Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Control (CNS IPC)

Overview of Role The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with National and International Infection prevention Control standards. As a key member of the frontline team, the CNS IPC will provide support and specialist advice to all disciplines of staff, patients, and members of the public regarding the prevention and control of infections.This role will help to ensure patient safety in containing and reducing the incidence of transmissible infections and healthcare associated infections. The CNS IPC will use his/her expert knowledge to ensure a thorough risk assessment of processes is completed throughout the hospital, using all available surveillance and audit data and put in place risk reducing measures such as education and specialised protocols, policies and guidelines.The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.Duties & Responsibilities Operations:Act as a role model through the provision of professional leadership and demonstration of best practices in the area of infection prevention and controlAct as a resource in providing specialist knowledge, consultancy and expertise in collaboration with Hospital Management, Occupational Health Nurse, nursing and all healthcare staff.Advise on the nursing care of individual patients with infectious conditions or when at risk of acquiring infection i.e. the immuno-compromised patient etc.Advise hospital management, bed management, medical and nursing personnel regarding the need for isolation facilities or transfer of patients to infectious disease/isolation units.Advise nursing and other healthcare staff on isolation techniques and supervise the introduction and progress of such techniques in specific situations.Maintain effective communication structures and interpersonal relations, which ensure that infection control information is conveyed quickly and effectively to relevant targeted staff.Provide education and advice to patients, relatives/carers on specific infection risks and treatments.Act as an advocate for the patients, and/or staff on issues in the prevention and control of infection.Assist and investigate outbreaks of hospital infection with particular reference to their source and mode of spread and compile and report on root cause analysis.Advise and support ward/department managers and staff in the implementation of infection control policies and guidelines and clinical practices. Adhere to the hospital guidelines policies, procedures and guidelines.Maintain a safe working environment as set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act.Respect confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice.Be familiar with the UPMC Mission Statement and uphold the Philosophy and Patient Charter of UPMC.Ensure an effective learning environment for the multidisciplinary team.Work within the code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, participation in the development of the Scope of Practice and provide strong professional leadership and direction for Infection Control nursing services.Promote the advancement of professional knowledge and ensure its integration into practice.Ensure that nursing care is based on the latest research findings and constitute best practice and act as an expert clinical resource for all nursing and medical personnel in the field of Infection Prevention and Control.Encourage continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review and uphold hospital policy. Ensure that all records are properly and accurately maintained and disseminated to the appropriate staff.Implement an efficient infection control surveillance system to facilitate the prompt identification of patients and staff with infection.Regularly evaluate control of infection measures by means of inspection, audit, surveillance with a view to recommending improvements where required.Perform regular audits of infection control policies and procedures with the co-operation of departmental managers.Provide feedback by giving verbal and written reports to departmental and organisational managers.Collate, record and analyse relevant data and information for infection audits, linking into the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) frequently for updates on all infection related data, such as potential forthcoming outbreaks.Conduct nursing research relevant to infection control issues with support from practice developmentPartake in accreditation processes and quality processes while adhering to National and International best practice standards such as HIQA, ABA, HAS and JCI.Participate as a member of Infection Prevention and Control Committee.Participate in the selection of waste, laundry and hygiene subcontractors in UPMC Whitfield and participate in audit of same.Advise and highlight to clinical staff on any new pathogens as highlighted by WHO or HPSC.Make recommendations for change and improvements in infection control practice.Plan, negotiate with and support staff to implement and make clinical practice changes as appropriate.Advise senior hospital management and the multi-disciplinary team on recent advances in infection control and prevention when and where appropriate. Learning and Education: Advise and participate in the commission, tendering and purchasing of patient care and medical equipment as pertaining to infection prevention and control.Provide infection prevention and control advice to committees established to oversee capital projects, building renovations and refurbishments within the hospital.Work closely with facilities colleagues when planning all renovations/ refurbishments and maintenanceParticipate in the development of the Infection Prevention and Control service.Produce reports/plans for infection prevention and control as required.Liaise with the Department of Public Health, HPSC and other organisations in matters concerning infection prevention and control.Act as a change agent in implementing research findings so as to enhance infection control practice and ensure safe patient care.Liaise with the staff of the Microbiology Department in organising and conducting microbiological and epidemiological surveillance.Together with Hospital Management be involved in identifying opportunities for the development of services that will improve the care of patients.Promote a patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect and choice is maintained in their care. Undertake continuing professional development, availing of formal and informal educational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongst nursing, medical and allied health professionalsMaintain an awareness of current developments and research in infection control and nursing practice by reading relevant literature and attending seminars and conferences.Maintain and update a personal development portfolio.Keep up to date with Health & Safety requirements, fire regulations and Radiation Safety and Protection ensuring that such lectures are attended and that you are familiar with the policies on Moving and Handling, Infection Control, Waste Disposal, Risk Management, Major incident and Cardiac Arrest procedures.Be aware of legislation governing or affecting the Nursing Profession, including HPSC, the Nurses’ Act (1985) and Nurses and Midwives Bill (2010), Health & Safety Legislation or any other relevant legislation or guidelines and trigger alerts as required.  Quality Improvement & Risk Management: Ensure that there is compliance with all relevant hospital guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. This includes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodies and inspections.Encourage continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with the multi-disciplinary team where required.Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department involving the team in continuous improvement initiatives and encouraging innovation. Set and monitor core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the service and monitor performance against these standards through internal and (where applicable) external audit.Lead out on the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process for IPC.Participate fully in the requirement of the hospital’s risk management programme.Promote the delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourage evidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.Work with members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard Operating Procedures for the development of the Unit.Provide clinical nursing leadership in proactively addressing ethical and quality of service issues with multidisciplinary team members and hospital management.Develop a culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.Qualifications & Experience Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBIHave at least five years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital setting with at least two years working in Infection prevention controlHave a recognised post-registration nursing course - Higher Diploma or Post Grad course in Infection Control or be in pursuit of same. Possess the following skills:·      Clinical Skills·      Management skills·      Leadership skills·      Negotiating Skills·      IT skills·      Quality focus·      Risk Management·      Clinical audit·      Excellent interpersonal and communication skills·      Presentation skills·      Change management skillsUPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.At UPMC we provide a total rewards program that is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunities for all our colleagues.Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.Development and Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.About UPMC       A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC’s operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA.