Job Title: MS Support & Education Nurse

Location: MS Ireland Care Centre, 65 Bushy Park Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6

Reporting to: The Clinical Nurse Manager.

Role Purpose: To provide an efficient, professional and caring nursing service which meets the needs of clients of MS Ireland

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Key Results Area:

The role of the MS Support & Education nurse has two key areas of responsibility. The role is 35 hours per week.

MS Support Nurse:

17.5 hours will be dedicated to the role of MS Support in the MS Care Centre. The Care Centre is a 12-bed respite facility. The MS nurse will meet respite users weekly to provide 1:1 support and information. Duties will include -

• Managing client care to ensure the highest levels of professional nursing service to clients using a person centered planning approach.
• Completing client needs assessments and to plan, deliver and evaluate an appropriate programme of care.
• Maintaining effective communications with team members, clients, family members and care givers of PwMS.
• Supporting, educating and providing information to families or care givers of PwMS, making referrals to appropriate support services where necessary.
• Supporting the Person in Charge in developing a regular in- house training programme.
• Keeping comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date records and written reports at all times.
• Participating in effective handovers to relevant members of staff to ensure information regarding client care is communicated in an effective and confidential manner.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of MS Care Centre policies and procedures on an ongoing basis and ensure adherence to these policies and procedures at all times.
• Abiding by all health and safety policies and procedures of the MS Care Centre, identify to management any hazards to ensure a safe working environment for all staff, clients and visitors.
• Participating in the care, custody, and administration of medicines in accordance with the MS Care Centre Medication Management Manual, statutory guidelines and protocols of the NMBI.
• Actively contributing to the maintenance and development of the MS Care Centre's operations, to attend staff meetings and to support the Person in Charge in establishing a positive working environment. To participate in management meetings.
• Liaising with sessional staff, other health care professionals and statutory bodies as necessary to ensure a person centered, holistic approach to client care.
• Continuing professional and self-development through day-to-day work practices and attendance at training and development courses.
• Ensuring that all new staff are given appropriate support and guidance in their roles in accordance with the MS Care Centre’s policies and procedures, in conjunction with the Person in Charge
• Ensuring compliance with HIQA Standards and Regulations
• Flexibility in the position and carry out other duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by MS Ireland.

Educational role:

The remaining 17.5 hours will be dedicated to education provision and will involve:

• Participating in development of future services within MS Ireland and in internal working groups with a view to developing services in MS Ireland.
• Liaising with MS Nurses around the country and encouraging that relationship to ensure MS Ireland has up to date knowledge of MS treatments, access to the MS nurses on behalf of clients etc.
• Engaging with international programmes such as the MS Nurse Pro, ensuring MS Ireland remains relevant and are up to date on clinical information.
• Developing and providing a programme of necessary training for PwMS and staff regarding MS related topics.
• To participate in the provision of training regarding MS related topics – for MS Ireland staff, respite users and the wider MS community. e.g. fatigue, continence etc.
• Participate in webinars regarding MS related discussions.
• Attend events and deliver presentations as required e.g. Newly Diagnosed seminars, National Conference.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience and Educational Requirements:

• 5 years post registration experience.
• Prior experience of working with people with Multiple Sclerosis would be an advantage.
• Experience of care planning, delivery, evaluation, and discharge planning essential.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Good theoretical and background knowledge of current nursing practice.
• Evidence of on-going professional development desirable.
• Ability to work on own initiative, delegate duties and empower others.
• Ability to motivate others, facilitate groups and manage change.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills essential.
• Evidence of ability to work under pressure and deal with any crisis which may occur.
• Experience of working with people with disabilities in a residential or respite environment highly desirable.
• Prior experience of liaising with statutory services and community healthcare providers highly desirable.
• Ability to manage a clinical case load and produce reports.
• Management course desirable