The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control will work as part of the Peamount Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) team. The IPC team aims to develop, deliver, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive Infection Prevention/Control programme with associated structures, policies, and processes and guidelines which are the vehicle for improving quality and safety and progressing a quality and safety culture for all service users.
Professional accountability for this Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control is to the Director of Nursing/Assistant Director of Nursing.
Infection Prevention/Control Team is part of the broader Quality, Risk, and Patient Safety team in Peamount Healthcare.
The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control post is to:
Optimise patient/resident care through the prevention, surveillance, investigation, liaison, education, research, and control of health care acquired Infection (HCAI).
Work as part of the Infection Prevention and Control Team in line with the Strategy for Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland.
Contribute to patient/resident care through prevention, surveillance, investigation, liaison, education, research, and control of health care acquired infection (HCAI)
Provide and maintain a comprehensive, efficient, and effective infection prevention and control service for patients.
Work as a key member of the Interdisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Team, providing specialist infection control advice to all healthcare staff on the surveillance, prevention, investigation, and control of hospital-acquired infections.
Support and provide specialist experience to all healthcare staff.
Be a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Team. You must carry out these responsibilities in a progressive and evolving service that meets both international and national standards.
Work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing specialist infection control advice, support, and expertise to healthcare staff. You will work closely with Infection Prevention and Control personnel, including those in microbiology.
Education, research, and development are paramount to the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention Control so that practice is based on appropriate research and evidence.
Candidates must have at the latest date of application:
1. Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.
(a) i) Be a registered nurse/midwife on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).
And ii) Be registered in the General Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives.
And iii) Have successfully completed a post-registration programme of study, as certified by the education provider, which verifies that the applicant has achieved a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major academic Level 9, or higher relevant to the specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control prior to application.
Or Can provide written evidence from higher education institute that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 9 award or higher standard, relevant to the specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control prior to application.
And iv) Have a minimum of 5 years post-registration full-time experience (or an aggregate of 5 years full-time experience) in the General Division of the register.
And v) Have a minimum of 2 years' full-time experience (or an aggregate of 2 years full-time experience) in specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control.
And vi) Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development.
(a) Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice.
And b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability including a high standard of suitability and clinical, managerial, and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.
2. Annual Registration
i) Practitioners must maintain live annual registration on the appropriate/relevant Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (Bord Altranais agus Cnaimhseachais na hEireann) for the role.
And ii) Confirm annual registration with NMBI by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).
3. Health
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character
Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will:
Practice in accordance with relevant legislation and with regard to The Scope of Nursing & Midwifery Practice Framework (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2015) and the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, 2014).
Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour and be professionally accountable for actions/omissions. Take measures to develop and maintain the competences required for professional practice.
Adhere to the Nursing & Midwifery values of Care, Compassion and Commitment (DoH, 2016).
Adhere to national, regional, and local PPPGs.
Adhere to relevant legislation and regulation.
Adhere to appropriate lines of authority within the midwife management structure.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention and Control).
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology of infection prevention and control.
Demonstrate the ability to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the patient/resident with an infectious disease, including taking an accurate history of their condition and presenting problem.
Demonstrate the ability to employ appropriate diagnostic interventions to support clinical decision making and the patient/resident's self-management planning.
Demonstrate the ability to formulate a plan of care based on findings and evidence-based standards of care and practice guidelines.
Demonstrate the ability to follow up and evaluate a plan of care.
Demonstrate knowledge of health promotion principles/coaching/self-management strategies that will enable people to take greater control over decisions and actions that affect their health and wellbeing.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of clinical governance and risk management as they apply directly to Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection and Prevention Control) role and the wider health service.
Demonstrate evidence of teaching in the clinical area.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of audit, data analysis, and research processes.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain relationships particularly in the context of MDT working.
Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
Ability to manage groups through the learning process.
Ability to provide constructive feedback to encourage future learning.
Effective presentation skills.
Effective reporting skills.
Evidence of effective organisational skills including awareness of appropriate resource management.
Ability to attain designated targets, manage deadlines, and multiple tasks.
Ability to be self-directed, work on own initiative.
A willingness to be flexible in response to changing local/organisational requirements.
Leadership, change management, and team management skills including the ability to work with MDT colleagues.
Awareness and respect for the patient/resident's views in relation to their care.
Evidence of providing quality improvement programmes.
Evidence of conducting audit.
Evidence of motivation by ongoing professional development.
Effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrate depth and breadth of nursing experience in the specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control, as relevant to the role.
Access to appropriate transport to fulfill the requirement of the role as the post will involve travel.
The post holder's practice is based on the five core concepts of Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) to fulfill the role. The concepts are:
Clinical Focus.
Patient/Client Advocate.
Education and Training.
Audit and Research.
Consultant.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will have a strong patient focus whereby the specialty defines itself as Nursing and subscribes to the overall purpose, functions, and ethical standards of Nursing. The clinical practice role may be divided into direct and indirect care. Direct care comprises the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of care to the patient/resident. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection and Prevention Control will:
Provide a specialist Nursing service for patient/resident with a diagnosis of a transmissible infection who require support and treatment through the continuum of care.
Undertake comprehensive patient assessment to include physical, psychological, social, and spiritual elements of care using best evidence-based practice in infection prevention and control care.
Use the outcomes of patient/resident assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and the patient/resident as appropriate.
Monitor and evaluate the patient/resident response to treatment and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient/resident as appropriate.
Make alterations in the management of patient/resident condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient/resident in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines (PPPGs).
Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues.
Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies, and patient/resident follow-up.
Communicate with patient/resident as appropriate, to assess patient/resident needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice, and counselling as required.
Where appropriate, work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across our clinical partners to provide seamless service delivery to patient/resident.
