Job summary
An exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious IPC nurse has become available to join the Infection Prevention & Control Team at Bedford Hospital as a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist (8a).
This role will suit those already working at a senior level in IPC (band 7 or above).
Acting as an expert IPC practitioner, the post holder will lead on risk assessment, surveillance, audit, training & education, policies & guideline development. The post holder will also undertake line management responsibilities and support the professional development of the IPC nursing and admin team.
The successful candidate will be based at Bedford Hospital, but will occasionally be required to visit satellite sites and the Luton & Dunstable Hospital. The role will involve 7-day working, with the expectation of working approximately 1 in 4 weekends.
Main duties of the job
Job Summary:
To work closely with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC), Head Nurse the Infection Prevention & Control Team in the planning, provision and promotion of a comprehensive 7-day Infection Prevention & Control Service for the Trust.
The post holder will work under the direction of but with minimal supervision of the Head Nurse, so as to provide comprehensive assistance and support to the Infection Prevention & Control team across Bedford hospital and community satellite clinics, which will be both clinical and administrative in nature.
The post holder will deputise for and manage the day to day running of core business functions in the absence of the Head Nurse and will supervise and support other staff within the team.
Work to ensure compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice for the NHS on the prevention and control of Healthcare associated infections and related guidance, by implementing the annual Infection Prevention & Control strategy, policy and protocols; to facilitate achievement of Trust targets.
Work in partnership with key stakeholders across the local health economy to respond to the evolving infection prevention agenda demonstrating innovative and inspirational leadership.
To communicate effectively with key individuals and groups. The level of communication will often be of a complex, sensitive or contentious nature.
About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region, you will have access to a programme of high-quality training and development to help you grow your career.
We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when a sufficient number of applications have been received. Please ensure that you make your application as soon as possible.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required.
Please review all documents attached to this advert to ensure you familiarise yourself with all requirements of the job.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
IPC PRACTICE:
- Will have specialist knowledge and experience in order to provide expert advice and consultancy on infection related matters to all Trust staff, this includes all clinical staff, estates etc.
- The job holder will be expected to attend further training to develop existing knowledge and skill base as directed so as to aid the comprehensive provision of a quality, safe and efficient service.
- To evaluate and update control of infection measures throughout the Trust, promoting the principles of Infection Prevention & Control and introducing new practices in accordance with recent findings over coming potential barriers to understanding and compliance in liaison with the appropriate Trust staff.
- To advise and facilitate expert care to patients with infections, in collaboration with nursing and medical staff through assessment and interpretation of complex and conflicting information based on environmental conditions and individual patients laboratory results in the management of infection and its control.
- To act as an expert practitioner, demonstrating advanced clinical competence and a knowledge base beyond those associated with conventional nursing roles.
- To take responsibility, with other members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team, for critical incident management related to infection prevention and control within the Trust, including outbreak management and root cause analysis and ensuring actions are followed through within the relevant service areas across the organization.
- To maintain and enhance professional links through the Chief Nurse and with senior nurses in the Trust, to provide regular updates on Infection Prevention & Control issues.
- To develop and implement new ways of working, thus enabling clinical teams to take accountability for Infection Prevention & Control issues.
PATIENT CARE
- To advise patients, patient groups and relatives on general and specific measures to prevent and control infection, either by telephone or ward visits and face-to-face interviews.
- To ensure that appropriate, consistent information is available for patients, relatives, and visitors and is regularly reviewed, updated and promoted.
- To provide effective communication with patients, relatives and relevant others to impart information which may be seen to be of a highly emotive and stressful nature.
- To act as an expert resource by giving detailed information to distressed/anxious patients and relatives regarding Infection Prevention & Control issues as required.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
- To provide professional leadership to the nurses and administrative staff within the Infection Prevention and Control Team and act as a model of good practice.
- To deputise for the Head Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control as required.
- With other members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team review and evaluate the Infection Prevention & Control Strategy annually and the development of Infection Prevention & Control guidance, taking into account relevant legislation and published professional guidelines.
- To support Clinical Service Lines with completion of investigations relating to Infection Prevention & Control including relevant SI investigations.
- To evaluate and update control of infection measures throughout the Trust, promoting the principles of Infection Prevention & Control and introducing new practices in accordance with recent findings, in liaison with the appropriate Trust staff.
- Be an active member of the Joint Infection Prevention & Control Committee.
- To represent the Trust in the nursing Infection Prevention & Control specialist field at appropriate professional meetings and conferences, networking with colleagues as appropriate.
- Within the Trust advise the Clinical Service Lines, Clinical Nurse Specialists and other appropriate staff on input into the development/review of guidelines, policies and procedures with regards to Infection Prevention & Control issues.
- Support the Head Nurse in maintaining the Infection Prevention & Control budget and be conscious of the financial implications of their advice.
AUDIT AND RESEARCH
- To assist the Infection Prevention & Control Team to develop and produce the annual Infection Prevention & Control audit program.
