Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease
Management
Job Specification, Terms & Conditions
Job Title and
Grade
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease
Management) (Grade Code 2632 )
Competition
Reference
Closing Date
NRS0469
Proposed
Interview date(s)
Taking up
Appointment
Week Commencing 19th September 2011
Location of Post
12 Noon, Tuesday 9th August 2011
The successful candidate will be required to take up duty no later than 12 weeks from date of
offer for external candidates, and no later than 6 weeks from date of offer for internal
candidates.
The successful candidate will be based at a candidate screening colonoscopy unit (as
identified by the NCSS as part of the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme). In the
event of a relocation of a candidate screening colonoscopy unit within the HSE region,
the post will transfer in line with such relocation. The successful candidate will be
required to work in other candidate screening colonoscopy units within in the HSE
Region from time to time.
Initial assignments: HSE Dublin North East
Cavan General Hospital
Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown
Louth County Hospital, Dundalk
HSE Dublin Mid Leinster
AMNCH Tallaght
St James’s Hospital
Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore
St Vincent’s University Hospital
HSE South
Kerry General Hospital
Mercy University Hospital
South Tipperary General Hospital,
Wexford General Hospital
HSE West
Letterkenny General Hospital
Mayo General Hospital
Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Ennis
Sligo General Hospital
Organisational
Area
All HSE Regions
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Details of Service
The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) received approval to commence preparation
and implementation of Ireland’s first Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme from the Minister
for Health and Children on 15th January 2010. Screening means the investigation of people
who have no symptoms of the disease or identifiable risk factors. The expectation is that
potentially fatal conditions can be detected before they cause symptoms and at a stage when
they can be effectively treated and cured (NCSS 2008). A phased implementation of a
population-based colorectal cancer screening programme will begin in 2012. The initial
screening phase will target men and women aged 60-69 years. The colonoscopy capacity
requirement is estimated to be approximately 6,000 per annum. The programme aims to
extend to reach the full target population (55-74 age groups) as quickly as possible.
A total of 15 candidate screening colonoscopy units have been identified by the NCSS to
participate in the national colorectal cancer screening programme. Building sufficient
colonoscopy capacity for the screening programme is essential in order to sustain the
programme as well as maintaining and enhancing the symptomatic service capacity.
Reporting
Relationship
Purpose of the
Post
The post holder is:
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Professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing or designated officer
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Clinically accountable to the Consultant Clinical Lead at the screening colonoscopy unit
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Will report to a designated Nursing Line Manager
The CNS in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will
contribute to the improvement of the health care experience and outcomes for patients
attending for gastroenterology care including colorectal screening and disease management
and will be required:
The key aims of the post are as follows:
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*To attain academic qualifications at masters level (Level 9 NQAI) and fulfil the
registration requirements set by An Bord Altranais for entry on the Advanced Nurse
Practitioner (ANP) register. (Please see below footnote).
To provide expert and timely care to patients identified as requiring a colonoscopy by
the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme.
To contribute to the development of a patient centred screening service.
To help develop a seamless screening service through close liaison with primary care
services and symptomatic (diagnostic) services (including NCCP designated cancer
centres).
To improve patient outcomes through education and the promotion of healthy lifestyle
through primary interventions.
To evaluate the quality of the service provided through ongoing clinical audit, policy
development and patient focused research.
*The academic fees for this programme will be supported by the Office of the Nursing
and Midwifery Services Director, the conditions outlined in the HSE circular 020/2009
will also apply in this instance.
Successful candidates are expected to pursue and obtain registration as an ANP
(Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management) within a 3-year
period of appointment. Non-registration as an ANP (Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal
Screening and Disease Management) may lead to redeployment within the organisation.
The Successful Candidate will have responsibility for preparing the sites for ANP
Accreditation.
Principal Duties
and
Responsibilities
The CNS: Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will achieve
competence in all aspects of the advanced practice role in accordance with criteria set down by
the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (2008 4 th Ed).
