professional accountability is to the Director of Nursing. SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY Managing the Service - Quality & Safety of Service / Delivery of Results (CNS /cCNS - level 3) Clinical Focus – Direct / Indirect Care 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. The post holder is responsible and professionally accountable for delivery of specialist nursing care to patients with Orthopaedic conditions, disease and trauma. They will have the expert skills and competencies required to ensure effective management and organisation of the Nurse Led Arthroplasty Service within agreed boundaries and protocols in line with Clinical governance and Standards. This role includes adherence to a variety of national and local assessment protocols for standard and specialised joint implants and participation in data collection and audit as required. Expert clinical practitioner providing comprehensive care, education and support within the Orthopaedic Arthroplasty speciality to patients/carers and staff. Review patients as per the Irish National Orthopaedic Register. Use 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. 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 (PPPGs). Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up. 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. Provide specialist advice to patients on appropriate products to meet their needs. Complete and maintain relevant documentation in a thorough and accurate manner. Provide patients/carers with advice, support and reassurance via telephone calls. Maintain effective and appropriate communication and collaboration with other departments, members of the MDT, other agencies, colleagues, personnel, patients and their relatives and carers. Service User/Client Advocacy Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate. 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 as appropriate. Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients. Audit and Research Maintain expert professional practice through continuing education, professional updating and involvement with professional specialist groups. Identify the educational and developmental needs of staff, patients and carers in relation to the specialty, in conjunction with other senior staff members. Promote patient/ carer independence through the provision of relevant education and support in relation to their individual disease and psychosocial care needs. Endorse and disseminate research-based practice. Instigate and participate in relevant research / audit projects where appropriate to service and practice needs. Initiate and pursue research projects to enhance the nursing knowledge base within Orthopaedic specialty 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. Audit expected outcomes including: Evaluate audit results and research findings to identify areas for quality improvement in collaboration with nursing management and MDT colleagues (Primary and Secondary Care). Contribute to nursing quality assurance by assisting in identification of recurring nursing problems and data collection. Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation. Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practice. Develop collaborative working relationships with local Clinical Nurse Specialist’s/CNMII/Registered Advanced Nurse 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/ relevant Assistant Director of Nursing, attend integrated care planning meetings as required. Where 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’s model of care. Managing Change - Problem Solving & Decision Making / Communications & Influencing (CNS- level 3/cCNS – level 2) Addresses problems through balanced decisions making while identifying learnings. Assists with the development of and implementation of strategic and operational priorities through the provision of feedback and key learnings. Have a can do attitude and implement unpopular decision through effective engagement. Adopt a range of communication techniques to explain complex information. Tailors their communication style dependent on the audience and situation. Manages the adherence to company policy on confidentiality and data protection. Managing Yourself - Team player / Planning & Organising (CNS - level 3/cCNS – level 2) Demonstrate flexibility if and when asked to work in other areas of the Peri operative directorate as needed. Delegates effectively to the team and ensure timelines are met and efficient use of resources. Assists in the development and implementation of operations plans to ensure smooth and consistent execution of tasks. Research and promote quality initiatives that are evidence based. Takes into account others when making an important decision, addresses team conflict, sets clear goals, embraces diversity, and promotes collaboration and team strengths to achieve goals. Offers recognition. Builds and uses networks of influences for planning and organising workload. Develops and implements operational plans, essential systems and processes. Monitors performance, evaluates impacts and risks. Education & Training Provide the patient, family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill and confidence in managing their pre and post-operative care. Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer. Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing colleagues as appropriate. Participate in training programmes for nursing, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate. Plan and deliver staff teaching in relation to individual setting. Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based Orthopaedic care delivery through journal clubs, joint school, conferences, etc. Be self-directed in his/her learning to ensure continued professional credibility. Identify own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs and engage accordingly. Managing People – People Management / Leadership (CNS - level 3/cCNS – level 2) Responsible for ensuring confidentiality and safe keeping of records. Play a central role in maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors. Create and promote open communications and healthy working relationships. Assist in the production of the departmental annual report. Ensure that all procedures are in accordance with established Hospital procedures. Handle complaints by patient, members of the public and staff in accordance with the Hospital complaints procedures. Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching, mentoring and leadership development as applicable. Consultancy (including leadership in clinical practice) Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for best evidence based care practice. Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation. Attend integrated care planning meetings as required Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services which support patients in the community. Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialists and related professional associations. 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. NOTE: The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that adaptability is essential at this level of appointment. The appointee will be required to maintain, enhance and develop their knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to this changing environment. They will also be required to participate in and support the Hospital’s Digital transformation strategy which may impact work processes and role profiles in the future. The Job Description must therefore be regarded as an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present time, which will be reviewed and assessed on an on-going basis as advancements and developments evolve. TUH Core Competencies: Core Area Competency CNS Level cCNS Level Managing the service Quality & Safety of Service 3 3 Managing the service Delivery of Results 3 3 Managing Change Problem Solving & Decision Making 3 2 Managing Change Communications & Influencing 3 2 Managing Yourself Team player 3 2 Managing Yourself Planning and Organising 3 2 Managing People People Management 3 2 Managing People Leadership 3 2 Please go to www.tuh.ie/careers for details of the core competencies GENERAL Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered. TUH is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination in accordance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004. The Hospital values diversity and recognises the benefits of having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We are committed to equality of access to positions within the Hospital. All recruitment activity and documentation will encourage applications from all potential candidates without discrimination. Closing Date: Before close of business on 23rd October 2026 Informal enquiries to Amy Loughlin, CNM3 Peri Operative- Telephone (01) 4143983 Bleep 2973 or email [email protected] 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