Grainne Cogan
Monaghan,Ireland
Summary
I consider myself to be an energetic, hardworking nurse professional bringing 28+ years of expertise in delivering high-quality nursing care to patients. Specialisation in cancer care coordination in which I developed a lung cancer service. Highly focused on the care of patients under my leadership and management. Proficient in patient assessment, identifying patient's physical, emotional, psychological and informational needs, striving at all times to deliver the best possible care. An effective communicator, skilled in delivering challenging news and mentoring teams. Dedicated to enhancing clinical care standards through strategic policy development.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2005
2005
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Clinical Nurse Specialist Lung Cancer Coordinator
HSE. Our Lady of Lourdes
Drogheda, Louth
12.2017 - 07.2025
- Involved in developing this service, coordinating patients tests, admissions and appointments.
- Had a pivotal role meeting psychological, emotional and information needs of patients and families being investigated for a possible lung cancer.
- Received, triaged, promoted and established referral pathway for lung mass work up.
- Organised and listed patients cases for discussion at weekly MDM conference.
- Managed a case load of patients independently whilst providing a high level of professional and clinical leadership.
- Documented nursing activities to ensure accurate and detailed record keeping.
- Administered prescribed medications to enhance treatment effectiveness.
- Contributed to clinical research projects, presenting findings at Irish Thoracic Society conference in 2023.
- Provided healthcare education to improve patient outcomes through informed decision-making.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for smooth transitions from hospital to home.
- Mentored student and junior nurses, fostering confidence and competence in care delivery.
- Established rapport with patients and families through compassionate support and active listening.
Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
Louth, Ireland
01.2002 - 12.2017
- Advocated for patients' rights, enhancing hospital experiences.
- Contributed to clinical research projects that advanced nursing practices.
- Safe administration of SACT and other treatments.
- Monitoring patients for side effects and management of these side effects.
- Nurse prescriber.
- Presented at various nursing conferences to disseminate knowledge.
- Delivered high-quality care with meticulous attention to detail.
- Supported families during challenging times by providing comfort.
- Maintained composure under pressure, fostering calming environments for patients.
- Promptly addressed patient needs to ensure timely medical attention.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive cancer care.
- Provided education to patients and their families on SACT.
- Liaised closely with members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach to care.
- Managing staff including rostering, allocations.
- Safe guarding the welfare and safety of Oncology patients.
Senior Staff Nurse Oncology Department
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
Louth, Ireland
03.2001 - 09.2003
- Developed comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs which improved their well-being over time.
- Provided expert clinical advice to junior nurses, fostering professional growth.
- Administered medication as prescribed by physicians, maintaining optimal patient health status.
- Liaised effectively with other departments for seamless patient care.
- Monitored vital signs regularly, detecting any abnormalities early on.
- Led nurse training sessions to improve team's overall skill set.
- Reviewed and updated patient records accurately for enhanced treatment protocols.
- Assisted doctors during surgeries and procedures, facilitating successful outcomes.
- Recognised and responded promptly to emergency situations ensuring safety of patients at all times.
- Collaborated with doctors for devising personalised patient treatment plans.
- Managed patient care by coordinating with multi-disciplinary medical teams.
- Conducted regular health assessments, ensuring timely intervention when required.
- Maintained open lines of communication between patients' families and healthcare professionals which ensured transparency in treatment procedures.
- Supervised junior staff efficiently leading to an improved working atmosphere.
- Delivered compassionate care for patients, resulting in increased comfort during treatments.
- Precepted new staff nurses to provide education on hospital policies and procedures.
- Tracked near-miss and error report information and initiated strategies to improve patient safety practices.
- Participated in clinical risk and quality improvement initiatives activities.
- Used oral, topical and IV medications to manage patient symptoms.
- Stayed up-to-date on the latest nursing developments to provide best patient care.
- Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
- Worked with clinical team to carry out prescribed treatments addressing individual patient needs.
Registered general nurse
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
Louth, Ireland
09.1998 - 03.2001
- Trained new nursing staff members, enhancing their practical skills.
- Managed ward routines according to hospital protocols for seamless operation.
- Communicated effectively with patients' families, providing emotional support during tough times.
- Responded promptly to emergencies by utilising advanced life support techniques.
- Recorded and reported vital signs to the medical team for prompt response.
- Conducted health education sessions, promoting preventative measures among patients.
- Ensured adherence to infection control protocols in daily nursing practice for a safe environment.
- Provided high-quality patient care, ensuring comfort and well-being.
- Assisted in surgical procedures, maintaining sterilisation standards.
- Maintained confidential records of patients' history and treatment plans accurately and securely.
- Developed strong rapport with patients by demonstrating empathy and understanding their needs.
- Oversaw the smooth running of the ward through efficient resource management including staff rosters and equipment inventory checks.
- Performed wound dressings whilst adhering strictly to hygiene standards.
- Handled administration duties such as scheduling appointments and liaising with other departments.
- Administered medication, ensuring accurate dosage as per the doctor's directive.
- Worked closely with fellow nurses, doctors and clinicians for consistent communication and continued best care practices.
- Supported patients with critical conditions, planning and implementing targeted strategies for optimal recovery outcomes.
- Conducted informative handovers at shift end through concise and accurate reporting and communication.
- Assisted with routine medical tests and evaluations, documenting findings to aid care planning.
- Quickly responded to medical emergencies, working calmly and professionally under pressure.
- Delivered life support with updated first aid and CPR training.
- Administered oxygen and medication to achieve optimum health outcomes.
- Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
- Ordered, dispensed and administered prescribed medications and medical products.
- Used oral, topical and IV medications to manage patient symptoms.
Registered general nurse
NHS England
Liverpool, United Kingdom (England)
03.1998 - 09.1998
- Utilised advanced life support techniques to respond promptly to emergencies.
- Developed individualised nursing care plans based on thorough patient assessments.
- Oversaw efficient resource management, including staff rosters and equipment inventories.
- Administered medication with precise dosages according to doctors' directives.
- Ensured adherence to infection control protocols for a safe nursing environment.
- Maintained accurate and secure confidential records of patients' histories and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive patient care.
- Conducted concise handovers at shift end through effective communication and reporting.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Nurse Prescribing
Royal College of Surgeons
Dublin, Leinster 09/2011 - 03/2012
Diploma of Higher Education - Oncological Nursing
University College Dublin
Dublin Sep 2002 - 05.2004
Diploma of Higher Education - Nursing
Edge Hill University
Liverpool England 03/1995 - 03/1998
Skills
- Nurse Prescribing
- Chemotherapy treatment administration and supervision
- Telenursing
- Oncology treatment procedures
- Palliative Care management
- IV infusion set-up and administration
- Blood draw techniques
- Peripheral Venous Access Insertion and care
- Central Venous Access insertion and care
- Pharmacology knowledge
- Medication Administration
- Organising patient Diagnostic Testing
- Clinical care planning
- Pain management techniques
- Health promotion
- Health education
- Specialised treatment plans
- Clinical judgement
- Mentoring and coaching
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Vital signs monitoring
- Patient advocacy
- Case Management
- Excellent clinical decision making
- Empathetic communication
- Admission avoidance
- Clinical care
- Service development
- Patient education
- Holistic care
- Clinical assessment
- Infection control and prevention
- Policy development
- Nurse training and education
- Professional Development
- Patient communication
Accomplishments
2023. Recipient of "The Daisy Award" for extraordinary nurses. Overall winner of this award which is given in appreciation of excellent nursing care. Nominated by patients, relatives and nursing and medical colleagues.
2017- 2025. Worked in collaboration with respiratory NCHD in completing audits and poster presentations in relation to Lung Cancer Care.
2023. Presented the results of my patient satisfaction survey at the Irish Thoracic Society Conference. The survey looked at the set up of the new Rapid Access Lung Cancer Service and the patients/ families experience of the service.
2024. Guest speaker at the Cancer Conference in City North Hotel. This involved presenting to GPs, consultants and other health care providers, explaining my role and the patient pathway when diagnosing Lung Cancer.
2023 to Present. Member of the working group set up by the NCCP to look at the lung cancer GP referral. This is near completion.
2015 - Present. Lecturing at DKIT. Providing teaching sessions in relation to cancer care to nursing students undertaking their nursing degrees.
2015. PICC line insertion training.
Certification
Registered with An Bord Altranais General Nurse Division since 1998.
Registered with An Bord Altranais Nurse Precribers since 2012.
Registration Number 62997
Up to date in....
Basic Life Support, CPR.
Manual Handling.
Communication skills.
Children First.
Sepsis Training.
Dignity at Work.
Communicating effectively through open disclosure.
Cyber Security Awareness.
Hand Hygiene.
Timeline
Clinical Nurse Specialist Lung Cancer Coordinator
HSE. Our Lady of Lourdes
12.2017 - 07.2025
Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
01.2002 - 12.2017
Senior Staff Nurse Oncology Department
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
03.2001 - 09.2003
Registered general nurse
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. HSE
09.1998 - 03.2001
Registered general nurse
NHS England
03.1998 - 09.1998
Certificate of Higher Education - Nurse Prescribing
Royal College of Surgeons
09/2011 - 03/2012
Diploma of Higher Education - Oncological Nursing
University College Dublin
Sep 2002 - 05.2004
Diploma of Higher Education - Nursing
Edge Hill University
03/1995 - 03/1998
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