Staff Nurse Emergency Department
Full Time – Permanent
Reference number: 12.059 (2022)


Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is an exciting and dynamic place to work. The team at the Hospital are in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy that has already delivered on the opening of a new renal unit, day surgery centre, step down facility in the community and the opening of a new ICU extension. The hospital is also in the process of implementing an Acute Floor Model with the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Age related Assessment Unit and Acute Surgical Assessment Unit now co located to allow for efficient streaming of patients from triage. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.

TUH is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 50 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a national urology centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, a regional orthopaedic trauma centre and a designated trauma unit.

TUH is one of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin - specialising in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as medicine nursing, health and social care professionals, emergency medicine and surgery, amongst many others. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties.

TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:

• Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
• Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
• Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
• Equity – for patients and staff

At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us

Tallaght University Hospital Emergency Department
Tallaght University Hospital has recently been named a Trauma Unit. This exciting designation will allow staff to develop multiple potential career paths within the Emergency Department specifically working within the Trauma Team.

We are also the national partner with The National Ambulance Service (NAS) and The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) here in Tallaght. This innovative and novel partnership allows our nursing staff to be given the opportunity to work part of their core hours within NEOC in an exciting new development. The role of the Nurse in the Clinical Support Desk will be to provide telephonic clinical assessment and management for the Low Acuity 112/999 calls utilising appropriate clinical triage within the NEOC care pathway, so that patients are directed to the appropriate service that best meets their needs.

Our Emergency Department is a national leader in high fidelity interdisciplinary simulation training following the journey from prehospital to definitive care. We train in multidisciplinary teams encouraging the inclusion of Nurses, Doctors, Health Care Assistants, Porters and Prehospital Practitioners. We have a track record of ensuring career progression and actively encourage ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

1. Each Candidate Must:

• Be registered in the General Division of the active Register of Nurses held by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Minimum of one year’s experience (post graduate or undergraduate) in General Medical/Surgical nursing plus 6 months experience working within an emergency department or acute medical unit in an acute hospital setting/relevant clinical area within the past 5 years.
• Have the clinical and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.
• Have undertaken or be willing to undertake a recognised Postgraduate Course in Emergency Nursing.
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and can work collaboratively with a team.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing learning and professional development at the appropriate level.

2. Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she 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 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 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 child’s 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 https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. 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 a full-time, permanent and pensionable. 2. Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the salary scale approved by the Department of Health. Current remuneration with effect from 2nd February 2022 is:
€32,042 by 13 increments to €49,368 (incl 1 LSI)
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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 staff nurse will perform such duties as are outlined in this job description.
5. Hours of Work: Normal working hours are 37.5 worked over 7 days but the appointee will attend at such other times as are required for the proper discharge of the duties of the office. This may require attendance outside normal working hours.
6. Probation: The successful candidate will be appointed initially for a probationary period of six 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 (b) if not satisfactory, the probationary period may be extended by 3 months.
7. Annual Leave:
Annual leave entitlement is 24 -27 days plus 9 Public Holidays per annum. The annual leave year runs from 1st 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.
9. Termination of Office: The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s 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

• Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values within Tallaght University Hospital.
• Adhere to and uphold the Professional Code of Conduct for Nurses.
• Maintain the primacy of patient care in all activities undertaken.
• Ensure the provision of a high standard of care to the patient and families in the Nephrology Department that is consistent with the mission, vision, values and strategic plan of the Hospital.
• Report directly to the Clinical Nurse Manager 2, as well as being accountable to the Clinical Nurse Manager 3/ADON for the Emergency Department.
• Be professionally accountable to the Director of Nursing.
• Work closely with the Emergency department Consultants and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Play an active role in patient education and health promotion.
• Play an active role in the education and engagement of nursing and medical colleagues and nursing students within the service and throughout the organisation as required.
• Take an active role in audit, quality improvement and formulation of policies, protocols and guidelines for clinical practice within the service.
• While this post is for Emergency department, you may be asked by your manager to work in other areas in the Hospital in unusual circumstances or as per needs of the organisation. .

Specific Accountability

Clinical Responsibilities

• Liaise and work closely with the Emergency Department multidisciplinary team providing a quality service to patients.
• Conducts comprehensive systematic assessment of patients, implementing and evaluating patient care.
• Recognises changes in patients condition taking the necessary actions and documenting accordingly.
• Co-ordinates effective discharge from the emergency department liaising with relevant personnel promoting safe discharge.
• Promote patient/ family participation in care, identifying and meeting the learning needs of patients and their family.
• Identify patients’ physical, social and psychological needs that may require referral to other agencies.
• Initiate and follow up tests and investigations required for patients in the Emergency Department.
• Effectively use all information technology resources available.

Education, Research and Audit Responsibilities

• Demonstrate clinical expertise and act as a resource for clinical information.
• Provide informal and formal education sessions to staff and students within the organisation in conjunction with the Centre for Learning and Development as required.
• Actively engage in audit within the service. Explore current nursing practice, ongoing trends, evaluate improvements in the quality of care within the Emergency Department
• Participate in presenting findings to medical and nursing colleagues.
• Participate in the development of services to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families.
• Motivate colleagues by participating in setting and monitoring standards and objectives for clinical practice in conjunction with Clinical Nurse Managers.

Standards of Care and Work and Self-Development

• Act as a role model for the delivery of evidence based quality nursing care in the acute care setting.
• Assist clinical staff in the implementation of quality improvements through standard setting, auditing and evaluation.
• Participate in development and implementation of patient focused policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures.
• Promote awareness and assist the implementation of local and national policy initiatives.
• Develop skills on an ongoing basis, participating in a clinical rotation to all areas within the Emergency Department.
• Accepts responsibility for own continuing professional development setting realistic goals based on assessment of individual strengths and learning needs.
• Participate in the development of other staff by mentoring and preceptorship where required.
• Maintain own knowledge on both local, national and international professional nursing practice issues.
• Communicate effectively with the Clinical Nurse Managers regarding the progress and development of staff.
• Liaise with all registered nurses.
• To act as an effective role model in promoting healthy professional relationships.
• To promote communication within the nursing profession and the organisation.
• Promote awareness of and participate in nursing research activities.
• To liaise where appropriate with multidisciplinary teams.
• To inspire and disseminate innovative practice.
• Demonstrate flexibility as required when asked by the manager

Information Technology and Data Management

• Participate in 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.
• Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act.

Health & Safety / Quality, Safety and Risk Management

• All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
• Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Policies, Protocols and Procedures.
• Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
• Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Hygiene / Infection Prevention and Control

• All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
• All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
• All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
• All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of 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.

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.

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 incumbent will be required to maintain, enhance and develop their knowledge, skills and aptitudes necessary to respond to a changing situation. The Job Description must 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.


GENERAL

Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers 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 6th February 2023

Informal enquiries to:

Ms April Walsh CNM3 01 4143195 email April.Walsh@tuh.ie

Or

Mary Byrne ADON 01 4143528 email mary.byrne2@tuh.ie

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