CandidateRegistered Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Overview of Post

Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by unpredictable sometimes lifelong often dangerous seizures which result in involuntary alterations in behaviour and consciousness. The condition affects about one in every 100 people and is second only to stroke as the commonest chronic neurological disorder in Europe. Of the 40000 people with epilepsy (PWE) in Ireland (10000 of whom are under 16 years) approximately 70% are well controlled on medication whilst it is estimated that 12-15000 people who have uncontrolled seizures and are in regular contact with secondary and tertiary hospital services.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) sets out the criteria for registration as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner as set out in Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2017). Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioners (RANPs) provide expert nursing skills and interventions which transcend traditional nursing roles and responsibilities. RANPs have significant experience knowledge and have received training to be able to competently deliver care and skills which serve as an adjunct to instead of a replacement of the work of medical colleagues. The Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner (CANP/RANP) is also an advanced nursing role where the successful post holder will undertake academic preparation (over an agreed timeframe in line with hospital procedures) and develop clinical and leadership skills competencies and knowledge required to meet the criteria to be registered as a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) with NMBI. Appointment as a CANP or RANP will be contingent on the candidates prior experience and completion of required qualifications.

The scope of the CANP/RANP role reflects the incremental development of expertise and as such the CANP cannot deliver care as an autonomous practitioner. Furthermore the CANP/RANP will develop and submit their personal portfolio and all other necessary documentation to NMBI in order to register as a RANP. The overall purpose of the post is to provide safe timely evidenced based nurse-led care to patients at an advanced nursing level .This involves undertaking and documenting a complete episode of patient care (assess diagnose plan treat and discharge patients) according to collaboratively agreed protocols working within a scope of practice and demonstrating advanced clinical and theoretical knowledge. Critical thinking clinical leadership and decision making skills are added skills within this role. Additionally the role will provide clinical leadership and professional scholarship in order to develop nursing practice and health policy at a local regional and national level. Finally CANP/RANPs contribute to nursing research to shape and advance nursing practice education and health care policy at local national and international levels.

Key Working Relationships

Clinical Consultant Lead for the Service
Director of Nursing/Directorate Nurse Manager
RANPs and other nursing grades
Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator
Prescribing site co-ordinator(s)
Medical colleagues
Inter-professional colleagues
Patients/service users/families and/or carers
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Higher Education Institution
Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit
Centres of Nursing and Midwifery Education
National Clinical and Integrated Care Programme
National Leadership and Innovation Centre
Other relevant statutory and non-statutory organisations

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The post holders practice is based on the six domains of competences as defined by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Irelands (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) Advanced Practice (Nursing) Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2017).

The domains are:

Professional Values and Conduct
Clinical-Decision Making
Knowledge and Cognitive Competences
Communication and Interpersonal Competences
Management and Team Competences
Leadership and Professional Scholarship Competences

Domain 1: Professional Values and Conduct

The CANP/RANP will gain increased competence in applying ethically sound solutions to complex issues related to individuals and populations by:

Demonstrating accountability and responsibility for professional practice as a lead healthcare professional in the care of patients within their specialty
Collaborating with his/her supervisor and local stakeholder group to scope the caseload and remit of practice for the RANP role by defining inclusion and exclusion criteria
Articulating safe boundaries and engaging in timely referral and collaboration for those areas outside his/her scope of practice experience and competence by establishing in collaboration with key stakeholders referral pathways and locally agreed policies procedures protocols and guidelines to support and guide the RANP service
Demonstrating leadership by practising compassionately to facilitate optimise promote and support the health comfort quality of life and wellbeing of persons whose lives are affected by altered health chronic disorders disability distress or life-limiting conditions
Selecting a professional practice model that provides him/her latitude to control his/her own practice focusing on person centred care interpersonal interactions and the promotion of healing environments
Emphasising a caring therapeutic relationship between the CANP/RANP and his/her patients recognising that CANP/RANPs/RANPs work in partnership with their multidisciplinary team (MDT) colleagues.
Articulating and promoting the advanced practice nursing service in clinical political and professional contexts (e.g. presenting key performance outcomes locally and nationally contributing to the services annual report participating in local and national committees to ensure best practice as per the relevant national clinical and integrated care programme)

