Patient Experience
The Nursing Practice Development Unit (NPDU) supports and evaluates nursing practice and nursing practice development issues/initiatives, coordinates a network of communication for all nursing developments, and promotes quality improvement, audit and research development while promoting quality patient care and best practice through all its initiatives. Much of the practice development work is done through various committees / working groups.
The NPDU is also responsible for coordinating the practice components of the BSc Nursing Undergraduate Degree Programme (the theoretical component of which is provided by Trinity College Dublin).
The clinical placement coordinators, student allocations officer and the nursing practice development coordinator (the Assistant Director of Nursing) are responsible for coordinating the practice components of the BSc Nursing Undergraduate Degree Programme. Clinical support and competency assessment of nurses at ward level is provided by the clinical support nurses and the clinical practice facilitators
The drafting and implementation of policies/protocols/procedures/guidelines (PPPGs) is overseen by the nursing practice development facilitator. Audit and research advice, support and expertise are provided to both the NPDU and clinical staff by the nursing quality coordinator. The falls management coordinator provides a coordinated falls management service pan-hospital.
The tissue viability nurse specialists are responsible for providing advice and support to staff in relation to all aspects of tissue viability.
Nursing Practice Development Coordinator: The nursing practice development coordinator oversees and coordinates the running of the NPDU. The NPDC’s role is to promote the best possible practice in nursing care by facilitating and supporting the ongoing development of the nursing team and nursing care. In addition to ongoing practice development work, the NPDC is responsible for facilitating and coordinating the practice components of the undergraduate nurse education programme.
Nursing Quality Coordinator: The role of the nursing quality coordinator is to promote the highest standard of patient-focused care throughout the hospital through leading and managing quality projects.
Nursing Practice Development Facilitator: The role of the nursing practice development facilitator is to lead and manage quality improvement/practice development projects to ensure the highest standard of patient-focused care pan-hospital. The NPDF also writes/reviews/manages nursing policies/protocols/procedures and guidelines including care plans and competencies to maintain a high standard of nursing practice in line with national and international evidence-based standards.
Falls Management Coordinator: The role of the falls management coordinator is to provide a coordinated falls management service pan-hospital, to develop systems to support the falls management process and to monitor trends and injuries sustained from falls. Interventions are put in place to limit falls and injuries through multidisciplinary shared learning and quality improvement projects.
CPC: The role of the CPC is to support and guide pre-registration nursing students and staff in assigned clinical areas to ensure that the clinical placement meets the requirements of the education programme with regard to planned experiences and learning outcomes. The CPC also has responsibility for promoting nursing practice development initiatives.
Clinical Support Nurse): The role of the clinical support nurse is three-fold:
The CSN is allocated to a designated ward/unit (based on need) and will work there for an agreed period of time. Staff are supported through change initiatives, practice development and competency development and have regular in-service education sessions pertinent to their area of practice. Quality Improvement Plans will evidence this journey and these plans are agreed by all.
Clinical Practice Facilitators: The Clinical Practice Facilitators (CPF) support nurses in attaining nursing competencies in collaboration with the CNMs. The CPFs support nurses in building confidence for carrying out evidence-based nursing care to enhance standards of nursing care by promoting safe and effective nursing care. The CPFs role is in its developmental stage, nevertheless, the CPFs have been able to assist the newly qualified nurses including overseas nurses to attain their competencies in collaboration with the CSNs.
Tissue Viability Nurse: The overall aim of the Tissue Viability Service is the implementation of the best available evidence in maintaining the highest standards in wound care and pressure ulcer prevention and management. Patients review at ward level, advice, education and support for clinical staff on all aspects of tissue viability, wound care, dressing choices, and pressure ulcer prevention. Referrals are made to tissue viability clinical nurse specialists by clinical staff using the hospital's electronic patient record.
Student Allocations Liaison Officer: The student allocations liaison officer links closely with relevant staff from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, in the coordination, evaluation and ongoing development of the BSc Nursing Undergraduate Degree Programme and promotion of an optimal clinical learning environment.