Title of Job: CNS Infection Control Grade: CNM II Reports to: Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing Key Reports: Staff Nurses, Student Nurses as appropriate on clinical matters only, HCAs & Support Staff Type of Contract: Permanent – Full Time Purpose of the Role The purpose of this role is to deliver specialist nursing care in line with the five core concepts set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist posts (4th edition), National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM), 2008. The successful candidate will work as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a quality patient centred and seamless service. The role in association with the Infection Prevention and Control Services Team will encompass the development of the Infection Prevention and Control Services programme and responsibility for the implementation and evaluation of the programme. As a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Services Team, the post holder will play a key part in minimising health care associated infections through monitoring/auditing of compliance with Infection Control practices and development of policies and procedures. Key Duties and Responsibilities The post holder will ensure the provision of a high-quality service to reduce/minimise healthcare associated infections for patients and visitors to the Hospital. As education is pivotal to this role, he/she will be expected to be active in patient and staff teaching and keeping abreast of national and international guidelines. The post holder’s practice is based on the five core concepts of the CNS role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are: • Clinical Focus • Patient/Client Advocate • Education and Training • Audit and Research • Consultant Clinical Focus • Collaborate with health care workers and key stakeholders in providing an advisory link in relation to minimisation/reduction of health care associated infections. • Provision of alert organism surveillance with particular reference to the control of transmission of transmissible organisms. • To liaise with relevant patient’s clinical teams and CNMs in reviewing episodes of suspected hospital acquired infection and to collect relevant clinical data pertinent to the epidemiological investigation. • To support the investigation and control of outbreaks of infections taking the lead as required. • To raise the awareness of Infection Prevention and Control across all clinical services, challenge poor practices and in collaboration with health care colleagues provide recommendations/actions plans to minimise health care associated infections. • Participate in risk assessment in relation to Infection Control issues. • To develop and co-ordinate a comprehensive Infection Control programme in assigned areas in accordance with the Infection Control plan. • To liaise with the ADON over Infection Control, Consultant Microbiologists, SPR’s and Microbiology Medical Scientists in following up of microbiology results and determining appropriate treatment and/or subsequent screening. • To perform ‘Root Cause Analysis’ of episodes of ‘Hospital Acquired Infection’ in liaison with the ADON over Infection Control and/or Consultant Microbiologist. Audit and Research (Quality; Communication) • To co-ordinate and monitor/audit compliance to infection control practice including; hand hygiene, isolation procedure, hospital hygiene and other infection control procedures. • Participate in quality/performance improvement activities by assessing, monitoring and measuring health care associated infections and evaluating outcomes on a continuous basis. • Ensure that accurate documentation and record keeping is maintained. • Participate in maintenance of Infection prevention and control databases. • Provide update of service reports to ADON over Infection control for the provision of Annual report. • Maintain an awareness of, and participate as appropriate in Infection prevention and control services team research projects. • To incorporate up to date research findings into practice under the guidance of the ADON Infection Control and /or Infection Prevention and control services team. • To collate findings of relevant projects and implement appropriate recommendations as required. Education and training (Continuous learning & development) • Plan, organise develop and implement educational programmes for all hospital employees which conveys specialised knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of existence of health care associated infections, techniques for minimising/preventive measures to provide a safe environment for patients and hospital employees. • Develop appropriate informational material for patients, visitors and staff. • To participate in undergraduate, post graduate programmes, hospital induction and mandatory education programmes as requested. • To provide informal/formal education sessions at local clinical areas as required. • Participate in maintaining policies and procedures in line with national/international guidance. • Maintain a knowledge base of current Infection prevention and control through peer networking, published literature and professional meetings. • To assist with the development/review of Infection Control policies/procedures and other procedures as deemed appropriate by the ADON over Infection Control and/or Patient/client advocate (Team, problem solving) • Collaboration with health care workers and key stakeholders to provide advice on the prevention/reduction of health care associated infections through policy development, auditing of compliance and input on new builds/renovations to ensure best practice in line with National/International building requirements is voiced. • To liaise with Occupational Health staff and Health and Safety Officer on relevant staff health issues. • To perform in-patient ‘contact tracing’ and liaise with Public Health as required. • To be involved in maintaining standards of hygiene in collaboration with Hospital stakeholders. Consultant (Team, problem solving) • Provide specialist knowledge and expertise in liaison with clinical teams, nursing staff and other key stakeholders. • To liaise with public health as required. • Network with other CNSs in Infection Control and Prevention and in related professional associations. Essential Qualifications Registered General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), or eligible to register with NMBIFormal recognised post-registration education relevant to the area of specialist practice at level 8 (Higher Diploma) according to the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework.Candidates without the relevant post-graduate level 8 specialist course will be appointed as Clinical Nurse Manager II initially, but must agree to complete within an agreed timeframe.Desirable QualificationsManagement CourseHigher Diploma or higher in Infection Control nursingCritical Care experienceEssential Experience 5 years post-registration experience in the acute hospital setting within the last 7 years.A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the specialist area – Infection Control.Desirable ExperienceDisplay evidence of continuing professional developmentCompetencies Technical/Clinical Competencies Demonstrate IT skills.Demonstrate experience in personal and professional development of staff.Experience in teaching and assessing.Behavioural Competencies Problem Solving and Decision MakingExcellent communicationPlanning and OrganisingLeadershipQuality and Safety ServiceContinuous Learning & DevelopmentOther factors which are essential to the role Commitment to the overall aims of Bon Secours Mission, Vision and Values.A flexible, positive attitude to performing a wide range of duties to meet the needs of the services.BON SECOURS HOSPITAL DUBLIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYERCLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS 25TH FEBRUARY 2025