- To undertake, in close liaison with the Head Nurse, proactive programs of infection surveillance and audits of the implementation of, and compliance with Infection Prevention & Control policies and guidance.
- Analyse and disseminate research findings and data and implement relevant findings. Provide relevant information for use by Clinical Service Lines and the Executive Team.
- Collaborate with the Infection Prevention & Control Team in providing microbiological and epidemiological surveys, and in the organization evaluation studies of new techniques and equipment.
- To conduct research in close liaison with the Consultant Microbiologists and to act as a nursing research resource to others in matters relating to Infection Prevention & Control.
QUALITY
- To advise the Trust on isolation techniques, correcting hazardous or ineffective procedures and to act in consultation with the Infection Prevention & Control Team and senior medical and nursing staff regarding the need for the transfer of patients to the isolation ward or a side room.
- Review national and local documents and advise the Trust accordingly on the impact of these on practice.
- To provide Infection Prevention & Control nursing advice, taking into account national guidance, to all areas within the Trust in order to develop, maintain and improve standards and quality of care for patients and the quality of operational and support services.
- To liaise with the Occupational Health Department when dealing with advice relating to health and safety of staff and the transmission of infection from staff to patients and other members of the organizations staff and visitors.
- To lead on the investigation and management of outbreaks of infection.
- To act as specialist advisor to the health care teams in the Trust in matters of Infection Prevention & Control.
- Evaluate new techniques and equipment with reference to Infection Prevention & Control procedures and practices.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
- Support the Head Nurse to ensure that infection prevention and control programmes of continuous education are provided in line with the needs of the Trust and current national legislation.
- Provide training and information to staff formally and informally on effective measures to control infection, in conjunction with the Trust training & education team.
- Update on policies, feedback of audit results and examples of good practice for all health workers within the trust.
- Ensure that relevant health promotion information to patients relatives and health care professional is available, regularly reviewed and updated.
- To provide presentations and speak at local, national and international events if required.
PROFESSIONAL
- To ensure all professional advice regarding Infection Prevention & Control is provided in liaison with the Head Nurse and DIPC.
- To assess ones own educational needs in relation to this specialist role and identify and utilize appropriate resources.
- Maintain active membership of appropriate professional organizations e.g. Infection Prevention Society (IPS).
- Be responsible for undertaking continuous professional self-development and updating of clinical knowledge and skills.
- To provide and demonstrate evidence based practice.
- Work within the NMC Code at all times.
- Continuously strive for effective communication within the multi-disciplinary teams of the Trust and patients where appropriate to do so.
- To act professionally and in accordance with all Trust policies to ensure promotion of the Trusts reputation at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
IPC PRACTICE:
- Will have specialist knowledge and experience in order to provide expert advice and consultancy on infection related matters to all Trust staff, this includes all clinical staff, estates etc.
- The job holder will be expected to attend further training to develop existing knowledge and skill base as directed so as to aid the comprehensive provision of a quality, safe and efficient service.
- To evaluate and update control of infection measures throughout the Trust, promoting the principles of Infection Prevention & Control and introducing new practices in accordance with recent findings over coming potential barriers to understanding and compliance in liaison with the appropriate Trust staff.
- To advise and facilitate expert care to patients with infections, in collaboration with nursing and medical staff through assessment and interpretation of complex and conflicting information based on environmental conditions and individual patients laboratory results in the management of infection and its control.
- To act as an expert practitioner, demonstrating advanced clinical competence and a knowledge base beyond those associated with conventional nursing roles.
- To take responsibility, with other members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team, for critical incident management related to infection prevention and control within the Trust, including outbreak management and root cause analysis and ensuring actions are followed through within the relevant service areas across the organization.
- To maintain and enhance professional links through the Chief Nurse and with senior nurses in the Trust, to provide regular updates on Infection Prevention & Control issues.
- To develop and implement new ways of working, thus enabling clinical teams to take accountability for Infection Prevention & Control issues.
PATIENT CARE
- To advise patients, patient groups and relatives on general and specific measures to prevent and control infection, either by telephone or ward visits and face-to-face interviews.
- To ensure that appropriate, consistent information is available for patients, relatives, and visitors and is regularly reviewed, updated and promoted.
- To provide effective communication with patients, relatives and relevant others to impart information which may be seen to be of a highly emotive and stressful nature.
- To act as an expert resource by giving detailed information to distressed/anxious patients and relatives regarding Infection Prevention & Control issues as required.
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
- To provide professional leadership to the nurses and administrative staff within the Infection Prevention and Control Team and act as a model of good practice.
- To deputise for the Head Nurse, Infection Prevention & Control as required.
- With other members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team review and evaluate the Infection Prevention & Control Strategy annually and the development of Infection Prevention & Control guidance, taking into account relevant legislation and published professional guidelines.
- To support Clinical Service Lines with completion of investigations relating to Infection Prevention & Control including relevant SI investigations.