Acting as a clinical leader and initiating and implementing changes in health services in response to the needs of patients
Articulating and communicating a vision for nursing practice in the area of epilepsy disease care and management that can be developed beyond the current scope of practice
Contributing to strategic and innovative development of the epilepsy services to ensure the constant provision of effective high quality nursing care to patients with neurological conditions.
Providing leadership in clinical practice and acting as a resource and role model for advanced nursing practice sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues
Advocating for advanced nursing practice in the area of epilepsy by undertaking teaching in the clinical area classroom and the wider multidisciplinary/patient community
Will ensure that recommendations for travel with use of own vehicle are consistent with recommendations with national HSE policy for travel and subsistence (available online)

Domain 2: Clinical-Decision Making Competences

The CANP/RANP will enhance his/her advanced knowledge skills and abilities to engage in senior clinical decision-making by increasing his/her capability to:

Conduct a comprehensive holistic health assessment using evidenced based frameworks policies procedures protocols and guidelines to determine diagnoses and inform autonomous advanced nursing care
Synthesise and interpret assessment information (particularly history) including prior treatment outcomes physical findings and diagnostic data to identify normal at risk and subnormal states of health
Demonstrate timely use of diagnostic investigations / additional evidence-based advanced assessments to inform clinical-decision making
Exhibit comprehensive knowledge of therapeutic interventions including pharmacological and non-pharmacological advanced nursing interventions supported by evidence-based policies procedures protocols and guidelines relevant legislation and relevant professional regulatory standards and requirements
Initiate and implement health promotion activities and self-management plans in accordance with the wider public health agenda
Discharge patients from the service as per an agreed supporting policy procedure protocols guidelines and referral pathways
Manage a caseload - the CANP/RANP has the authority to manage an independent and autonomous caseload of patients that falls within a collaboratively agreed scope of practice
Assess referrals for Psychiatry or Psychology as required and expedite relevant referrals to supportive services

Domain 3: Knowledge and Cognitive Competences

The CANP/RANP will actively contribute to the professional body of knowledge related to his/her area of advanced practice by enhancing his/her capability to:

Provide leadership in the translation of new knowledge to clinical practice (for example teaching sessions; journal clubs; case reviews; facilitating clinical supervision to other members of the team)
Educate others using an advanced expert knowledge base derived from clinical experience on-going reflection clinical supervision and engagement in continuous professional development
Demonstrate a vision for advanced practice nursing based on service need and a competent expert knowledge base that is developed through research critical thinking and experiential learning
Demonstrate accountability in considering access cost and clinical effectiveness when planning delivering and evaluating care (for example key performance areas key performance indicators metrics)
Participate in development and continuous evaluation of Integrated Care Pathways Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Articulate and demonstrate the concept of advanced nursing practice within the framework of relevant legislation the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI 2025) and the Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (NMBI 2015)
Develop advanced knowledge of the pharmacodynamics of medications for epilepsy drug interactions for specific groups and maintain awareness of teratogenicity issues for women
Contribute to the professional body of nursing knowledge both nationally and internationally by presenting at conferences seminars and workshops
Maintain expertise in clinical practice supported through ongoing clinical encounter case discussions clinics journal clubs attendance of Neuro radiology & Neurophysiology conferences and clinical supervision

Domain 4: Communication and Interpersonal Competences

The CANP/RANP will negotiate and advocate with other health professionals to ensure the beliefs rights and wishes of the person are respected by gaining increased competence and capability to:

