Clinical Nurse Specialist - Orthopaedics

• The post holder will coordinate the care and management of orthopaedic and spinal patients, focusing on caring for patients within the hospital to ensure that they are cared for in the most appropriate environment, and receive timely referrals to appropriate services.
• The post holder will provide education and training to others and will be responsible for leading a well engaged team of nurses to ensure staff are motivated and patients receive excellent care.

• Registered on Live Register of NMBI
• Evidence of continuing personal professional development.
• Minimum of 3 years’ post registration experience including a minimum of two years experience in an orthopaedics and spinal area.
• Vision, innovation, flexibility, good communication and management skills are essential to the successful carrying out of the job.
• Bachelor of Nursing Degree.
• The person must be educated to Higher Diploma level or above. If not, he/she must undertake a contractual agreement to obtain a relevant higher diploma.
• Computer skills are desirable.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Adherence to Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and
• Registered Midwives Full knowledge of the Domains of Competence as set down by the NMBI

• Provide a specialist nursing service for patients who require support and treatment through the continuum of care.
• Possess specially focused knowledge and skills in the orthopaedics and spinal (including scoliosis correction) area of nursing practice.
• Review regular medication prescription and management, subject to experience.
• Request specialist tests and conditions as appropriate to patient’s needs.
• Collaborate with nursing and other disciplines in planning, implementing and evaluating patient care.
• Maintain awareness of current advances in treatment, care and research.
• Promote and create a climate of clinical inquiry through practice.
• To maintain timely and accurate documentation and information systems both manually and by using relevant computer systems.
• Engage in relevant professional development.
• Network with other CNS in the hospital and wider professional community.
• Develop patient education material in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary case conferences.
• Enables patients/clients and their families to participate in decisions about their health needs.
• Represents the patients/clients interests in collaboration with the multidisciplinary perioperative team.
• Implements change in the service in response to patients/clients need and service demand.
• Through clinical audit, the volume and quality of service are evaluated and reviewed at regular intervals.

• Support and empower patients and their families/carers in self-management of their condition.
• Provide education concerning the patient’s drug management, coping strategies, associated services available, smoking cessation as appropriate.
• Evaluate policies and guidelines in a timely manner and follow governance procedures to ensure the information is agreed and disseminated correctly.
• Induct new staff into the team and provide support and mentorship.
• During the patient review, the clinical nurse specialists role includes educating the staff nurses at bedside.

• Provide leadership in clinical practice and acts as a resource and role model.
• Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines.
• Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance nursing practice.
• To act responsibly ensuring manpower and supplies are used cost effectively and efficiently in order that the service is delivered safely.
• Demonstrate effective communication that ensures information is provided to the multi- disciplinary team in a timely manner.
• Promote and support the development, implementation and review of standards, policies, procedures and clinical guidelines.
• In conjunction with the multi-professional team, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the service. Implement changes where necessary and actively contribute to departmental service planning.
• Provide mentorship, preceptorship, teaching and professional supervisory skills for nurses and other health care workers.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge and skills through nursing practice.
• Establish an optimum learning environment in the clinical setting.
• Facilitate staff growth and development through both formal and informal teaching.

• To facilitate professional development of nursing staff across the service.
• To act as a role model by demonstrating own continuous professional development.
• To be an effective practitioner with the ability to demonstrate clinical expertise in the care of patients using the Scope of Practice as set down by Irish Nursing Midwifery Board of Ireland.
• Participate in research, audit and quality initiatives.
• All staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against infection risks. All staff undertaking patient care activities must attend infection control training and updates as required by the hospital

• Function within the limits of NMBI and hospital policies, procedures and standards.
• Support the Mission Statement of Blackrock Clinic.
• Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in other areas of the hospital as required.
• Set annual goals and objectives with CNM.
• Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills.
• Provide direct supervision to other members of the nursing team when appropriate.
• Participate in working groups to develop and promote quality care within Blackrock Clinic.
• Actively support the infection control practice within the hospital.
• Maintain effective communication networks within the unit and departments throughout the hospital.
• Serve on committees within the hospital as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with the Hospital Infection Prevention and Control
• Accept responsibility for “Acting Up” in specific instances, as assigned

• Pension

• Discounted café

• Sports and Social club

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Discounted onsite pharmacy

Blackrock Health