- To evaluate and update control of infection measures throughout the Trust, promoting the principles of Infection Prevention & Control and introducing new practices in accordance with recent findings, in liaison with the appropriate Trust staff.
- Be an active member of the Joint Infection Prevention & Control Committee.
- To represent the Trust in the nursing Infection Prevention & Control specialist field at appropriate professional meetings and conferences, networking with colleagues as appropriate.
- Within the Trust advise the Clinical Service Lines, Clinical Nurse Specialists and other appropriate staff on input into the development/review of guidelines, policies and procedures with regards to Infection Prevention & Control issues.
- Support the Head Nurse in maintaining the Infection Prevention & Control budget and be conscious of the financial implications of their advice.
AUDIT AND RESEARCH
- To assist the Infection Prevention & Control Team to develop and produce the annual Infection Prevention & Control audit program.
- To undertake, in close liaison with the Head Nurse, proactive programs of infection surveillance and audits of the implementation of, and compliance with Infection Prevention & Control policies and guidance.
- Analyse and disseminate research findings and data and implement relevant findings. Provide relevant information for use by Clinical Service Lines and the Executive Team.
- Collaborate with the Infection Prevention & Control Team in providing microbiological and epidemiological surveys, and in the organization evaluation studies of new techniques and equipment.
- To conduct research in close liaison with the Consultant Microbiologists and to act as a nursing research resource to others in matters relating to Infection Prevention & Control.
QUALITY
- To advise the Trust on isolation techniques, correcting hazardous or ineffective procedures and to act in consultation with the Infection Prevention & Control Team and senior medical and nursing staff regarding the need for the transfer of patients to the isolation ward or a side room.
- Review national and local documents and advise the Trust accordingly on the impact of these on practice.
- To provide Infection Prevention & Control nursing advice, taking into account national guidance, to all areas within the Trust in order to develop, maintain and improve standards and quality of care for patients and the quality of operational and support services.
- To liaise with the Occupational Health Department when dealing with advice relating to health and safety of staff and the transmission of infection from staff to patients and other members of the organizations staff and visitors.
- To lead on the investigation and management of outbreaks of infection.
- To act as specialist advisor to the health care teams in the Trust in matters of Infection Prevention & Control.
- Evaluate new techniques and equipment with reference to Infection Prevention & Control procedures and practices.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
- Support the Head Nurse to ensure that infection prevention and control programmes of continuous education are provided in line with the needs of the Trust and current national legislation.
- Provide training and information to staff formally and informally on effective measures to control infection, in conjunction with the Trust training & education team.
- Update on policies, feedback of audit results and examples of good practice for all health workers within the trust.
- Ensure that relevant health promotion information to patients relatives and health care professional is available, regularly reviewed and updated.
- To provide presentations and speak at local, national and international events if required.
PROFESSIONAL
- To ensure all professional advice regarding Infection Prevention & Control is provided in liaison with the Head Nurse and DIPC.
- To assess ones own educational needs in relation to this specialist role and identify and utilize appropriate resources.
- Maintain active membership of appropriate professional organizations e.g. Infection Prevention Society (IPS).
- Be responsible for undertaking continuous professional self-development and updating of clinical knowledge and skills.
- To provide and demonstrate evidence based practice.
- Work within the NMC Code at all times.
- Continuously strive for effective communication within the multi-disciplinary teams of the Trust and patients where appropriate to do so.
- To act professionally and in accordance with all Trust policies to ensure promotion of the Trusts reputation at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Level 1 Registration
- Master's degree or role specific professional knowledge acquired through specialist training, experience/short courses to Master's Level equivalent
Desirable
- Management or leadership qualification or experience
- Relevant teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Strong management and leadership skills
- Well-developed senior experience in infection prevention and control
- Evidence of writing policies/guidelines
Desirable
- Experience of budget management
- Proven staff management experience with the ability to motivate, lead and challenge
Knowledge
Essential
- Proven clinical knowledge and expertise in relation to Infection Prevention & Control
- Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex clinical and operational situations that involve staff from all levels within an organisation
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure while delivering high quality outcomes within agreed timescales
Desirable
- Evidence of published research
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Level 1 Registration
- Master's degree or role specific professional knowledge acquired through specialist training, experience/short courses to Master's Level equivalent
Desirable
- Management or leadership qualification or experience
- Relevant teaching qualification
Experience
Essential
- Strong management and leadership skills
- Well-developed senior experience in infection prevention and control
- Evidence of writing policies/guidelines
Desirable
- Experience of budget management
- Proven staff management experience with the ability to motivate, lead and challenge
Knowledge
Essential
- Proven clinical knowledge and expertise in relation to Infection Prevention & Control
- Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage complex clinical and operational situations that involve staff from all levels within an organisation
- Ability to perform effectively under pressure while delivering high quality outcomes within agreed timescales
Desirable
- Evidence of published research
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.
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).
Additional information
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).
