Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)/ Candidate CNS - Infection Prevention and Control Department (08.003 (2025))

TallaghtHospital

Posted on : 24-08-2025

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Job Location

Tallaght - Ireland

Monthly Salary

Not Disclosed

Salary Not Disclosed

Vacancy

1 Vacancy

Posted on : 24-08-2025

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)/Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate (cCNS)
Infection Prevention and Control Department

Part time Permanent Position

Reference No: 08.003 (2025)

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) plays a key role in delivering specialist care to patients in inpatient settings. The CNS/cCNS works collaboratively with the wider team particularly the CNM2 of the area to ensure seamless patient care. The CNS/cCNS provides expert clinical assessment education and support to patients at various stages of their treatment journey including those with acute illnesses newly diagnosed conditions and those requiring ongoing outpatient or day ward care. By making autonomous decisions in partnership with patients and the multidisciplinary team the CNS/cCNS enhances health outcomes promotes continuity of care and ensures that patients receive high-quality evidence-based haematology care

QUALIFICATIONS

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 3 year post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 3 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.
Have a third level qualification at not less than level 9 or higher award that is relevant to the specialist area (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.

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.
Have a minimum of 3 year post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 3 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.

If the applicant does not have the relevant specialist experience applicant should demonstrate application of principles related to IPC in clinical practice
Have a third level qualification 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.

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.

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.

Desirable

A recognised qualification in Healthcare Management or be willing to undertake within a reasonable time of being in post.

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 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 childs 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 permanent part time and pensionable on a permanent contract

2. Remuneration:
Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health & Children. Current remuneration with effect from 1st March 2025 is:

Clinical Nurse Specialist - 60854 by 11 increments to 76897 incl. 1 LSI (pro-rata)
Clinical Nurse Specialist Candidate - 56081 by 8 increments to 66045 (pro-rata)

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 Specialist will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.

5. Hours of work:
Normal working hours are 19.5 hours worked over 5 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 25-28 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 Managements 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 & Development Prospectus.
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital.
Reporting relationship will be to Assistant Director of Nursing and Consultant Microbiologist of the service.
Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Managing the Service - Quality & Safety of Service / Delivery of Results (CNS / cCNS level 3)

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 Posts 4th edition National Council for the professional development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008.
The CNS/cCNS is a registered nurse who has extensive experience and clinical expertise in their specialist area of nursing. The role will encompass a major clinical focus (direct &indirect) comprising of assessment planning and delivery of patient care that is done in collaboration with Consultants and other healthcare professionals.
The role will evolve in line with the various pathways provided in TUH utilising evidence based practice and a holistic care model for all patients and families.
The management of patients demands a broad range of professional skills and knowledge as well as skills in communication leadership teaching education research and counselling. The CNS/cCNS will have the expertise and specialist knowledge to incorporate these skills into practice and so develop standards of care that benefit the patient.
The post holders practice is based on the five core concepts of the CNS role as defined by the NCNM 4th Edition (2008) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are:
- Clinical focus
- Patient/Client Advocate
- Education & Training
- Audit & Research
- Consultant

Work in collaboration with other colleagues and as a member of the multidisciplinary team to provide a specialist in-patient and out-patient/ day ward service for patients.
Liaise closely with the patients primary healthcare team.
Maintain accurate and complete nursing records and ensures confidentiality.
Provide a service that is evidence based.
Evaluate the effectiveness of education on an on-going basis.
Establish clear patterns for communicating and co-operating with medical and ward staff and other professionals such as general practitioners public health nurses and practice nurses.
Ensure that protocols are evidence based regularly updated and are utilised.
Foster good nurse/ patients relationships by being sensitive and supportive.
Work with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patients have access to specialist care knowledge and expertise.
Co-ordinate patient treatment schedules monitor toxicity and liaise with medical team/pharmacy regarding intervention.
Provide information about treatment and side effects giving written information as appropriate.
Facilitate effective communications between the multidisciplinary team the patients and their families.
Liaise with General Practitioners and Hospice Home Care.
Review and if necessary update written information for patients and families.
To make & maintain effective links with staff in other hospitals.
The CNS/cCNS be expected to audit current nursing practice and evaluate improvements in the quality of patient care within the service.
Conduct nursing research relevant to the Services with support from the Nurse Practice Development Department.
Audit the role of the CNS/cCNS in the specialist area and partake in the Accreditation process within Tallaght University Hospital.
Ensure that expenditure within the department is controllable within agreed budgets/cash limits and in compliance with Hospital financial plan.
Produce an annual report on the specialist Services within Tallaght University Hospital.
Co-ordinate and maintain equipment and monitor the use of resources to ensure that unnecessary expenditure by misuse does not occur.
Participate in cost awareness and cost control policies in the department.
Collect interpret and present data and information on the Departments activities staffing and expenditure.
Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.

