CNS, Renal Patient Care Coordinator

Overview

Post Title: CNM2 Renal Patient Care Coordinator Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)Post Status: Full time PermanentDepartment: TUN Directorate Location: Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 Reports to: Directorate Nurse Manager/CNM3 Salary: Appointment will be made on the Clinical Nurse Specialist grade at a point in line with Government pay policy (€62,699 - €79,227 LSI)Hours of work: Full-Time 37.5 hours per week.Closing Date: 13/11/2026 at 12:00 - Please note the hospital reserves the right to close the competition early should a substantial number of applications be received.

 

Position Summary:

The Renal Patient Care Co-ordinator addresses in a supportive and very practical way the complexities associated with the rehabilitation of patients with chronic renal disease and those with end stage renal disease. A pivotal aspect of the role involves assessing the level of family support and providing information and advice regarding treatment options. There are many choices to be made in respect of renal replacement therapy i.e. career, family, finances, possible housing improvements or relocation, provision of suitable dialysis times and transport. When patients change from one modality of renal replacement therapy to another the Patient Care Co-ordinator provides the necessary support to facilitate this transition.

The Patient Care Co-Ordinators are assigned and accountable for a caseload of patients. They work in close collaboration with each other with regard to addressing difficult problems associated with individual patients/families. They are expected to be fully aware of the needs of individual patients and provide support and cover for one another, as required. The Patient Care Co-ordinator aims to keep the patient on renal replacement therapy living as independently as possible in his/her own home environment. To achieve this objective he/she liaises closely with family members to encourage their continued support and organises appropriate community support services. The Patient Care Co-ordinator identifies and supports patients who will require interim placement while rehabilitating or long term care placement and liaises with the hospital services and appropriate external agencies to arrange home supports or short - long term placement.

 

Responsibilities

OBJECTIVES OF THE POST:

1. To administer the co-ordination of Beaumont Hospital Renal Replacement Programmes and to co-ordinate this activity with relevant Renal Units and satellite units throughout the country.

2. To identify and address particular problems/needs that arise with individual patients/families as a result of a diagnosis of chronic renal disease and takes appropriate action to resolve or improve these difficulties.

3. He/she actively develops communication systems with renal units and satellite units, other agencies (statutory and voluntary) and Renal Units to ensure that the co-ordination of patient care is effectively and efficiently carried out in the best interest of the patient.

4. To assist in the audit of workflow between Beaumont Hospital Dialysis Services and other Dialysis Units throughout the country.

5. To ensure the patient journey is seamless and that every patient has a plan of care

6. Active member of the weekly Low Clearance Clinic MDT to ensure patients have all the necessary information to make an informed choice regarding preferred treatment option.

7. Organising MDT with consultants and relevant treatment CNMs to discuss patients preferred choice of treatment.

DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1. Provides ongoing support, specialist advice and education to patients and their families through the entire process of care with regard to:-

• The nature and effect of the patient's health problem.• The patients modality of replacement therapy i.e. Haemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, conservative management or Renal Transplantation• General health promotion• Provides information on support services available to both patients and family

 

2. Assessment of new patients referred for renal replacement therapy and assess the level of family support.

The assessment process involves meeting the patient over a number of days prior to the formulation of a meaningful report. During this period the Patient Care Co-ordinator should encourage relationships between the patient, family and the multi-disciplinary team and provide appropriate information and advice regarding treatment options.

The information pertinent to future care plans for the patient should include:-

• Demographic history of immediate family and siblings.• Appropriate data in relation to personal and family circumstances/support network.• Description of housing accommodation and facilities.• Availability of telephone and transport to facilitate communication and travel.• Health insurance.• Identify specific problems/needs of patients, which require improvement or resolution.• The patient’s and family’s view regarding the preferred form of Renal Replacement Therapy.

Compile a confidential report on the interview findings which should be concluded with the Patient Care Co-ordinator’s assessment of the patient’s ability to adjust to Renal Replacement Therapy and to partake in his/her treatment plan. The report is made available to, and discussed with, the relevant Consultant Nephrologist and Nursing Staff. These reports are securely filed in the patient’s medical chart

 

In consultation with the multi-disciplinary team formulate and implement plans to establish the patient on his/her chosen modality of treatment. All treatment options must be discussed with the patients and family and the chosen option discussed with the medical and nursing team in that area. Encourage patients to remain in employment and assist them to seek education, training and employment opportunities.Encourage patients to maintain social activities and personal hobbies.Assists patients and relatives where necessary in making applications for statutory entitlements and provide supporting letters.Monitor risk factors in the vulnerable and older patient groups such as social isolation and insecurity; make referrals to day care centres and other local activities, as appropriate, on behalf of individual patients. Advise individual patients as appropriate.

 

3. I. With regard to regular Haemodialysis:-Ensure patient is referred to the renal vascular coordinator as requiredSecure a suitable regular haemodialysis “slot” with due regard for the patient’s catchment area employment/child rearing commitments and availability

Liase closely with external HD Units to ensure timely transfer of patients to their catchment area dialysis unit or to Beaumont eg. transition from Childrens hospital to Beaumont

Arrange transport with the transport services within Beaumont and nationally and ensure the most cost effective methods is utilised.

Monitor changing circumstances and practical needs of patients on renal replacement therapy and take necessary action to solve emerging problems.