Communicate effectively with the healthcare team through sharing of information in accordance with legal professional and regulatory requirements as per established referral pathways
Demonstrate leadership in professional practice by using professional language (verbally and in writing) that represents the plan of care which is developed in collaboration with the patient and shared with the other members of the inter-professional team as per the organisations policies procedures protocols and guidelines
Facilitate clinical supervision and mentorship through utilising ones expert knowledge and clinical competences
Utilise information technology in accordance with legislation and organisational policies procedures protocols and guidelines to record all aspects of advanced nursing care
Function as an expert educator advocate researcher and leader in the area of their specialty management to patients families and the MDT
Implement health promotion strategies for the patient group in accordance with the public health quality and safety agenda
Demonstrate appropriate use of electronic records and other forms of medical records in clinical settings with respect for data protection and collection
Liaise and develop strong links with charities and external agencies
Collaborate and coordinate the patients journey with MDT partnership. Acknowledge the input and role of MDT team both in Beaumont Hospital (BH) and community services
Improve and enhance community links with primary care services GPs other referring hospitals local pharmacies and organisations
Manage and promote liaisons with internal and external bodies as appropriate for example; intra-hospital service community services or voluntary organisations.
Maintain and create audits which support the surveillance of service delivery effectiveness and lead on initiatives to manage key performance indicators

Domain 5: Management and Team Competences

The CANP/RANP will manage risk to those who access the service through collaborative risk assessments and promotion of a safe environment by:

Promoting a culture of quality care
Proactively seeking feedback from persons receiving care families and staff on their experiences and suggestions for improvement
Implementing practice changes using negotiation and consensus building in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team and persons receiving care
Engaging in forums which evaluate quality and standards in clinical practice and lead the promotion of effective clinical standards
Promoting an understanding of the role of the CANP/RANP and increase awareness
of other healthcare colleagues and service users of the scope of practice of the CANP/RANP
Providing a visible accessible advanced nurse service as well as delivery of formal and informal teaching and knowledge sharing initiatives.
Responding to untoward events or incidents determine the root cause of these through investigation reporting on these events and instigating remedial action to prevent these from happening again
Contributing to professional and healthcare policy at local regional and national level

Support and mentor junior or inexperienced colleagues in their team
Facilitating communication and enhancing networks with healthcare teams and supportive services both internally and externally
Promoting a culture that values diversity and respect in the workplace
Contributing to the strategic management and planning process
Formulating service plans and budgets in co-operation with the wider healthcare team

Domain 6: Leadership and Professional Scholarship Competences

The CANP/RANP will lead in multidisciplinary team planning for transitions across the continuum of care by enhancing his/her competence and capability to:

Demonstrate clinical leadership in the design and evaluation of services (for example findings from research audit metrics new evidence)
Engage in health policy development implementation and evaluation (for example key performance indicators from national clinical and integrated care programmes/HSE national service plan/ local service need to influence and shape the future development and direction of advanced practice in epilepsy management)
Identify gaps in the provision of care and services pertaining to his/her area of advanced practice and expand the service to enhance the quality effectiveness and safety of the service in response to emerging healthcare needs
Lead in managing and implementing change
Will ensure that lone working arrangements and travel with use of own vehicle are consistent with recommendations with national HSE policy for travel and subsistence (available online)

Research

The CANP/RANP has a professional responsibility to deliver the highest standard of evidenced based care to patients with neurological conditions. Therefore the CANP/RANP will participate in the research process to develop and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in this area by:

Identifying research priorities pertaining to the best practice relating to their specialty
Leading conducting disseminating and publishing nursing research which shapes and advances nursing practice education the wider health policy and patient safety agenda
Identifying critically analysing disseminating and integrating nursing research and other evidence into this specialist area of clinical practice
Contributing to service planning and budgetary processes through the use of audit data and specialist knowledge
Initiating participating evaluating and coordinating clinical audits and research reviewing process interventions and outcomes in the area of epilepsy management.
Recording pertinent data relating patient care in data base format where the outcomes of this data can be extrapolated
Continuously reviewing clinical practice guidelines/protocols in collaboration with the MDT and Consultants
Proactively forge links with academic institutions in order to participate and collaborate in research studies/forums in the area of epilepsy in line with the RCSI hospital group

Clinical Governance

Clinical Governance is an integral part of the CANP/RANP role whereby healthcare professionals and teams demonstrate accountability for the quality safety and satisfaction of the delivery of care to patients with
epilepsy. Clinical Governance supports the provision of the right care at the right time from the right person in a safe caring environment (Health Service Executive HSE 2012). In conjunction with reporting relationships discussed above the CANP/RANP has an operational responsibility to the Clinical Lead for their service.

