CNM2 Upper GI

Post Title: Clinical Nurse Specialist – Upper Gastro-intestinal Nurse Specialist in Surgery with special interest in Enhanced Recovery
Post Status: Specified Purpose
Department: Department of Nursing
Location: Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9
Reports to: Surgical Directorate Nurse Manager
Salary: Appointment will be made on Clinical Nurse Manager 2 Grade at a point in line with Government pay policy
Hours of work: Full-Time - 37.5 hours per week

Closing Date: 18/05/2026 @ 12:00 - Please note the hospital reserves the right to close the competition early should a substantial number of applications be received.

The Surgical Upper GI Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will be an integral part of the Multidisciplinary Team. He/she will have a central role in co-coordinating the Upper GI surgical cancer service in Beaumont Hospital. Liaising with the Upper GI CNS, ward nursing staff, the surgical teams, surgical wards, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology department, general practitioners, public health nurses and palliative care units, they will provide a service which meets national and international quality guidelines.

He/she will be expected to provide a holistic nursing service for patients being assessed for and undergoing surgery for upper GI cancers. This will include coordination of all peri operative work up and the ongoing development of and integration and roll-out of the Enhanced Recovery Programme for both Gastrectomy and Oesophagectomy patients. The post holder will liaise closely with all clinicians involved in the diagnosis, management and ongoing care of patients. It is anticipated that the role will involve approximately 19.5 hours Enhanced Recovery work and 19.5 hours additional Upper GI Nursing Role

They will liase with the Multidisciplinary Team meeting coordinator and assist in facilitating the outcomes. The role demands that the CNS be an advocate for the patient and a resource for colleagues. The CNS will have an important educational role within the interdisciplinary team and will play a role in the development of quality initiatives. He/She will be expected to assist in the validation of the upper GI cancer database.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Focus:

Direct and Indirect Care

- Ensures a seamless service for patients diagnosed with upper GI cancers.
- Coordination of a timely patient focussed peri operative assessment process.
- In conjunction with the multi disciplinary team, development of and integration of the enhanced recovery programme to upper GI cancer patients.
- Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service respecting the individual needs of each patient
- Provides a role model for clinical excellence in the delivery of patient care demonstrating knowledge, skill and activities at an advanced level.
- Prepares patients for treatment and operative procedures by providing appropriate information/advice guidance and support, thus enabling patients to understand and adjust to their condition and participate in their treatment plans.
- Liaises with the Consultants, Upper GI CNS, other clinical nurse specialists, Ward Nurses and multidisciplinary team as appropriate and co-ordinates the ongoing care of individual patients. Identifies particular problems and needs and takes appropriate action to resolve or improve these difficulties.
- In conjunction with the nursing, medical and allied health team formulate discharge plans which ensure continuity of patient care by liaising with health care professionals in the Community Care setting and ensuring appropriate follow up.
- Attends the Out-Patient Clinics in Beaumont Hospital as appropriate. .
- Ensures that patients have clear instructions regarding their peri operative and follow-up appointments ensuring awareness of who to contact in the event of problems developing post discharge from the hospital.
- Establishes and maintains telephone contact with patients as required.
- Works closely with other nurse specialists as appropriate within Beaumont/Connolly Hospitals.
- Ensure patients have access to relevant information enabling an understanding of their disease, staging/restaging tests and available treatment options.
- Provide support, advice and education to the patient and family in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere
- Participate in and facilitates the decisions in Multidisciplinary team meetings.
- Observes and maintains strict confidentiality of information relating to staff and patients

Patient/Client Advocate:

- Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient.
- With expert clinical knowledge and experience act as a patient advocate, by participating in discussions on patient management issues on behalf of the patient in MDT meetings, with ward staff and other healthcare professionals.
- Review and assess referred patients taking into account the patients opinions and guide in their decision making. Communicate, negotiate and represent the plan of care for the patient, with clinical medical and nursing staff.
- Be aware of existing resources/services which help patients and their families e.g. community services, support groups, entitlements.
- Develop, review and distribute information leaflets to patients with an initial focus on peri operative and enhanced recovery information.
- Implements changes in healthcare in response to patient need and service demand.

