Purpose of Post
The primary objective of this position is to provide supports within the health and social care model which meets the practical, physical and emotional needs of service users, with an intellectual disability. To assist the service users in residential, training and day service centres to achieve their highest level of functioning in order to maintain independence or to improve skills that will make them more independent. Respecting, valuing and fostering the service user’s personal development, quality of life and abilities is central to the role of the staff nurse.
The staff nurse will also be responsible for the supervision of other staff under his/her direction and to take a leadership role whilst on duty.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
Be registered in the Intellectual Disability/Mental Health Division of the Live Register of Nurses maintained by An Bord Altranais (INMB) or be entitled to so registered.
AND
Have experience working in a residential or day service setting with people with an intellectual disability.

Special Skills and Competencies
Competencies appropriate to the post:
Communication & Interpersonal: Can speak clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups. Adapts communication style to suit audience. Writes in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate templates, style and language for the reader. Establishes, maintains and concludes therapeutic interpersonal relationships with services users/residents and other stakeholders. Is able to build rapport quickly with others.
Adaptability & Reliability: Able to react effectively at short notice to changing circumstances. Willing to accept advice and suggestions from others and to learn from experience by changing own behaviour. Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.
Problem Solving and Initiative: Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on their knowledge and experience base, and calling on other resources as necessary. A bias for taking action; the ability to think ahead of the current situation, particularly before problems or crises occur.
Quality and Person Centredness: Demonstrates eagerness to understand service user/resident needs. Views the service user/resident as central to the delivery of every day service through consistent understanding, tolerance, care, support and empathy while promoting empowerment, independence and choice. Determined to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals and quality standards.
Leadership and Accountability: Manages performance to deliver team goals. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude while influencing others to follow a common goal. Demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating work that is provided by all employees.
Scope of Practice: Is educated, competent and has the authority to perform the full range of roles, functions, responsibilities and activities, required of his/her profession in Ireland. Accepts responsibility for ensuring that his/her professional practice and conduct meet the standards of the professional, ethical and relevant legislative and regulation requirements. Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining, enhancing and extending their knowledge, expertise and competence throughout their professional career.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Unit Manager/designated person, the staff nurse will be responsible for the following, ensuring privacy, dignity and respect of the resident at all times.
Person Centred Planning
Supporting the service user to identify their personal goals through a Person Centred approach.
Support service user in gaining FETAC or other qualifications if appropriate to their level of ability and skills assessment.
Working in partnership with MDT colleagues, day service staff, families and other key people to support the service user to work towards and achieve their personal goals, guided by individual care plan.
To assess service users on a regular and systematic basis through the completion of suitable assessment models.
To act as a key worker for a named services user where appropriate, taking responsibility for designing individual programmes of support and coordinating the delivery of care packages.
Community Participation
Facilitating the service user to take an active part in their community, by supporting them in whatever way necessary to use a wide range of community facilities. This may involve trips/excursion outside of normal working hours.

Individualised Support
Providing individualised support, using a facilitative approach to personal care, while ensuring service users’ right to dignity and respect at all times.
Ensure confidentially and privacy of the service user at all times.
Enabling the service user to eat a well-balanced nutritional diet, through supporting him/her in meal preparation at whatever level of assistance he/she requires.
Assisting and promoting good personal care and community living skills, (e.g. toileting, bathing/showering) to enhance and maximise the capabilities and independence of the service user.
To carry out any duties necessary to ensure the comfort and hygiene of service users.
Communications
Communicate with family, visitors, day service and other professionals in a courteous and professional manner.
Communicate in a clear and respectful manner with service users, being aware of individual levels of skills and abilities.
Documenting and relaying information to relevant people e.g. MDT colleagues, day service, families, unit manager and to service user care plan.
Service User’s best possible health
Monitoring the services user’s ongoing health and responding to medical concerns by reporting to unit manager, liaising with GP or accompanying service user to other medical appointments where appropriate.
Carry out all duties in relation to medication as governed by An Bord Altranais and Talbot Group policies and guidelines.
Supporting service user to manage their personal medication in line with current practice.
Responsible for all clinical procedures within the scope of nursing practice.
Maintain good knowledge of all policies, procedures and standards applicable to the service/facility.
Staff Management
To be responsible for the supervision of assigned staff, their workload and performance.
Undertake/Participate in performance appraisal meetings with assigned staff as directed by the Unit Manager.
The identification and addressing of staff development needs.
To participate in matters concerning discipline, grievances, untoward incidents and complaints, when required.

Household Management
Plan for the conservation and economical use of supplies, heating, light, goods and equipment.
Maintain adequate stocks in the residence/unit and manage their use.
Health and Safety
To monitor the building and immediate vicinity for problems and to report any faults immediately to the unit manager or other designated person.
To ensure that medication is held, stored and administered in accordance with Talbot Group medication policy.
To undertake assigned duties regarding the security of the unit e.g. fire security, burglar alarm, opening, locking etc.
To undertake all Health and Safety mandatory training i.e. Manual Handling, Fire and Safety.
Perform duties in a manner conducive to health and safety and in accordance with Talbot Group policies and procedures.
To ensure that food is prepared and stored in a hygienic manner in line with the guidelines of the Environmental Health Service.
To work with the unit manager in identifying risks to service users both within the centre, the residential unit, and the community.
Immediate reporting and documentation of all untoward/critical incidents and accidents in line with Talbot Group policies and procedures.
Ensure high standard of Infection Control practice as per the Talbot Group policies and procedures
Record and Financial Management
To maintain accurate and comprehensive records as are required in the individual service e.g. daily reports, financial records, communication books, family contact sheets and service user care plans (where applicable).
To support clients to manage their personal monies, and to document all transactions.
To maintain accurate records of all expenditure, attaching to the centre/unit (where appropriate).
To ensure that files are up to date and stored in an orderly and secure fashion that ensures client confidentiality.
To maintain detailed staff records where required, in relation to employment matters e.g. leave, rosters etc.

Training and ongoing development
Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, including An Bord Altranais requirements for continuing professional development.
Attend and participate in conferences/training courses as required by the needs of the service user and in compliance with Talbot Group policies and national standards e.g. prevention, detection and response to abuse.
Willingness and commitment to review and change work practices in line with training and service developments.
Attend and participate in staff meetings as requested by the Unit Manager.
Ensure that registration is maintained as directed by An Bord Altranais.
Attend performance/ appraisal meetings, as required, with the line manager.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the position holder. It is intended to be neither definitive, nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review.
As part of the recruitment process we will keep your application and the personal data contained therein for a period of 12 months. Please inform us when applying for a position with the Talbot Group if you do not wish to have your information retained for this period.

To apply
for this position or to request a copy of the job specification, please contact Amanda McKnight, HR – admin@talbotgroup.ie
Application Closing Date: Friday 11th September 2020