Clinical Nurse Facilitator (CNF) Cancer Services

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for clinical support of all cancer and medical services. As a key member of the nursing team, the Clinical Nurse Facilitator will provide education, training and support to all members of staff. The CNF will facilitate professional development, encourage lifelong learning and foster an appropriate climate for learning within the clinical environment. In collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Managers the CNF will identify learning needs at ward level and develop effective learning activities to meet those needs. The CNF acts as a resource facilitator to assist individual staff nurses to reach their full potential at each stage of development. The CNF has a pivotal role in staff development, induction, education, professional/clinical leadership with a strong focus on quality improvement initiatives. The position requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives

Job Background/Context

Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic is a private hospital providing a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. Each department provides a range of services and this role is important in making a significant contribution, developing and maintaining best practice in nursing services at ward level.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

      To assist in supporting registered nurses/ pre-registered nurses with developing of clinical skills and competencies in order to fulfil their professional roles and responsibilities in an ever changing health environment.

• Monitors standards of nursing care provided and problem solves clinical nursing concerns.
• Supervision and direct support  of registered nurses, pre-registered nurses, health care assistants and student nurses while maintaining a safe working environment
• Ensures the agreed hospital policies and procedures are known, understood and implemented by the staff.
• Provides education and support for the implementation of national clinical guidelines
• In conjunction with pre- registered nurse or student nurse provides direct nursing care to patients in a proactive compassionate manner.
• Works within a Multidisciplinary team in the co-ordination of holistic patient care.
• Implements evidence based nursing practice using a care planning / pathway approach.
• Role models excellent communication skills with medical staff on relevant matters concerning patient care and particularly with ward consultants.
• Ensures safe practice is adhered to in the storage, preparation, administration and documentation of all medications. Ensures that controlled drugs and controlled drug records are maintained in accordance with legal and professional standards according to NMBI Guidance for Registered Nurses and Midwives on Medication Administration (2020)

      Provide professional and clinical leadership and vision and facilitate staff team building to provide planned care and develop educational strategies and service goals.

• Support Registered Nurses and pre-registered nurses in developing skills and competencies in order to fulfil their roles and responsibilities.
• Encourages staff to utilise resources judiciously and to report faulty equipment. 
• Directs and supports the staff in the event of any emergency situation which may arise within the hospital.
• Reports on Nursing and Nursing practice issues to the Assistant Director of Nursing/ Director of Nursing and Transformation. 
• Ensure best evidence based contemporary practice at departmental level by developing policies and procedures that are research and evidence based.
• Educates and supervises registered nurses, health care assistants, student nurses and administration staff to enable them to attain their potential and assume responsibility for delegated duties in a conductive learning environment.
• Exercises and demonstrates effective managerial and leadership skills.
• Promotes, nurtures and maintains a high level of staff morale hence promoting team spirit and job satisfaction.
• Promotes flexibility among staff thus ensuring a climate conductive to maximum performance and co-operation is maintained.
• Maintains personal nursing practice skills in the specialty and keeps abreast of clinical developments and new research
• Keeps up to date with Health & Safety requirements, fire regulations and Radiation Safety and Protection ensuring that all staff regularly attend such lectures and are familiar with the Cardiac Arrest procedure.
• Reports any performance issues to the department CNM's and escalates issues to the Assistant Director of Nursing/ Director of Nursing and Transformation as appropriate
• In conjunction with CNM evaluates staff complaints, grievances and disciplinary matters in accordance with hospital policy.
• Attends staff committee meetings when appropriate.

Learning and Education

• Work as part of the Nurse Education and Practice Development Team continuously evaluating and developing nursing practice within the hospital, and will have responsibility as project lead on specific initiatives and education in practice.

      Identifies training and professional development needs for nursing staff and discusses same with the Assistant Director of Nursing/Director of Nursing and Transformation. Facilitates staff to attend in-service training/programme when appropriate

      Participate in the identification, development and delivery of induction, education, training and development programmes for nursing and non-nursing staff.

      Establish and maintain a mechanism of recording and co-ordination ongoing education. Support the implementation and maintenance of records systems for the training of nursing staff.

      Reduce the theory practice gap, foster staff empowerment and increase autonomy over learning.

• Support the CNM in the implementation and review of Performance Improvement Plans for staff who are underperforming, assisting in the clinical area as required
• Develop and co-ordinate Study Days in response to service and developmental needs.
• Work as part of the Nurse Education and Practice Development Team on the development, review and implementation of PPPG's.
• Contribute to the requirements of NMBI for the practice of professional nursing are met and upheld including the development of an expanded scope of nursing practice.
• Act as an effective role model by demonstrating skilled nursing care in the clinical setting.
• Identify teaching and learning opportunities within the department and medical wards.
• In conjunction with the CNMs facilitate the organisation of attendance at mandatory in service study days.
• Provide a training programme for nurses in which reflects the changing needs of clinical practice.

      Design and develop curriculums that are effective and applicable to the clinical practice.

• Take personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence based practice and research.
• Attend and participate in development programmes on an ongoing basis and sharing knowledge with other members of the nursing team.
• Assist with the orientation and induction of new staff and be available to provide orientation as deemed necessary, helping them to integrate as members of the Unit team.

      Develops and facilitates local training session plans, learning objectives, presentations, competency statements and assessment tools ensuring compliance with local and national guidelines and policies and promoting, where appropriate, the benefits of shared learning across Blackrock Health.

      Utilise and promote new and existing technologies and EHR initiatives to maximise and optimise on available resources and ensure compliance with NMBI guidance on recording documentation.

• Identify and inform the ADON for Nurse Education and Practice Development of any training and professional development requirements.
• Attend all mandatory training days and ensure that all mandatary training is in date.
• Comply with all HR system and policy requirements.

Quality Improvement and Risk Management

         Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant  Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
• Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required.
• Ensure compliance with National Clinical Guidelines for Early Warning Score (EWS), Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) and Sepsis through regular audit and data collection.

      In conjunction with CNM's & Quality department identify and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the nursing and Hospital's service plan and strategies.

      Ensures that all staff practice nursing within the code set for the profession by NMBI and other standards such as those set by HAS, JCI and HIQA,.

      Regularly evaluate clinical practice by means of inspection, audit and surveillance with a view to recommending improvement and changes where required.

      Partake in Accreditation, validation and approval processes relating to professional development and linked to quality patient care

      Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their care

      .Assist in promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department. 

      Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the oncology service and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standards.

• Participate in the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process.
• Participate in the requirements of the hospital's risk management programme.

      Develop, review and the implementation of Action Plans from Clinical Audit results.

• Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
• Assist in promoting a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses

Experience

      Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI

      At least 3 years recent post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting with a minimum of 3 years recent nursing (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in cancer services

      A recognised post-registration nursing course in the specialty or a willingness to undertake same

      Competency in the administration of Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT)

      Holds an up to date BLS and Manual Handling Instructor course or is willing to undertake same

      Holds a teaching qualification or is willing to undertake same

Skills/ Competencies

     Clinical Skills

      IT skills

      Quality focus

      Risk Management

      Clinical audit

      Team work

      Building and Maintaining Relationship

      Interpersonal skills

      Flexible attitude

      Planning and Organisational skills

      Driving innovation

      Leadership and Management