Education and training

- Is actively involved in the preparation and implementation of policies and nursing guidelines in relation to the management of care to patients with cancer of stomach and oesophagus.
- Provide education sessions for patients, families, medical and nursing staff, students and allied health professions.
- Promote patient /carer independence through relevant teaching and support.
- Identify the needs of staff, patients and carers in relation to skin cancers.
- Play an active role in providing clinical based teaching.
- Observes and maintains strict confidentiality of information relating to staff and patients

Professional development:

- In conjunction with the Directorate nurse manager and/or the surgical oncology CNM3 agree learning objectives designated to meet professional development goals.
- Maintain professionalism at all times and work within the Professional Code of Conduct and scope of Practice framework from Nurse and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)
- Accept responsibility for own professional development and be aware of current trends and strategies in nursing, particularly in relation to specialist area.
- Attend relevant conferences, workshops and seminars and disseminate changes in practice with implications for nursing practice.
- Develop and maintain nursing practice skills in relation to upper GI cancer nursing, peri operative assessment and enhanced recovery.
- Discuss present performance with line manager, using job performance review.
- Maintain a personal record of professional development, using a portfolio.
- Maintain membership of relevant specialist associations in relation to all aspects specialist practice.
- To be an active member of the Department of Upper GI Surgery in Beaumont Hospital participating in departmental developments and attending regular staff and continuing professional development meetings

Audit and research:

- Evaluates and develops services in Upper Gastro-intestinal Surgery and to advise on future service provision requirements
- Liaises with colleagues to ensure continuity of service ensuring best clinical practice
- Participates in the development, monitoring and review of departmental standards, protocols and guidelines to ensure optimal client care.
- Participate in the audit of clinical care.
- Participate in/ be aware of best practice, recent research and new developments in Enhanced recovery and Upper GI cancer from a Nursing perspective.
- Evaluate education sessions given and amend programme in line with the result.
- Participate in relevant collaborative research.
- Ensure that statistical and management information is provided to the Directorate Nurse Manager as required.
- Participates in external audits of service by H.I.Q.A, the NCCP and other external agencies.
- In conjunction with the Upper GI CNS produce an annual report for the Directorate Nurse Manager outlining:

• The number of patients seen
• Frequently occurring issues with the service
• Patient satisfaction with services
• Action plan for the following six months

Consultant:

- Play a leading and participating role with the design and evaluation of the enhanced recovery and upper GI cancer service in Beaumont Hospital as a designated cancer centre.
- Promote and provide holistic care for patients.
- Develop and promote positive attitudes towards upper GI cancer conditions.
- Respect culture and diversity.
- Work as an innovator and change agent within the speciality.
- Act as an expert role model for health care professionals.
- Work in a complementary role to medical colleagues and other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Conditions of Appointment and Selection Criteria:

Mandatory:

Experience & Knowledge:

• Registered with NMBI in General Division of the Register.
• Minimum of 5 years post graduate experience
• 2 years general surgical or oncology nursing

Skills & Ability:

• Ability to plan, review & adapt the service
• Involvement of quality improvement initiatives & audit
• Effective time management skills to deliver on all requirements of the job specification
• Demonstrates good motivation/ counselling skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good presentation skills
• Basic computer skills
• Encourages consultation and collaboration across disciplines

Personal Attributes:
• Confident
• Self motivated, reliable and able to work independently
• Active advocate of the patient
• Flexible, adaptable and creative
• Able to reflect and appraise own performance
• Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders

Desirable:

• Previous experience in Upper GI Surgery
• A relevant post-graduate qualification or evidence of continuous professional development in the speciality area
• Previous experience of enhanced recovery after surgery

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 appointee’s 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

Informal Enquiries ONLY to: