John Houston Ward - Medical Directorate

We are a thirty-one bedded acute medical respiratory unit that specialises in non–invasive ventilation (NIV) specifically for patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.  We also provide care for multiple medical illnesses and conditions ranging from cardiology and oncology to palliative care.  We pride ourselves in providing the highest level of care to our patients. We emulate an enthusiastic learning environment where we encourage staff and students to broaden their knowledge on respiratory care and management in the acute setting.

We are the designated respiratory ward for providing NIV therapy to acutely unwell patients.

Nurse-lLed service with a great support from the clinical nurse managers, respiratory consultants, and the Respiratory Assessment Unit (RAU) team.

We provide specialist respiratory nursing care. The majority of our staff have undertaken postgraduate studies in respiratory care.

Education: we recently won “Best Medical Learning Environment 2022”, awarded by St James Hospital.

     Patient Feedback 

“John Houston Ward – Your whole department has been outstanding and extremely helpful during an extremely difficult time.
You are all so kind and caring and dedicated.”                                                                                                                 

Thank you for all your kindness and compassion you truly are Earth Angels who do a fantastic job!       

Staff testimonials

“I’ve worked on this ward for over 20 years and I have stayed here because of the friendly working environment, every day is a new learning opportunity to which I thrive on “.

“John Houston ward is a busy acute ward to work on where I have gained a huge amount of experience. It is such a friendly environment and I immediately felt part of the Houston team”.

        Benefits of working in this area:

• Educational support from clinical practice facilitators (CPFs), clinical nurse managers and clinical nurse specialists (tracheostomy and respiratory) in the delivery of high quality respiratory care at ward level.
• Opportunity to become part of an expert nurse-led team, delivering non-invasive ventilation e.g. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
• Opportunities to take part in ward-based quality improvement initiatives e.g. discharge planning.
• Team nursing approach to nursing care, ensuring continuity of care and skills balance.
• Opportunities to work alongside specialist nurses, gaining expertise that will positively impact on your nursing practice and career progression.

• Non-invasive ventilation management.
• In-hospital and postgraduate opportunities in respiratory care.
• Venepuncture and cannulation.
• Medical/ surgical course.
• Central venous access devices (CVAD) workshops.
• Chest drain management

Join the best to achieve your best!
Contact the team at St James's Hospital

E-mail: nursejobs@stjames.ie
www.stjames.ie/careers