Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Specialist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical /managerial

Participate in delivering an effective clinical service to the Trust, including providing specialist nursing input within the infection prevention and control team in the identification, prevention, monitoring and control of infection within the Trust.

To act up for senior members of the team as appropriate in their absence

Provide expert clinical knowledge, skills and experience in infection control, acting as a resource and facilitator as required.

To provide effective communication with patients, their relatives and relevant others to impart information and support, which may be of a sensitive and emotive nature.

To explain the significance of microbiology data to senior members of staff to enable them to prevent and control infection.

To work in conjunction with managers, infection prevention and control team, matrons, bed managers and ward sisters regarding movement and isolation of patients with infection or infectious diseases, ensuring the correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

Review microbiological data to evaluate the efficiency of the intervention and plan future practice.

Assist in the formulation and initiation of appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify potential infections hazards and suggest appropriate remedial action to relevant personnel. Initiate appropriate strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

To identify, investigate and assist in managing outbreaks involving multidisciplinary teams, seeking advice from those with expertise outside the Trust where necessary and report to the Infection Prevention and Control team, the Trust Infection Prevention and Control committee and others where relevant.

To visit wards/departments regularly to manage alert organisms and implement appropriate action, ensuring correct techniques are implemented and reviewed.

To liaise with Infection Prevention and Control team on matters relating to infection control.

To use relevant information technology to collect and interpret data, review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations where necessary.

To maintain complete records of patient management consultations and advice given.

To be an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control team and relevant committees.

To participate in the development and implementation of the annual infection control programme and contribute to the annual infection control report.

To revise and develop Trust policies/protocols relating to infection control.

To work autonomously and seek collaborative relationships with others across and within professional boundaries to access and manage infection risk.

To establish and maintain professional networks within the healthcare organisation inclusive of doctor, microbiologist, matron, ward sister/charge nurse, link practitioner, contracted services for soft and hard FM and nursing staff.

To formulate and initiate strategies to reduce infection risk, taking into account relevant legislation, published guidelines and local policies.

To act as an expert resource for staff at a clinical level in infection control, distinguishing levels of risk presented by individuals, equipment and the environment.

Review critical incidents and produce written reports with recommendations as necessary.

Investigate causes and develop solutions to complex infection control problems that may require root cause analysis, investigation, negotiation and advanced change management skills. This may involve conflict resolution and mediation.

To prioritise own workload taking into account varying demands and resources.

To support service level agreements for the provision of infection control services where applicable.

To support the organisation to implement and monitor strategies to prevent and control infection both locally and nationally.

To inspire others with values and vision through support in daily activities by communicating infection control data to ward areas and visiting clinical areas for the purpose of support, audit and observation.

Develop clinical guidelines that are evidence based to promote good infection control practice with other members of the Infection Prevention and Control team.

To formulate and implement teaching and learning strategies for different groups of clinical and non-clinical staff. This will include pre-registration and postgraduate education, formal and informal teaching.

To identify, assess and meet the educational needs of the patient and their family.

To maintain a high profile at ward level to ensure attitudes and working practices reflect the Infection Prevention and Control team commitment to a continual improvement in the quality of its service.

To prepare and use a variety of methods to deliver appropriate information effectively.

To evaluate the effectiveness of strategies used to facilitate the learning of others.

To recognise and use opportunities to facilitate learning, providing situational support as necessary.

To critically evaluate information and research to formulate advice on the prevention and control of infection.

To incorporate relevant legislation, national and local guidance and public issues to provide advice.

To synthesise evidence to produce written material in a logical and structured format that is appropriate for staff use.

To participate with microbiologist and appropriate clinical staff in research projects that relate to hospital infection, acting as a facilitator as required.

To promote research-based infection control practice by participating in research and development.

To monitor infection control aspects of the environment, ensuring agreed standards are met with the use of environmental audit tools and observations within clinical areas of the Trust.

If required, to plan, organise and coordinate surveillance programmes.Critically appraise and evaluate infection control practice through a structured audit programme.

Distinguish levels of risk presented by individuals, equipment and the environment, auditing when necessary and advising accordingly.

To assist in the identification and development of suitable audit tools as necessary for the targeted surveillance of hospital-acquired infections, as required.

To maintain links with wards/units/departments in order to initiate and develop targeted surveillance projects.

Identify sources of expert opinion, evidence and information to assess risks.

Implementation of audit programmes for improvement of patient care and the reduction of infection rates.

To correlate information and analyse data. To actively seek out information and peer review.

To produce logical, structured written reports for the infection Prevention and Control team and other relevant clinical staff.

To use the Infection Control software system, and be responsible for entering relevant data into appropriate IT systems.

To communicate clinical problems of significance to other members of the Infection Prevention and Control team.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• At least 5 years post registration experience of which 2 years must have been spent working in an infection control role

Desirable

• Experience at ward/department management level.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Excellent presentational, communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.

Desirable

• Developed IT skills e.g., with Excel and Access.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Stadium Road

London

SE18 4QH

Employer's website

https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)