Infection Prevention and Control Nurse

Job responsibilities

SERVICE DELIVERY

Clinical

1. Maintain own Professional registration e.g. NMC registration and personal portfolio in line with revalidation / registration guidelines and professional development.
2. To advise and communicate specialist knowledge effectively to all members of healthcare staff, patients and members of the public to ensure swift dissemination of information in relation to prevention and control of infection.
3. To contribute to and ensure the timely and efficient admission, transfer and discharge of patients within the acute hospital environment and the wider community. Maintaining patient safety in relation to identified healthcare associated infections.
4. To lead other team members in the absence of the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention and Control.
5. Contribute to the development of Infection Prevention and Control guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures.
6. Engage directly with patients in either Hospital or Community settings who are seeking Infection Prevention and Control advice.
7. Advise on appropriate methods of cleaning/decontamination prior to maintenance or repairing of equipment.
8. Work under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team to manage a caseload of patients, and to ensure that Infection Prevention and Control standards are met.
9. To be responsible for assessing, planning, and evaluating, high quality, evidence-based care, including maintaining high standards of documentation.
10. To undertake clinical based audits and provide verbal and written feedback including recommendations/ action plans to support changes to practice.
11. Collate and analyse surveillance and audit data in order to support and influence decisions on the evaluation of change to clinical practice and assist in targeting preventative measures.
12. To participate in the Infection Prevention and Control Team service development, and improve the quality of Infection Prevention and Control delivered to patients as part of the patient journey, whilst maintaining professional standards.
13. To support and maintain patient safety by undertaking clinical risk assessments and utilising the clinical incident reporting system.
14. To develop and maintain appropriate clinical skills relating to Infection Prevention and Control to ensure best practice, and demonstrate competencies commensurate with the band.
15. To develop and support the implementation of national/local initiatives focusing on the reduction of HCAI across the health economy.
16. Participate in the evaluation of trials for new techniques, products and equipment relating to infection prevention and control e.g. cleaning / hand hygiene products.

GOVERNANCE

1. Maintain accurate, legible and contemporaneous records in accordance with local, national, legal and professional polices and guideline.
2. Adhere to the scope of Professional practice and NMC code as part of decision-making tree.

Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.

Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.

MANAGERIAL/LEADERSHIP

1. Under the direction and supervision of senor staff to take responsibility for managing patient issues relating to Infection Prevention and Control. Delegating activities appropriately and providing feedback to the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention and Control Maintain accurate, legible and contemporaneous records in accordance with local, national, legal and professional polices and guidelines
2. In the absence of the Head of Nursing / Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention and Control. Take responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the Infection Control service by prioritising and organising the workload, and appropriate delegation.
3. To liaise with the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention and Control for additional advice and support as appropriate.
4. Prioritises and manages own day to day workload with guidance from the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention when required.
5. To assist in dealing with complaints, and to act as an advocate for patients. Using the correct channels and procedures to refer on complaints that cannot easily be resolved. In the absence of the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner Infection Prevention and Control to take responsibility for managing and responding to complaints escalating as appropriate.
6. Under the direction of the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner - Infection Prevention and Control to assist in the mentorship / supervision of clinical and non-clinical staff relating to Infection Prevention and Control practices.
7. To lead by example, adopting an accountable and professional manner at all times. To act as a role model / advocate for Infection Prevention and Control.

1. To lead on projects as directed by Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner - Infection Prevention and Control.
2. Produce reports and statistics to inform the Infection Prevention team on infection prevention and control issues.
3. Represent the Infection Prevention and Control Team at relevant meetings as identified by the Head of Nursing / Senior Specialist Practitioner - Infection Prevention and Control.

Ensure a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns.

EDUCATION/LEARNING

1. Support and develop and implement training programmes for all levels of healthcare
2. Display presentation skills which enable communication of specialist knowledge to multidisciplinary teams / medical staff/ nursing staff / members of the public etc. in large groups, formal lectures and in the clinical environment.

1. Acts as a resource for multidisciplinary teams, nursing staff, and members of the public with regard to infection prevention and control related issues around health and safety and other legislation where applicable.

1. Facilitates the development of Infection Prevention and Control link practitioners.

1. Develop and disseminate Infection Prevention and Control information for patients, staff, carers and public e.g. posters and leaflets.

Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning.

This job description is an outline of the role and function. It is not intended to describe all specific tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE/ PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Registered Nurse (Level 1) OR AHP registered body
• 1st Degree or equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Willing to undertake qualification in Infection Prevention and Control
• Mentorship or ENB learning in practice qualification
• One years post registration experience
• Understanding of national agenda for health care in relation to Infection Prevention and Control. Adopting and implementing the principles of the 6C's throughout daily practice.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the competencies of an infection Prevention and Control nurse
• Understands the impact of Infection Prevention and Control upon healthcare delivery

Desirable

• Recognised qualification in Infection Prevention and Control e.g. ENB 329
• Leadership course either nationally accredited or Trust led.

SKILLS

Essential

• Demonstrate an understanding of clinical audit, has the ability to analyse information and make recommendations
• Computer literate
• Demonstrates self-learning to improve knowledge
• Demonstrate the application of research in practice
• Act with professionalism and integrity
• Ability to prioritise tasks and action
• Ability to work under pressure autonomously and as part of a team
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills

Desirable

• Audit skills
• Surveillance skills
• Teaching and presenting skills.
• Ability to produce action plans/ reports.

BEHAVIOURS

Essential

• Effective communicator
• Able to challenge
• Values diversity and equality
• Flexible and adaptable to change
• Manages own time and maintain a healthy work/home balance
• Positive attitude to personal development and growth
• Leads by example inspiring others and encourages/ celebrates achievements

VALUES

Essential

• Behaves in a professional manner at all times by setting and maintaining a high personal and professional standard that enables effective working relationships with others.
• Team leader/player.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Occupational Health cleared to perform the duties of the role
• Ability to perform a wide range of duties according to the Job Description
• Car driver

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).