The CANP/RANP will demonstrate adherence to the Clinical Governance agenda by:

Participating in the organisations clinical governance programme as defined by the Directorate Nurse Manager the Directorate Business Manager and the Clinical Director
Initiating and contributing to the development of KPIs and outcome measures relevant to epilepsy management
Assisting in the monitoring of KPIs and responding to performance improvement initiatives as required
Taking appropriate action on clinical matters identified as being detrimental to the care and wellbeing of patients families and staff which may be inhibiting the safe and efficient provision of care
Ensuring adherence to the organisations policies procedures and protocols on patient safety infection control medication prescribing and the provision storage and use of medicinal products
Ensuring compliance with the quality and risk safety framework programme
Establishing a feedback mechanism with the organisation risk advisors and reporting any risk issues to the Directorate Nurse Manager as appropriate.
Participating in accreditation programmes external and internal to the Health Service Executive

Ensuring adherence to hospital policies in relation to the care and safety of equipment utilised in the fulfilment of clinical duty

Clinical Supervision and Practice Portfolio

The CANP/RANP will develop a professional practice portfolio incorporating evidence of learning from continuing professional development clinical supervision reflective practice and review of his/her own scope of practice in accordance with regulatory requirements and service need.

The CANP/RANP engages in on-going clinical supervision as per a Service Level Agreement. The structure process and outcome of clinical supervision must be explicit. The CANP/RANP maintains a record of clinical supervision in his/her professional practice portfolio.

Legislation Regulation Policy and Guidelines

The CANP/RANP practises nursing according to:

The Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (NMBI 2025)
Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework (NMBI 2015)
Values for Nurses and Midwives in Ireland Care Compassion and Commitment (Department of Health 2016)
Advanced Practice Nursing Standards and Requirements (NMBI 2017)
National Health Policies and Procedures
Local policies procedures protocols and guidelines
Current legislation

The job description represents the main functions of the role and is subject to review and amendment to reflect changing practice in the service.

Selection Criteria:

Selection criteria outline the qualifications skills knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate requires for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post

Mandatory Criteria (Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioners):

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Be registered in the advanced nurse practitioner division of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland Register
Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability and clinical professional and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.
Annual registration - Practitioners must maintain active annual registration on the Advanced Nurse Practitioner 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).
Age restriction - shall only apply to a candidate where s/he 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 application forms for the office occurs.
Health - 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.
Character - Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Mandatory Criteria (Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioners):

Professional Qualifications and Experience

Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition are:

Be a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) or entitled to be so registered.

And

Be registered in the division(s) of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) Register for which the application is being made or entitled to be so registered.

Or

In recognition of services that span several patient/client groups and/or division(s) of the register provide evidence of validated competences relevant to the context of practice

And

Have a broad base of clinical experience relevant to the advanced field of practice

And

Be eligible to undertake a Masters Degree (or higher) in Nursing or a Masters Degree which is relevant or applicable to the advanced field of practice. The Masters programme must be at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) or equivalent. Educational preparation must include at least three modular components pertaining to the relevant area of advanced practice in addition to clinical practicum.

Or

Be currently undertaking a Masters Degree in Nursing (Advanced Practice Pathway) or be eligible to register to undertake additional Level 9 National Framework of Qualifications (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) specific modules of a Masters Degree in Nursing (Advanced Practice Pathway) within an agreed timeframe. Educational preparation must include at least three modular components pertaining to the relevant area of advanced practice in addition to clinical practicum.

Or

Possess a Masters Degree (or higher) in Nursing or a Masters Degree which is relevant or applicable to the advanced field of practice. The Masters programme must be at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) or equivalent. Educational preparation must include at least three modular components pertaining to the relevant area of advanced practice in addition to clinical practicum.

And

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability and clinical professional and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

Annual Registration - 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).

Age restriction - shall only apply to a candidate where s/he 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 application forms for the office occurs.

Health - 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.

Character - Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Desirable Skills (for either CANP or RANP):
Level 8 (or above) or equivalent Post Graduate Qualification in the Specialty
A recognised management qualification

If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/ Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointees re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.

Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions where relevant will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/ Office/ Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position