Participate in medication reconciliation, taking cognizance of polypharmacy, and support medical and pharmacy staff with medication reviews and management.
Identify and promote specific symptom management strategies, as well as the identification of triggers that may cause symptom exacerbation. Provide patients and residents with appropriate self-management strategies and escalation pathways.
Manage nurse-led Infection Control Sessions for healthcare personnel with MDT input.
Identify health promotion priorities for the patient/resident and support self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of educational and health promotion material, which is comprehensive, easy to understand, and meets patient/resident needs.
Indirect care includes:
Identify and agree appropriate referral pathways for patient/resident with transmissible infections.
Participate in case review with MDT colleagues.
Use a case management approach for patients and residents with complex needs, collaborating with the MDT as appropriate.
Proactively formulate and provide evidence-based PPPGs for infection prevention and control, ensuring all policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines are research-based, updated, and communicated to staff as required.
Take a lead role in ensuring that Infection Prevention and Control is in line with best practice guidelines.
Participate in relevant infection prevention/control committees.
Arrange and chair outbreak meetings as required.
Provide onsite and off-site infection prevention and control support to all areas.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will communicate, negotiate, and represent patient/resident values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues.
Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient/resident participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.
Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of the patient/resident.
Establish, maintain, and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care, and other Voluntary Organisations as appropriate.
Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will maintain clinical competence in patient/resident management within infection prevention and control, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence-based practice.
Provide the patient/resident with appropriate information and other supportive interventions to increase their knowledge, skill, and confidence in managing their condition.
Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient/resident in relation to infection prevention and control, thus empowering them to self-manage their condition.
Provide mentorship and preceptorship for Nursing colleagues as appropriate.
Participate in training programmes for Nursing, MDT colleagues, and key stakeholders as appropriate.
Create opportunities for learning exchange within the MDT related to evidence-based infection prevention and control care delivery through journal clubs, conferences, and other educational activities.
Develop and maintain links with the Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Units (NMPDUs) and relevant third-level Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in the design, development, and delivery of educational programmes in infection prevention and control care.
Take responsibility for addressing your own continuing professional development needs by actively seeking out learning opportunities, attending relevant training sessions, and staying updated with the latest research and best practices in infection prevention and control.
Be familiar with the student nurse curriculum and the required clinical experience. Participate in identifying, developing, and delivering induction, education, training, and development programs for all staff to meet current standards.
In conjunction with educationists, design, implement, and evaluate programmes of Infection Prevention Control education which meets the needs of all healthcare staff.
Provide support and supportive supervision to Clinical Nurse Managers and front-line staff where appropriate.
Supervise and assess students and foster a clinical learning environment.
Engage in performance review processes including personal development planning as appropriate.
Function as a role model for clinical healthcare staff.
Display IPC expertise by contributing to conferences, seminars, and research/educational activities.
Educating staff, patients/residents, and their relatives regarding infection control precautions and the importance of hand hygiene.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will establish and maintain a register of patients/residents with transmissible infections within Clinical Nurse Specialist caseload where required in order to meet national policy.
Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as directed and advised by the ADON/DON.
Identify, initiate, and conduct Nursing and MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of practice.
Identify, critically analyse, disseminate, and integrate best evidence relating to infection prevention and control care.
Contribute to nursing research on all aspects of infection prevention and control care.
Use the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.
Contribute to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data and specialist knowledge.
Monitor, access, utilise, and disseminate current relevant research to advise and ensure the provision of informed evidence-based practice.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will provide leadership in clinical practice and act as a resource and role model for infection prevention and control practice.
Generate and contribute to the development of clinical standards and guidelines and support implementation.
Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing practice.
Develop collaborative working relationships with local infection prevention and control Clinical Nurse Specialists/Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner/MDT colleagues as appropriate, developing person-centred care pathways to promote the integrated model of care delivery.
With the support of the Director of Nursing, attend integrated care planning meetings as required with internal and external services.
Where appropriate, develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients/residents in the community.
Liaise with other health service providers in the development and ongoing delivery of the National Clinical Programme model of care.
Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialists (Infection Control) within the HSE Health Regions.
These duties must be performed in accordance with local organisational and the HSE health and safety policies. In carrying out these duties the employee must ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply with the Health, Safety, and Welfare at Work Act (2005). Staff must carry out their duties in a safe and responsible manner in line with the local policy documents and as set out in the local safety statement, which must be read and understood.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control will ensure that effective safety procedures relating to HCAI AMR are supported to comply with statutory obligations, in conjunction with relevant staff e.g. health and safety procedures, emergency procedures.
Observe, report, and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to staff and/or patient/resident's care or well-being may be inhibiting the efficient provision of care.
Assist in observing and ensuring implementation and adherence to established policies and procedures e.g. health and safety, infection prevention/control, storage, and use of controlled drugs etc.
Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms/clinical risk reporting.
Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty.
Provide Infection Prevention Control advice regarding capital projects, renovations, and refurbishments.
Liaise with other relevant staff e.g. Occupational Therapist re appropriateness for procurement.
Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards.
It is the responsibility of all staff to participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to quality, risk, and safety.
Participate and cooperate with local quality, risk, and safety initiatives as required.
Participate and cooperate with internal and external evaluations of the organisation's structures, services, and processes as required, including but not limited to, The National Hygiene Audit, Impact of Covid-19 on Nursing Homes in Ireland, National Decontamination Audit, Health and Safety Audits, and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities.
Initiate, support, and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with local organisational quality, risk, and safety requirements.
Contribute to the development of PPPGs and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations, and standards.
Comply with Peamount Complaints Policy.
Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms and clinical risk reporting.
Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment supplied and used to carry out the responsibilities of the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist in infection prevention and control care.
Hygiene in healthcare is defined as