CNM1; PACU

Description

Job Title: CNM1 - PACU Department: PACU Reports to: CNM2 PACU Date: 2026 1. Overall, Purpose of Job Beacon Hospital is committed to delivering exceptional patient care through quality, respect, care and compassion. The Clinical Nurse Manager 1 (CNM1) provides clinical and professional leadership, ensuring safe, effective and high-quality post-anesthetic care for adult and pediatric patients. The CNM1 oversees daily Recovery Unit operations, including patient care, staff supervision, resource allocation and professional development. The role involves close collaboration with the CNM2, Recovery Unit Manager, Pediatric Clinical Operations Manager, anesthetists, surgeons, theatre personnel and the wider multidisciplinary team to maintain patient safety and operational efficiency. The CNM1 acts as a clinical role model and mentor, promoting evidence-based practice, continuous improvement and compliance with hospital policies, clinical governance standards and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) requirements. 2. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables Clinical Leadership and Professional Accountability · Provide clinical leadership, supervision and support to PACU nursing and ancillary staff, promoting safe, compassionate and evidence-based care. · Ensure compliance with NMBI standards, hospital policies, clinical guidelines and professional accountability. · Support the CNM2 in departmental management, delegation, decision-making and implementation of clinical standards. · Patient Care and Clinical Management · Oversee safe, high-quality post-anesthetic care for adult and pediatric patients, including clinical assessment, monitoring and pain management. · Recognize and escalate clinical deterioration, emergencies and post-operative complications appropriately. · Ensure safe medication practices, accurate documentation, effective handovers and patient-centered care in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. · Patient Flow and Operational Management · Coordinate daily PACU activities, staffing, skill mix, patient flow and effective utilization of resources. · Liaise with theatre, bed management and multidisciplinary teams to minimize delays and escalate operational concerns. · Ensure equipment and supplies are available and deputize for the CNM2 or Recovery Unit Manager when required. · Ability to coordinate nursing activities, prioritise clinical workloads and manage competing demands. · Staff Management, Education and Development · Supervise, mentor and support staff through induction, clinical teaching, competency assessment and performance reviews. · Identify training needs, coordinate mandatory education and promote continuing professional development. · Foster teamwork, professional accountability and a positive learning environment. · Quality Improvement, Patient Safety and Governance · Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement projects, risk assessments and service evaluations. · Support incident reporting, investigation, follow-up and implementation of corrective and preventive actions. · Monitor compliance with clinical standards, patient safety requirements, documentation and JCI accreditation standards. · Infection Prevention and Control · Ensure compliance with infection prevention policies, hand hygiene, PPE, waste management and decontamination standards. · Participate in infection prevention audits, education and improvement initiatives. · Health, Safety and Risk Management · Maintain a safe environment for patients and staff, ensuring emergency preparedness and availability of essential equipment. · Identify, report and manage clinical, environmental and workplace risks in accordance with hospital policies. · Communication and Multidisciplinary Collaboration · Maintain effective communication with patients, families, nursing management and multidisciplinary teams. · Promote clear clinical handovers, teamwork, appropriate delegation and collaborative problem-solving. · Policies, Procedures and Professional Standards · Support the development, review, updating and implementation of PACU policies, procedures and evidence-based guidelines. · Monitor staff compliance, communicate policy changes and support relevant education and clinical governance. · Service Development and Resource Management · Contribute to PACU service planning, operational improvements, change management and efficient resource utilization. · Monitor service performance and quality indicators, supporting CNM2 in achieving departmental objectives. 3. Key Areas of Accountability CNM1 will be accountable for supporting CNM2 in achieving the following outcomes: · Patient Safety: Safe, effective and timely recovery care for adult and pediatric patients. · Clinical Standards: Consistent delivery of evidence-based nursing care in accordance with professional and hospital requirements. · Staff Development: Competent, supported and appropriately educated nursing staff. · Patient Flow: Effective coordination of patient movement through PACU with timely escalation of delays. · Quality Improvement: Active participation in audits, incident follow-up, policy review and service improvement. · Operational Efficiency: Appropriate allocation and utilization of nursing resources, equipment and supplies. · Communication: Effective multidisciplinary collaboration, professional accountability and patient-centered communication. · Clinical Governance: Compliance with NMBI standards, hospital