CNS: Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management must complete
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a full training programme at a recognised third-level education institution and be able to
demonstrate sufficient knowledge and clinical competence to satisfy standards set by the Joint
Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG) and/or the Royal College of Physicians
of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, as well as the Regulatory Nursing
Strategy to complement the National Cancer Screening service (NCSS): National Colorectal
Screening Programme An Bord Altranais (2011) Clinical Practice will take place under the
clinical supervision of the clinical lead/ designated supervisor.
Clinical Focus: Direct Care
The CNS: Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will:
 Manage a caseload of adults with colorectal disease
 Use the Irish Colorectal Care and Colorectal Nurses Association (ISCCNA) and other
international evidence based standards and guidelines to undertake specialised
nursing assessments
 Plan and initiate care and treatment modalities within agreed interdisciplinary protocols
to achieve patient/client centred outcomes and evaluate their effectiveness.
 Utilize assessment skills and techniques to determine each patient/family needs.
 Plan all care in collaboration with the patient.
 Provide specialist advice to patients on appropriate products to meet their needs
 Liaise as appropriate with other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT)
regarding any aspect of patient care
 Implement changes in health care service in response to patient/client need and
service demand.
 Develop, document and update care, discharge and teaching plans as necessary.
 Enable patients/clients, families and communities to participate in decisions about
their health needs.
 Provide safe, comprehensive care for patients and their families within the scope of
practice guidelines set out by An Bord Altranais.
 Evaluate the care/information given and reassess accordingly.
Clinical Focus - Indirect Care
As a specialist in their area, the CNS in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and
Disease Management also has an important role in providing indirect care.
The CNS will:
 Provide patients/carers with advice, support and reassurance via telephone calls
 Identify health promotion priorities in the area of Colorectal disease
 Implement health promotion strategies for patient/client groups in accordance with
public health agenda.
 Maintain effective and appropriate communication and collaboration with other
departments, members of the multidisciplinary team, other agencies, colleagues,
personnel, patients and their relatives/carers.
 Liaise with other teams both in the acute hospitals and in the community regarding the
care of specific patients with colorectal disease
 Complete and maintain relevant documentation in a thorough and accurate manner.
Patient/client advocate
The CNS in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will:
 Use a patient centred approach in all aspects of practice ascertaining their views on
aspects of their care.
 Act as advocate for patients and their families in dealing with G.P’s, Hospital
Consultants, Public Health Nurses and other health care professionals, by using
specialist knowledge of colorectal disease management
 Influence practice and promote improved/new standards of care in relation to patients
with a colorectal disease
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Respect the dignity and confidentiality of patients, serving as their advocate when
necessary.
Education and Training:
The CNS in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will:
 Provide specialist information and education to Patients and their families with regard
to improving their understanding, coping and effective management of their condition
 Provide both formal and informal teaching to a number of people; patients/clients,
families, health care providers, including student and trained nurses, and care
assistants. Take part in in-house multidisciplinary presentations and teaching to staff
in the various acute hospitals
 Be self-directed in his/her learning to ensure continued professional credibility.
Identify own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs and engage
accordingly.
 Identify areas where scope of practice can be advanced
 Provide mentorship, preceptor ship, teaching, facilitation and professional supervisory
skills for nurses and other health care workers.
 Act as preceptor to undergraduate and post-graduate student nurses on placement
 Plan and deliver staff teaching in relation to individual setting.
Audit and Research
The CNS in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management will:
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Identify, critically analyze, disseminate and integrate nursing and other evidence into
the area of colorectal disease
Establish, implement and evaluate audit programmes of the service, the quality of care
and the Clinical Nurse Specialist current practice, in line with local and regional
developments, to include monitoring and health promotion programmes as relevant.
Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.
Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and
specialist knowledge.
Review policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols in relation to the colorectal
service to ensure they are continually updated in line with best practice evidence.
Record information on patients electronically, which will provide data for auditing the
service.
Monitor, access, utilize and disseminate current relevant research to advise and
ensure the provision of informed evidence based practice in the management of
colorectal disease
Understand the need for nursing research and be able to implement this process to
contribute to the development of services provided.
