Infection Prevention & Control Nurse

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide specialist IPC advice, support & guidance, promoting evidence-based best practice. Undertaking patient reviews and advising the multi-professional team on IPC precautions following review of specific patients/situations.

Working with trust colleagues/supervisors & specialist departments to advise and provide support on an ad hoc basis e.g. PSA, clinical site team etc. escalate any issue to Line Manager.

Identify and provide advice for risks/problems pertaining to IPC practice, escalating as applicable.

Providing information to identify the need for education on specific IPC topics and delivering IPC education and training formally, informally and opportunistically, alongside senior staff.

Undertake ward assessments/walkarounds/improvement visits to identify areas of practice that are not in keeping with IPC principles/trust policy and provide timely feedback.

Providing advice and support for staff on the safe and effective decontamination of equipment and the environment.

Using professional judgment to initiate audits as a tool for measurement and to support learning/associated action planning.

Carry out audits as set out in the IPC Annual Workplan under the direction of senior staff.

Escalating and seeking support for any significant concerns from all aspects of your work which require address beyond your remit and area of expertise to the Co-ordinator/Line Manager as applicable.

Advise and assist in the management of outbreaks and infection-related incidents.

Manage the screening and provision of treatments.

Contribute towards local written information (e.g. patient information leaflets, IPC SOP's)

Identify opportunities for IPC associated quality improvement projects and discuss a plan of action with senior staff

Deputise in the absence of the band 7.

To provide written reports for work undertaken as applicable.

Report incidents and healthcare-associated infections via the Datix system as applicable.

Person Specification

Other

Essential

• Access to a vehicle for work purposes

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Nurse/Midwife with valid NMC registration.
• An active interest in Infection Prevention and Control matters in the healthcare setting.

Desirable

• Further education around specific infection prevention topics such as Environmental Infection Control, Decontamination
• Post-registration qualification in Infection Control at Degree Level (Certificate in Infection Control or equivalent)
• Recognised teaching and assessing qualification or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience working at AFC Band 5 (or equivalent) within an acute healthcare environment.
• Experience as Infection Prevention and Control Link Worker or able to demonstrate specific application of Infection Prevention and Control knowledge in clinical areas
• Experience of implementing changes in clinical practice
• Experience in a management/leadership post
• Sound understanding of control of infection concepts
• Demonstrate ability in the use computer software packages internet and hospital networks
• Ability to understand, absorb and comply with detailed procedures

Desirable

• Research or audit experience

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• IT/Computer Skills including working knowledge of MS Office packages
• Evidence of delivering training
• Participation and/or co-ordination in formal and informal teaching programmes specific to speciality

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Evidence of commitment to continuous learning and application in practice
• Proven communication skills both verbal and written. Effective listening skills
• Effective time management skills
• Ability to organise, manage and prioritise workload effectively
• The ability to manage stressful situations
• Able to work extra hours on occasions and provide reasonable flexibility in terms of hours worked e.g. bank holidays, on- call rota, etc.
• Willing to adapt to the changing needs of the service
• Friendly and caring manner- demonstrate ability in dealing sympathetically and sensitively with people
• Proven ability to work in a team and be supportive of team members.
• Proven ability to use own initiative and work without close supervision
• Proven ability to keep information confidential

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

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

Royal Blackburn Hospital - but will be supporting all ELHT Sites

Blackburn

BB23HH

Employer's website

http://jobs.elht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)