policies, risk · management requirements and relevant accreditation standards. Other Duties and Responsibilities § Utilize effective time management skills. § Maintain professional appearance and dress code. § Comply with guidelines for absence or tardiness. § Attend unit staff meetings, read email and other postings. § Attend all required in-services and mandatory educational classes as needed. § All employees are expected to remain flexible to meet the needs of the Hospital, which may include floating to other departments to assist as the patient needs fluctuate. Person Specification Qualifications § Registered General Nurse and Registered Children Nurse with (Nursing Midwifery Board Ireland) or Registered General nurse with relevant Pediatric Experience and Training. Experience Essential Qualifications § Registered General Nurse (RGN) with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). § Completed nursing degree or relevant postgraduate nursing qualification. § Demonstrated knowledge of professional nursing standards, clinical governance and evidence-based practice. Essential Experience § Minimum of five years; post-registration nursing experience in an acute hospital setting. § At least two years’ experience in theatre recovery or care of the ventilated child. § Significant clinical experience in post-anesthesia recovery, perioperative nursing or ICU, in adult or pediatrics § Proven clinical competence in caring for patients requires post-operative monitoring and intervention. Desirable Qualifications and Experience § Post-registration qualification in Perioperative Nursing, Anesthesia Recovery, Critical Care or a related specialty. § Management or leadership qualification, or willingness to undertake relevant management education. § Relevant pediatric experience and training appropriate to the service § Previous experience in a supervisory, shift coordinator or clinical leadership role. § Experience in staff rostering, performance management and resource allocation. § Experience participating in clinical audits, incident reviews and quality improvement projects. § Experience supporting accreditation, clinical governance or service development initiatives. Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge Clinical Competence § Advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills appropriate to PACU. § Ability to identify and manage post-operative complications and clinical deterioration. § Knowledge of anesthesia recovery principles, airway management, hemodynamics monitoring and pain management. § Understanding of adult and pediatric recovery requirements. § Ability to support effective emergency response and resuscitation. § Maintain current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certification, as specified in the original hospital document. Leadership and Management § Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, supervise and support nursing staff. § Strong organizational, delegation and prioritization skills. § Ability to manage staffing resources and coordinate patient care efficiently. § Effective decision-making, problem-solving and conflict management skills. § Ability to lead by example and maintain professional standards. § Capacity to support change management and service improvement. § Demonstrated leadership, organizational and communication skills. Education and Staff Development § Ability to identify staff learning needs and facilitate professional development. § Experience teaching, mentoring and assessing nursing staff in clinical practice. § Commitment to maintaining a supportive learning environment. § Ability to promote evidence-based nursing care and professional accountability. § Practical experience in clinical teaching, mentoring and assessment. Quality and Governance § Understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, incident reporting and risk § management. § Knowledge of infection prevention and control standards. § Ability to participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives and policy development. § Commitment to accurate documentation, regulatory compliance and accreditation § standards. § Ability to monitor quality indicators and contribute to continuous service improvement. Communication and Interpersonal Skills § Excellent verbal and written communication skills. § Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. § Compassionate and professional approach to patients and families. § Ability to provide constructive feedback, manage challenging situations and promote teamwork. § Effective communication with senior nursing management and other hospital departments. Personal competencies § Maintain professional registration and comply with NMBI requirements. § Identify personal learning and development needs in consultation with CNM2 and relevant nursing management. § Undertake appropriate education and training to maintain clinical and leadership competence. § Attend mandatory education, departmental meetings and relevant professional development programs. § Maintain confidentiality, professional appearance and appropriate standards of conduct. § Demonstrate flexibility in response to changing hospital and departmental service needs. § Support colleagues and contribute to a positive and respectful working environment. § Participate in relevant professional nursing organizations and educational activities where appropriate. § Undertake additional duties within the scope of the role as assigned by CNM2 or relevant nursing management.