Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Oncology

Permanent Contract, Full Time Hours

The Oncology CNS Role

The Oncology CNS will have a central role in coordinating systemic anti-cancer treatment for Oncology patients. They will be responsible for providing specialist nursing care to patients who are newly diagnosed and patients on active Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT). The Oncology CNS will support and educate oncology patients and their families about their SACT and managing side effects. They will also provide psychosocial support to these patients.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide a specialist oncology nursing care, advice, information and support for patients with a cancer diagnosis who require SACT.
• Provide education and support to newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families.
• Attend Oncology Consultant Clinics and coordinate patients who require SACT.
• Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for patients with a cancer diagnosis.
• Work closely with Oncology Clinical Nurse Managers and Surgical CNSs regarding patients' treatment and follow up.
• Have strong working relationships with the Medical Oncology Team, Oncology Pharmacy, Dietitians, Social Work Department and Psych-Oncology.
• Liaise with external hospitals regarding patients' concurrent treatment modalities such as radiotherapy.
• Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings to discuss patients' treatment regimens, interim radiology results and SACT side effects.
• Be a strong advocate for oncology patients and their families and ensure care is timely and patient centred.
• Promote and empower patients and family members to actively participate in their own care.
• Manage the Nurse Led Oral Anti-Cancer Medication (OAM) Clinic in accordance with National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) OAM Model of Care Recommendations.
• Be proficient undertaking a comprehensive holistic patient assessment using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE).
• Ensure patient prerequisite tests, treatment and follow up appointment are coordinated in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ensure patients and families are comprehensively informed during their continuum of oncology care.
• Use all available resources effectively and economically.
• Promote a safe clinical environment with due regard to health and safety and risk management strategies.
• Maintain appropriate and accurate documentation of all patient care.
• Continually review and evaluate the Oncology CNS service to ensure excellence in patient care.
• Be an active member of Oncology Nursing professional groups, attend oncology conferences to keep up to date with the latest evidence based practice.
• Establish and maintain a database of Oncology patients with a cancer diagnosis.
• Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to NCCP Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) as directed and advised by the Director of Nursing (DON).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Are registered in the relevant division of the Register of nurses & Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI/Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na h'Eireann) or entitled to be so registered.

• Have successfully completed an Oncology/Cancer Nursing 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 ed (2008). 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.

• Have a minimum of 5 years' post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 5 years' full time experience in the division of the register in which the application is being made.

• Have a minimum of 2 years' experience or an aggregate of 2 years' full time experience in specialist area of acute Oncology.

• Candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuous professional development.

• Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability and clinical, managerial and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.

• Competent in SACT administration.

Closing date for applications is 1pm on Friday, 22nd August 2025.

MUH reserves the right to create a panel for this post from which permanent, fixed term and specified purpose vacancies of a full or part time duration may be filled.

Mercy University Hospital (MUH)

MUH is a growing voluntary hospital in the heart of Cork City. We have over 1,500 staff providing complex diagnostic, medical and surgical care through our inpatient, day patient, outpatient and emergency services.

We are a teaching hospital, a centre of national and international excellence, and are renowned for our research and tertiary services. Providing 24/7 acute surgical, acute medical and critical care, MUH now has multiple sites across the city and continues to expand.

We support staff development with approx. 100 promotions annually. We prioritise work life balance with 28% of our team working part time hours. We offer nationally agreed enhanced Salary Scales, Pension Scheme, excellent holidays, canteen, and Study Leave and Assistance.

From Cardiac Care to Intensive Care, our varied specialist services offer real career choice to our team. For fully registered NMBI recognised nurses, we offer a generous relocation package (if coming from abroad). We live by our Core Values of Compassion, Excellence, Justice, Respect and Team Spirit.