Managing Change - Problem Solving & Decision Making / Communications & Influencing (CNS / cCNSlevel 3)

The CNS/cCNS will communicate with patients families and friends assess needs and provide relevant support information education and advice.

Act as the patients advocate when necessary especially in informed discussion to promote the patients participation in decision making thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.
Actively promote in the specialist area within the Hospital and within the community using various forums clinics committees and patient information leaflets.
Demonstrate an awareness of ethical awareness and social issues on an individual patient basis.
Develop and support the concept of advocacy particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.
Be aware of existing resources and services which help patients and their families or significant others e.g. social services support groups entitlements.
Act as an advocate for patients and participate in research activities.
Participate in team discussions regarding treatment of patients.
Respect and maintain the privacy dignity and confidentiality of the patient.

Managing Yourself - Team player / Planning & Organising (CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2)

The CNS/cCNS will be expected to deliver structured and opportunistic educational opportunities to facilitate staff and patient education. This will include educational sessions for Pre-Registration and Post Registration Nurses.
Undertake continuing professional development through formal and informal educational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongst nursing medical and allied health professionals.
Completion of relevant training and availing of supports in the Leadership Academy including coaching mentoring and leadership development as applicable.
Manage workload effectively ensuring appropriate use of available time.
Make effective use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
Keep up to date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence-based practice.
Recognise the opportunity for clinical supervision and access if appropriate.
Provide support to nursing staff by means of regular group meetings to discuss particular patient cases which have been found to be stressful.
Assist in the development and delivery of teaching and training programmes for all grades of nurses and those in other disciplines.
Use relevant educational opportunities to maintain the highest standards and up to date care offered to the patient.
Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.
Plans delivers and evaluates education study days and training programmes for all relevant disciplines of staff.

Provides specialists training and education in informal and formal settings for nurses and other disciplines.
Act as a positive role model for other staff and students and provides strong leadership.
Provide the patient family and/or carer with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge skill and confidence in managing their condition.
Ensure adequate patient education material is available and contribute to developing new educational material where required.
Provide education to patients and their families/carers where appropriate. Empower patients carers and staff.

Managing People People Management / Leadership (CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2)

Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for specialist nursing practice.
Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice.
Develop collaborative working relationships with local CNSs registered Advanced Nurse/Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate developing person centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.
Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance patient care. Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community nursing/midwifery practice.
Network with other CNSs and in related professionals 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 Hospitals 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 AreaCompetencyLevelManaging the serviceQuality & Safety of Service3Managing the serviceDelivery of Results3Managing ChangeProblem Solving & Decision MakingCNS level 3 / cCNS level 2Managing ChangeCommunications & Influencing CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2Managing YourselfTeam playerCNS level 3 / cCNS level 2Managing YourselfPlanning and Organising CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2Managing PeoplePeople Management CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2Managing PeopleLeadership CNS level 3 / cCNS level 2

Please go to for details of the core competencies

GENERAL

Applications can be submitted on-line at 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.

Closing Date: Before close of business on 27th August 2025

Informal enquiries to: Shaini Paul Mathew Assistant Director of Nursing Infection Prevention and Control

Telephone (01)/ email: s

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.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

Employment Type

Full-Time

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TallaghtHospital

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