II. With regard to peritoneal dialysis (CAPD/CCPD) & Home HaemodialysisIn consultation with the home therapies team ensures that patients have adequate facilitates to safely carry out treatment in their home environment.Liase with local authority agencies and Health Boards regarding applications for home modifications and grant entitlements.Make applications to relevant Health Boards on behalf of new patients commencing CAPD/CCPD/Home Dialysis for the supply of dialysis equipment and solutions.Monitor changing circumstances and practical needs of patients on renal replacement therapy and take necessary action to solve emerging problems.

III. With regard to Conservative management – Coordinate with Ambulatory care, Nurse counsellor and medical team to support the patient and family on this treatment optionAssist with sensitive discussions regarding advanced care planning. Liaise with palliative care services where necessary

IV. With regard to Kidney Transplantation – Along with the MDT support the patient in their approach to renal transplantation.

 

4. Works in collaboration with the Multi-disciplinary team with regard to identifying discharge problems and co-ordinates and implements arrangements for post discharge care in consultation with the community care services.

I. Co-ordinate discharge planning and liase closely with Community Support Services.II. Arranges and documents multidisciplinary team meetings with patients and families, in a timely manner when necessary.III. Liaises with the patient flow department in Beaumont re issues on discharging patients homeIV. Liaises closely with Public Health Nurses with regard to the provision of community nursing care services.V. Arranges step down convalescent care for patients who would benefit from this service.VI. Collaborate with consultants and associated health care team members both in the hospital and community to ensure that patients are discharged in a timely, efficient and effective manner. VII. Complete SAT assessment for patients in Beaumont Hospital and relevant off-site facilities, who require Long-Term Care.VIII. Liase and manage Home Care Packages, Home Help Assessment and Beaumont Hospital in the home referrals. The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree

Support key staff to promote appropriate discharge plans which are decided and implemented within Beaumont Hospital and relevant off-site facilities in a timely and appropriate manner.

Communicate effectively with the Multidisciplinary Team to ensure that all relevant information pertinent to the patient has been obtained.

Co-ordinates the multidisciplinary pre-assessment preparation of patients referred to the Consultant Geriatrician for assessment with regard to respite and long-term care.

5 Education

• Have an active teaching role in the continuing education of renal nursing staff with particular emphasis on patient education, health promotion and vocational/social rehabilitation. • Actively partakes in the delivering education session at ward level, post graduate courses and others as required• Utilise research findings to influence the development of nursing care within the speciality.• Must undertake appropriate training and education in order to fulfil the functions of the role. This includes participation in eLearning programmes and to complete SAT assessor competencies.

 

6 Professional Development

• Maintain throughout the dispensation of their duties the organisational focus on the delivery of patient centred care• Maintain and update knowledge and keep abreast of relevant professional development and all current trends in nursing.• Discuss present performance and future needs with the Directorate Nurse Manager.• Takes responsibility to complete mandatory training as required.• Develop leadership skills and shadow DNM and act up as required.

 

7 General

• Maintains up to date information on the National Social Services. • Convenes monthly multidisciplinary unit meetings• Attends the dialysis slots meetings and coordinates patients transfer from Beaumont to vacant slots in other dialysis units available to Beaumont• Keeps accurate records and ensure confidentiality of records at all times.• Liaises with the Irish Kidney Association and other voluntary support agencies, as appropriate.

8 Audit and research• Participate in audits of clinical care• Critically evaluate research findings and apply findings to clinical practice and disseminate information to staff via education and informal teaching sessions.• Identify and highlight gaps in the service to improve quality of care.• Evaluate education sessions given and amend programme in line with the result• Participate in relevant collaborative research with the colorectal team. • Ensure that statistical and management information is provided to the Directorate Nurse Manager as required.

 

The job description indicates the main functions and responsibilities of the post and is subject to review and amendment. Other jobs and responsibilities may be delegated as appropriate by the Directorate Nurse Manager.

Qualifications

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc (a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:i. Be a registered nurse/midwife on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais and Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered.ORii. In exceptional circumstances, which will be assessed on a case by case basis be registered in another Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives.AND

iii. Have a minimum of 1 years’ post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 1 years’ full time experience in the division of the register in which the application is being made (taking into account (ii) (iii) if relevant)ANDiv. Have a minimum of 1 years’ experience or an aggregate of 1 years’ full time experience in specialist area of Nephrology Care.ANDv. Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability and clinical, leadership, managerial and administrative capacity for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.ANDHave 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 9 or higher award that is relevant to the specialist area of care (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above), and in line with the requirements for specialist practice as set out by the National Council for Nursing and Midwifery 4th edition (2008).ORA willingness to undertake same and evidence of on-going education appropriate to this post is essential.Alternatively provide written evidence from the Higher Education Institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 9 or higher standard, relevant to the specialist area of care (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above), and in line with the requirements for specialist practice as set out by the National Council for Nursing and Midwifery 4th ed (2008).ANDBe required to demonstrate that they have continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the specialist area.

2. Annual registration(i) 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. And(ii) Practitioners must confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Service user Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).3. 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. 4. CharacterCandidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

 

Informal Enquiries Only:

Maria Greene,T: 01 7977739Email: [email protected] Beaumont Hospital

 

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.Please be aware that Beaumont Hospital will never ask candidates to pay money at any stage of the recruitment process. Any requests for payment, bank details, or financial information in connection with a job application should be treated as fraudulent. If you receive such a request claiming to be from Beaumont Hospital, please do not respond and report to the recruitment department immediately.