Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)|Candidate CNS - Cardiology

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) / Candidate CNS (cCNS) - Cardiology

Permanent Contract, Full Time Hours

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Cardiology team for a dynamic and motivated Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) / Candidate Clinical Nurse Specialist (cCNS) to work in collaboration with the Cardiologists, Cardiac Co-ordinator, Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) and Telemetry nursing teams. Recent service expansion has increased patient complexity and volume which requires specialist nursing expertise.

The CNS/cCNS Cardiology will provide expert clinical care, improve patient outcomes, support service development and promote evidence-based practice within the cardiology services at Mercy University Hospital (MUH).

The successful candidate should be organised, efficient and have excellent communication skills. Extensive cardiology knowledge with a wide experience base and a keen interest in lipid management and genetics are essential.

As this is a new service, the duties and responsibilities may develop alongside the role.

The CNS/cCNS Cardiology reports to the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), and is accountable to the Director of Nursing (DON), MUH. The post of CNS Cardiology is central to the co-ordination and management of activity and resources and is an essential member of the Nurse Management Team.

Responsibilities Include:

The CNS Cardiology will deliver care in line with the five core concepts of the role set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Post, 4th ed. National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008, providing specialist nursing care to cardiology patients across the continuum of care.

1. Clinical Focus:

• Undertake comprehensive patient assessments (physical, psychological, social).
• Develop and implement evidence- based care plans.
• Monitor clinical progress and adapt management plans.
• Develop nursed-led cardiology service.
• Develop and support clinical pathways ad referrals systems.
• Support safe, effective cardiology care aligned with HIAQ standards.
• Participate in MDT reviews.

2. Patient / Client Advocacy:

• Act as patient advocate across the cardiology pathway.
• Ensure patient - centred informed decision making.
• Improve continuity of care between acute, primary and community services.

3. Education and Training:

• Provide structured education to MDT and patients.
• Support competency development for nursing staff across wards.
• Contribute to training programmes and study days.
• Provide patient education in disease management.

4. Audit and Research:

• Collect and analyse clinical data aligned to KPI's.
• Lead and participate in audit and quality improvement.
• Participate in the maintenance of a cardiology caseload database.
• Contribute to cardiology research initiatives.
• Use audit outcomes to improve patient care and service delivery.

5. Consultancy / Leadership:

• Provide expert clinical advice to nursing and MDT colleagues.
• Support CNM1's, CNM2, Cardiac Coordinator and Ward Teams.
• Lead service improvement initiatives.
• Development of new cardiology services.
• Act as a clinical resource and role model.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a registered nurse/midwife on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais and Cnaimhseachais na hEireann (NMBI / Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered.
• Be registered in the division(s) of the NMBI Register for which the application is being made or be entitled to be so registered.
• 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.
• Have a minimum of 1 years' experience or an aggregate of 1 years' full time experience in specialist area of Cardiology Care, OR if the applicant does not possess the relevant specialist experience, they will be supported to attain one year's clinical specialist experience.
• Have 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 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, OR
• If the applicant does not possess the relevant QQI NFQ Level 9 qualification, the applicant will be supported to undertake the required postgraduate education, at QQI NFQ level 9 qualification (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above) relevant to the specialist area. This must be achieved within 2 years for this pathway.
• Be required to demonstrate that they have continuing professional development (CPD) relevant to the specialist area or will be supported to obtain the required CPD.
• Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice.

Candidate CNS Pathway Appointment Conditions:

• Given the developmental nature of the Candidate role, appointment to this post will be made on a Specific Purpose Contract, directly linked to participation in and completion of the approved candidacy pathway.
• The purpose of the contract is to enable the postholder to undertake the required education, training, and competency development necessary to meet the criteria for progression to the substantive (CNS) role. This wholetime appointment is subject to the terms set out below:
• The post-holder is expected to demonstrate achievement of the core and specific competencies deemed necessary to manage the identified scope of practice and successfully complete the required educational programme within the agreed pathway timeframe of 2 years.

Closing date for applications is 1pm on Friday, 22 May 2026.

Please note the salary advertised related to the CNS post.

MUH reserve 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 1,800 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 recently opened our Blarney Rehabilitation Unit, a post-acute care specialist rehabilitation unit with 50 beds in Blarney, County Cork.

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.