The role of the CNSp. CVD was developed to: provide expertise and specialist nursing services to patients with a cardiovascular condition both in the ward, hospital outpatient settings and in primary care. The role of the CNSp CVD will differ according to the needs and configuration of established cardiovascular services at each site.
The post holder will act as a liaison between acute cardiology services and integrated cardiology services in the community and other agencies, to deliver effective evidenced based care, using resources efficiently to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease in keeping with agreed models of care and HIQA standards.
The post holder will work with colleagues across the acute cardiology services and integrated care services to develop and implement ambulatory care pathways for cardiovascular disease and associated co-morbidities, to improve the transition of patients between primary and secondary care. The post holder will work as part of a MDT and in close liaison with their associated Consultant Cardiologist to deliver coordinated evidence based care for patients.
The CNSp CVD will support the implementation of a model of integrated care which is focused on enhancing the management of care for patients between Primary (General Practice) and Secondary (Hospital) Care, thus optimising the patient’s quality of life and contributing to an integrated health service. The role supports the implementation of Slaintecare through the provision of community diagnostics and shifting treatment from the acute sector to the community.
The primary focus of the post holder will be to ensure that patients with cardiovascular disease receive timely and appropriate care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care delivery.
The person appointed to this post will work in the overall integrated cardiology service. This post is 50% acute based and 50% community based to work with the Integrated Care Consultant Cardiologist to develop integrated care services. Please note a portion of the appointees work will be carried out “offsite”. This means that the appointee will travel to the hubs to perform duties related to the role.
The CNSp. CVD caseload will focus initially on the following patient groups:
- Chronic Cardiovascular Disease
- Atrial Fibrillations
- Ischaemic Heart Disease
The CNSp. duties will include:
· Triage of hospital outpatient referrals from GP’s
· Co-ordination of Heart Failure Virtual Clinics
· Co-ordination of Q & A Clinical Queries service
· Co-ordination of Urgent Outpatient Clinics
· Coordinate hospital cardiology discharges to ensure appropriate follow up and services are coordinated
The CNSp. CVD plays a vital role in ensuring patients are empowered with skills and knowledge necessary for them to achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Professional Responsibilities
The Clinical Nurse Specialist will:
· Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regard to The Scope of Nursing & Midwifery Practice Framework (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2014).
· Adhere to national, regional and local HSE guidelines, policies, protocols and legislation.
· Be aware of ethical policies and procedures which pertain to their area of practice.
· Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient.
· Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be professionally accountable for actions/omissions. Take measures to develop and maintain the competences required for professional practice.
· Adhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion and Commitment (DoH, 2016).
· Adhere to appropriate lines of authority within the midwife management structure.
The CNSp. CVD will 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 ed National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008.
The concepts are:
· Clinical Focus
· Patient/Client Advocate
· Education and Training
· Audit and Research
· Consultant
Candidates must at the latest date of application:
Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
(a)
i) Be a registered nurse in the General Division of the Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered.
And
ii) Have successfully completed a post registration programme of study, as certified by the education provider, which verifies that the applicant has achieved a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic Level 8 award, or higher relevant to the specialist area of Cardiovascular Disease/ Heart Failure prior to application.