Develop and promote research awareness among all staff in relation to colorectal
disease
Consultant
 Provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a role model to staff nurses who work
in the acute services or in the community
 Network with other CNS’ in colorectal care and other associations
 Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines.
 Uses specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practice.
 Liaise with multi-disciplinary team within the acute Hospitals and Community based to
create a seamless service.
 Participate in relevant associations i.e. World Council of Enterostomal Therapists and
the Irish Stoma Care and Colorectal Nurses Association.
 Contribute to nursing quality assurance by assisting in identification of recurring
nursing problems and data collection.
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This job description is intended to give an indication of the role of the Clinical Nurse
Specialist in Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease Management
It is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change in response to the changing needs of
service. It will be reviewed with the post holder.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must:
Qualifications
and/ or
experience
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Be registered in the Relevant Division of the Register of Nurses kept by An Bord Altranais
or be entitled to be so registered
And
Have at least 5 years post registration experience in the division of the register in which the
applicant is currently practising.
And
Have a minimum of 2 years in the specialist area (Gastroenterology).
And
Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility
within his / her scope of practice
And
Must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development.
And
From the 1st September 2010 must have a level 8 (or higher) post-registration National
Qualifications Authority of Ireland major academic award relevant to the specialist area
(Gastroenterology).
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not
classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
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 such as would indicate
a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Post Specific
Requirements,
additional
qualifications
and/or experience
required
Skills,
competencies
and/or knowledge
Candidates must demonstrate:
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practitioner competence and professional credibility – demonstrates a high level of clinical
knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role
the ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality
promotion of evidence-based decision making; evidence-based clinical knowledge in
making decisions regarding patient / client care
the ability to plan and manage resources effectively
effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain relationships
effective communication and influencing skills
initiative and innovation in the delivery of service
resilience and composure
openness to change
integrity and an ethical stance
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Other
requirements
specific to the
post
Competition
Specific Selection
Process
Shortlisting /
Interview
Code of Practice
a commitment to continuing professional development
the ability to relate nursing research to nursing practice
knowledge of quality assurance practices and their application to nursing procedures
awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g. legislation relevant to the service area,
health and safety, infection control etc.
awareness of current and emerging nursing strategies and policies in relation to the clinical
/ designated area
awareness of the Health Service Transformation Programme
a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
awareness of the principles of colorectal cancer screening
awareness of NCSS publications on colorectal cancer screening
Must have access to Transport as post may involve frequent travel across the HSE Area
Applications must include the candidates preferred HSE Region.
Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.
The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the
eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.
Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those
requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called
forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the shortlisting stage of this process (where applied) will be called forward
to interview.
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice
prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice
sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a
principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback
facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when requested, and outlines
procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process, and
review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on
the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled
“Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.
Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.careersinhealthcare.ie
in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information For
Candidates” or on www.cpsa-online.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the
job description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be
neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Gastroenterology Care: Colorectal Screening and Disease
Management
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
This appointment is specified purpose, whole-time / part-time and pensionable.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health
Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act
2004.
Remuneration
The Salary scale for the post is:
€47, 089, 47,886, 48,559, 49,659, 50,874, 52,067, 53,260, 54,604, 55,852 (pro-rata)
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is: 37.5 (pro-rata)
Annual Leave
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended
Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4
of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff
appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed
roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of
work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet
the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
The annual leave associated with the post is:
0 – 5 years service
5 – 10 years service
More than 10 years service
25 days
26 days
28 days
(Plus 9 days in lieu of liability to work public holidays) pro-rata
Superannuation
Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this
appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1 st January 2005 pursuant to
Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under
the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled
at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast
accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment
Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of
the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health
Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of
12 months.
Protection of Persons
Reporting Child
Abuse Act 1998
This post is one of those designated in accordance with Section 2 of the Protection of
Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. You will remain a designated officer for the
duration of your appointment in this post or for the duration of your appointment to such
other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. Such
officers will, on receiving a report of child abuse, formally notify the Senior Social
Worker in the community care area in which the child is living.
Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example,
Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of
Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
Infection Control
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