An examination of current care practices, and developing therapeutic resources for people with substance misuse disorders in acute health care settings. WD_2021_05_SPONS

Post summary

Applications are invited to undertake a full-time or part-time MSc by Research in the Department of Nursing and Health Care on the following project:

Aside from specialised nursing roles, there is limited information on knowledge, skills and attitude of acute setting nurses in relation to working with people who have alcohol and/or drug misuse problems that present to acute services. Yet consistently, such nurses offer the front-line service to people with such substance misuse related health needs. Currently, it is not known if this gap in knowledge presents any additional challenges for individuals with substance misuse problems in accessing care. Aim: (I) To explore the experiences of acute setting nurses in relation to persons presenting for care with substance misuse disorders. (II) Identify educational and training needs for nurses working in acute settings in relation to substance misuse. (III) To develop an education and training tool to address identified needs in relation to managing persons with substance misuse disorders in acute settings.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential:

• Be a registered nurse on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered, or other relevant health care related qualification.
• Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum, a 2.2 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Nursing/Midwifery or other Healthcare related discipline.

Desirable:

• First class undergraduate degree in Nursing/ Midwifery or Health care related degree programme.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Previous research experience with and understanding or research processes and methods.

Desirable

• Knowledge and experience of data analysis.
• Experience of working with people with a substance use disorder or substance misuse issues.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and analytical skills.
• The candidate must be highly motivated and self-directed with good time and project management skills.
• The candidate should have the capacity to manage large datasets and display willingness to travel for research purposes.

Desirable

• Experience communicating with health professionals and patients