Clinical Nurse Specialist - Haematology

Location: On site / Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Job type: Permanent / Part-time
Sector and subsector: Medical & Healthcare Nursing & Midwifery
Salary: Negotiable salary

Job Purpose

As a key member of the Haematology Nursing team, the post holder will demonstrate excellent clinical skills, quality patient care initiatives and facilitate effective interpersonal communication with colleagues in the unit(s) and hospital. The role will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients using evidence-based practice and adjusting resources to ensure continuity of care, will act as a role model for excellence in patient care and be the clinical nurse lead for Haematology, will develop, deliver and evaluate a comprehensive education programme for Haematology Nursing. The Haematology Nurse Specialist will communicate and collaborate with the medical/nursing staff teams in the delivery of quality continuing care for the patient, including liaison with other Hospitals, Consultants, GP's and Community Services. The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.

Job Background / Context

The Hermitage Medical Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each Ward provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services at ward level.

Key Responsibilities Operations

• Practice nursing according to the Code of Professional Conduct and the Scope of Practice Framework as laid down by NMBI.
• Adhere to national, regional and local guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation.
• Work within their scope of practice and take measures to develop and maintain the competence necessary for professional practice.
• Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be accountable for their practice.
• To act as a positive role model for colleagues and others in relation to professional conduct and practice in the area of haematological nursing.
• Work in collaboration with other members of the multidisciplinary team in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating an individualised plan of care for patients with haematological conditions, which meets each patient's needs and promotes the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients.
• Liaising between BHHC, St James and Beaumont hospital, to coordinate patients referred for stem cell transplants / CAR T cell therapy.
• Liaise and work with multidisciplinary teams on the development of policies, standards, audits and research. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
• Administer medications in accordance with local policy and Department of Health guidelines, keeping patient and staff safety a priority.
• Be aware of the multifaceted needs of haematology patients and provide a holistic support service for them and their families. Deal with patients and families in a courteous, supportive and respectful manner.
• Supervise the nursing practice of less experienced staff members of the nursing team and participate in the educational aspects of that practice.
• Be aware of community based support available for patients.
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient.
• Keep accurate, comprehensive, up dated records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations 2002.
• To foster and promote that regard is taken to the dignity, choices, self esteem and wellbeing of clients and their relatives in the area of ongoing care.
• In collaboration with clients, take available opportunities to represent the views of patients and to advocate on their behalf at a multidisciplinary level and with other personnel or agencies as appropriate.
• To play a central role in developing the patient/client's self advocacy skills - directing clients to specialist advocacy services as appropriate.
• Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their care.

Learning and Education

• Maintain clinical, nursing and managerial competence in the field of haematology, including keeping up to date with relevant research to ensure evidence based practice and research utilisation.
• Be responsible for identifying his/her own training development needs in consultation with the line manager in order to keep professionally and clinically updated.
• To be responsible for creating an environment that is conducive to learning and development of self and others. To provide professional, clinical and education advice to nursing and other healthcare staff as appropriate. This includes the assessment of competency of student nurses, and other staff on placement to the specialist area, as appropriate, and providing assistance with the orientation and induction of new staff.
• Educate and provide supportive care to patients, their families/their carers through all stages of their disease.
• Attend all mandatory training days.
• Keep abreast of current trends in haematology nursing through reading, attending seminars and having thorough knowledge of nursing policy and standards.
• Participate in in service education. Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
• Maintain and update a personal development portfolio.

Quality Improvement and Risk Management

• Ensure that there is compliance with all relevant Hermitage Medical Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. This includes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodies and inspections.
• Encourage continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi disciplinary team where required.
• Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department involving the team in continuous improvement initiatives and encouraging innovation.
• Set and monitor core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and monitor performance against these standards through internal and (where applicable) external audit.
• Lead out on the requirements of the hospital's accreditation process.
• Participate fully in the requirement of the hospital's risk management programme.
• Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
• Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Unit.
• Provide clinical nursing leadership in proactively addressing ethical and quality of service issues with multidisciplinary team members and hospital management.
• Develop a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients or staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.

Knowledge / Experience

• Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI.
• Have at least five years recent relevant post registration nursing experience (full time or equivalent hours part time) in an acute hospital setting and a minimum of two years nursing experience in Haematology.
• Hold a Higher Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma in Haematology nursing.
• Clinical Skills
• Quality focus
• Clinical audit
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills