Job Description
Details of Service: The Infection Prevention and Control Team comprises of the CNM and CNS Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) and the Consultant Microbiologist. The team implement evidence-based practice and relevant best practice in Infection Prevention and Control to minimise the risk of transmission of infection in the hospital and community setting. Accountable to and reports to the Director of Nursing. Eligibility Criteria: Qualifications / Experience Be registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development at the appropriate level. Have at least seven years post-registration nursing experience (full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital / relevant healthcare setting of which five must be in the specialist area. A BSc. in Nursing Management is desirable. Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Infection Prevention and Control, willingness to undertake a MSc. Programme. Proven clinical and professional management ability, leadership and communication skills are essential. Previous two years management experience at CNM2 / CNS level is desirable. Ability to lead a team in conjunction to working alongside that team as required achieving the overall vision of the hospital. Possess excellent prioritisation and organisational skills. Competent and confident IT skills. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Professional / Clinical: The CNM3 will Manage the Infection Prevention & Control service, ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence based, care planning approach. Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership. Liaise closely with the Consultant Microbiologist in all issues to do with IPC. Manage the implementation of the HIQA National Standards for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections, be available for on site assessment by HIQA. Manage IPC preparation for Joint Commission Internal accreditation (JCI). Provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to service users within the guidelines laid out by NMBI. Manage and co-ordinate the Infection, Prevention & Control committee meetings. Manage and participate in the Environmental monitoring committee, ensuring safe water management with emphasis on testing for appropriate bacteria. Organise Legionella risk assessment. Participate in teams/meetings/committees as appropriate, communicating and working effectively with others. Manage own caseload in accordance with the needs of the post. Manage nursing records in accordance with local service and professional standards. Adhere to and contribute to the development and maintenance of nursing standards, protocols and guidelines consistent with the highest standards of service user care. Evaluate and manage the implementation of best practice policy and procedures. Participate in clinical audit, surveillance and research studies as required. Oversee the surgical site infection surveillance programme. Operate within the NMBI Scope of Practice/Code of Conduct. Maintain own professional knowledge and development in relation to all new and emerging aspects of IPC. Management: The CNM3 will Be responsible for the management of the Infection, Prevention & Control Department in St. Michael's Hospital (SMH). Provide reports for Director of Nursing, CEO, Senior Management Team and Hospital board. Provide an annual IPC Report and Plan. Have responsibility for the monitoring, surveillance, investigation, prevention & control of Healthcare associated infections (HCAI). Maintain St Michaels Hospital Risk Register in conjunction with the Director of Nursing, Quality and Risk manager, in relation to aspects of IPC. Maintain a separate IPC risk register as agreed by the Director of Nursing. Ensure all information including IPC data is reported as required, to the HSE Dublin and South East Region (formerly Ireland East Hospital Group). Attend external meetings as required, representing SMH. Advise Nursing Management and Bed Management of individual patients with infectious conditions, with emphasis on any new or emerging infections. Provide the necessary supervision, co-ordination and deployment of nursing staff within the Infection Control Department to ensure the delivery of care in the designated area. Lead on management of outbreaks, co-ordinating an outbreak control committee and notifying to Public health as required. Promote an environment that is conducive to development of best IPC practice. Lead and implement change in a positive manner. Hold regular structured meetings within the department to discuss operational practice or clinical issues and provide minutes to all participants and the Director of Nursing. Organise regularly scheduled Infection prevention/control committee meetings providing Terms of reference, agenda and minutes; disseminate to all attendees in a timely manner. Liaise with the Purchasing department and facilitate the evaluation of new or replacement patient care equipment as required. Ensure that appropriate health and safety, fire and other statutory regulations are adhered to. Manage all aspects of Human Resource Management within the department and ensure all staff are familiar with and follow all hospital policies and procedures. Liaise with the Purchasing Department and facilitate the evaluation of patient- care equipment as required. Participate in infection prevention/control and hygiene audits and complete reports against agreed guidelines. Produce monthly KPIs which will be presented to Director of Nursing and Senior Management Team at the Infection Control committee meetings. Provide feedback and support staff in developing and implementation of action plans where necessary. Record and monitor sick, annual leave and all other leave within the department. Ensure that appropriate health and safety, fire and other statutory regulations are adhered too. Manage all aspects of human resource management within the department and ensure all staff are familiar with and follow all hospital policies and procedures. Health and Safety: The CNM3 will Ensure the effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with statutory obligations, in conjunction with relevant staff e.g. Health and safety procedures, emergency procedures. Comply with H.S.E. Risk Management Framework, Policies, Procedures, Protocols and Guidelines, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users, staff and visitors. Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to staff and/or service user care or wellbeing that may be inhibiting the efficient provision of care. Liaise with the relevant personnel to ensure that all equipment is maintained in safe working order, checked regularly by staff in accordance with the applicable service level agreement. Liaise with contractors during works, reviewing method statements, ensuring the safety of high-risk patients during dust generating works. Lead on the procurement of infection control materials including PPE. Ensure that all staff members attend mandatory training and comply with Health & safety regulations. Education and Training: The CNM3 will Engage in continuing professional development by keeping up to date with nursing literature, recent nursing research and new developments in nursing management education and practice and to attend study days as appropriate. Develop and review regularly a hospital wide IPC education programme. Participate in the identification, development and delivery of education and training programmes on infection prevention/control for all grades of staff nursing, student nurses, Medical and non-nursing, patients and relatives. Liaise closely with the Decontamination lead and advise staff on issues related to decontamination as required. Engage in performance review processes for CNM /CNS within the department including personal development planning as appropriate. Audit and Research: The CNM3 will Conduct ongoing surveillance using appropriate IC criteria, documentation and investigation of Hospital associated infections (HCAIs) through review of admission diagnoses, microbiology culture results, isolation orders, patient records, consultation requests and post discharge surveillance. Regularly collate and record relevant data and information and compile and interpret surveillance reports to the IPC committee, CEO, DON, Dublin South East Region as required. Contribute to the implementation and assessment of quality management initiatives/programmes in line with HIQA standards. Conditions of Employment: Annual Leave Entitlement:25 28 days per annum pro- rata (according to criteria in Circular 111/99). Annual leave is calculated January to December of each year. Sick Leave Regulations: Please refer to contract of employment and hospital sick leave policy. A minimum of one months notice of termination of employment is required. Notice of termination of employment must be received in writing. Uniform Policy must be adhered to at all times. Hospital uniform must not be worn outside of the hospital. Mandated Person Children First Act 2015 As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you have A LEGAL obligation: To report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA To assist TUSLA, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report To complete the HSE e-learning programme An Introduction to Children First To complete the HSE e- learning training for Mandated Persons (CHO6) You will remain a mandated person for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the legislation Mandated Person Children First Act 2015 Please note the following: The Hospital Board is not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings. Fire orders must be observed and staff must attend fire lectures every 2 years. Mandatory training must be adhered to and recertified before expiry timeframes occur i.e. Manual Handling, Basic Life support, Intravenous assessment, Hand hygiene education, waste management and Mission effectiveness programme. All accidents within the department must be reported immediately. In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (1989 & 2005), smoking within the Hospital building is not permitted. All Staff are advised to avail of Hepatitis B Vaccination with Occupational Health. The use of personal mobile phones is prohibited in clinical care areas. Hygiene: During the course of employment staff are required to ensure that the hospitals hygiene and infection control policies are adhered to at all times. All employees have responsibility to prevent transmission of infection by adhering to and implementing optimal hand hygiene and adhering to the Hospitals Hygiene processes. Hygiene is a fundamental component of St Michaels Hospitals quality system to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its patients and staff and plays a role in the prevention and control of healthcare associated infection. Policies/Legislation: All hospital policies and procedures form an integral part of an employment contract and may be subject to update and revision, from time to time, in consultation with union representatives as appropriate. Employees are required to comply with all hospital policies, procedures (e.g. Dignity at work, Trust in Care, Computer Usage Policy) and the hospitals ethical codes of practice. Confidentiality: In the course of your employment you may have access to, or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients, students, staff and / or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and, unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, such information must not be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. This job description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position; it is subject to regular review and amendment as necessary. Skills: Registered with NMBI 7 yrs post registration experience in acute hospt Post Graduate Higher Diploma in IFC Professional Management ability skills Leadership and communication skills Competent and confident IT skills Benefits: On site parking Excellent access to public transport Subsidised canteen Group discount for health insurance Access to health service credit union Tax saver commuter ticket saver Bike to work scheme