Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Control - Upmc Whitfield

Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Control - UPMC Whitfield Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Control - UPMC Whitfield
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:  The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with National and International Infection prevention Control standards. As a key member of the frontline team, the CNS IPC will provide support and specialist advice to all disciplines of staff, patients, and members of the public regarding the prevention and control of infections.This role will help to ensure patient safety in containing and reducing the incidence of transmissible infections and healthcare associated infections. The CNS IPC will use his/her expert knowledge to ensure a thorough risk assessment of processes is completed throughout the hospital, using all available surveillance and audit data and put in place risk reducing measures such as education and specialised protocols, policies and guidelines.The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Operations:
Act asa role model through the provision of professional leadership anddemonstration of best practices in the area of infection prevention andcontrol Act asa resource in providing specialist knowledge, consultancy and expertise incollaboration with Hospital Management, Occupational Health Nurse, nursingand all healthcare staff. Adviseon the nursing care of individual patients with infectious conditions orwhen at risk of acquiring infection i.e. the immuno-compromised patientetc. Advisehospital management, bed management, medical and nursing personnelregarding the need for isolation facilities or transfer of patients toinfectious disease/isolation units. Advisenursing and other healthcare staff on isolation techniques and supervisethe introduction and progress of such techniques in specific situations. Maintaineffective communication structures and interpersonal relations, whichensure that infection control information is conveyed quickly andeffectively to relevant targeted staff. Provideeducation and advice to patients, relatives/carers on specific infectionrisks and treatments. Act asan advocate for the patients, and/or staff on issues in the prevention andcontrol of infection. Assistand investigate outbreaks of hospital infection with particular referenceto their source and mode of spread and compile and report on root causeanalysis. Adviseand support ward/department managers and staff in the implementation ofinfection control policies and guidelines and clinical practices. Adhereto the hospital guidelines policies, procedures and guidelines. Maintaina safe working environment as set out in the Health and Safety at WorkAct. Respectconfidential information obtained in the course of professional practice. Befamiliar with the UPMC Mission Statement and uphold the Philosophy andPatient Charter of UPMC. Ensurean effective learning environment for the multidisciplinary team. Workwithin the code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, participation in thedevelopment of the Scope of Practice and provide strong professionalleadership and direction for Infection Control nursing services. Promotethe advancement of professional knowledge and ensure its integration intopractice. Ensurethat nursing care is based on the latest research findings and constitutebest practice and act as an expert clinical resource for all nursing andmedical personnel in the field of Infection Prevention and Control. Encouragecontinuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existingpractices through regular audit programmes and review and uphold hospitalpolicy.  Ensurethat all records are properly and accurately maintained and disseminatedto the appropriate staff. Implementan efficient infection control surveillance system to facilitate theprompt identification of patients and staff with infection. Regularlyevaluate control of infection measures by means of inspection, audit,surveillance with a view to recommending improvements where required. Performregular audits of infection control policies and procedures with theco-operation of departmental managers. Providefeedback by giving verbal and written reports to departmental andorganisational managers. Collate,record and analyse relevant data and information for infection audits,linking into the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) frequentlyfor updates on all infection related data, such as potential forthcomingoutbreaks. Conductnursing research relevant to infection control issues with support frompractice development Partakein accreditation processes and quality processes while adhering toNational and International best practice standards such as HIQA, ABA, HASand JCI. Participateas a member of Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Participatein the selection of waste, laundry and hygiene subcontractors in UPMCWhitfield and participate in audit of same. Adviseand highlight to clinical staff on any new pathogens as highlighted by WHOor HPSC. Makerecommendations for change and improvements in infection control practice. Plan,negotiate with and support staff to implement and make clinical practicechanges as appropriate. Advisesenior hospital management and the multi-disciplinary team on recentadvances in infection control and prevention when and where appropriate.
Learningand Education:

Adviseand participate in the commission, tendering and purchasing of patientcare and medical equipment as pertaining to infection prevention andcontrol.
Provideinfection prevention and control advice to committees established tooversee capital projects, building renovations and refurbishments withinthe hospital. Workclosely with facilities colleagues when planning all renovations/refurbishments and maintenance Participatein the development of the Infection Prevention and Control service. Producereports/plans for infection prevention and control as required. Liaisewith the Department of Public Health, HPSC and other organisations inmatters concerning infection prevention and control. Act asa change agent in implementing research findings so as to enhanceinfection control practice and ensure safe patient care. Liaisewith the staff of the Microbiology Department in organising and conductingmicrobiological and epidemiological surveillance. Togetherwith Hospital Management be involved in identifying opportunities for thedevelopment of services that will improve the care of patients. Promotea patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive andconstructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect andchoice is maintained in their care.  Undertakecontinuing professional development, availing of formal and informaleducational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongstnursing, medical and allied health professionals Maintainan awareness of current developments and research in infection control andnursing practice by reading relevant literature and attending seminars andconferences. Maintainand update a personal development portfolio. Keepup to date with Health & Safety requirements, fire regulations andRadiation Safety and Protection ensuring that such lectures are attendedand that you are familiar with the policies on Moving and Handling,Infection Control, Waste Disposal, Risk Management, Major incident andCardiac Arrest procedures. Beaware of legislation governing or affecting the Nursing Profession,including HPSC, the Nurses' Act (1985) and Nurses and Midwives Bill(2010), Health & Safety Legislation or any other relevant legislationor guidelines and trigger alerts as required.

Ensurethat there is compliance with all relevant hospital guidelines, policies,procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. Thisincludes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodiesand inspections. Encouragecontinuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existingpractices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with themulti-disciplinary team where required. Promotea culture of continuous quality improvement across the departmentinvolving the team in continuous improvement initiatives and encouraginginnovation.  Setand monitor core objectives, standards and key performance indicators forthe service and monitor performance against these standards throughinternal and (where applicable) external audit. Leadout on the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process for IPC. Participatefully in the requirement of the hospital's risk management programme. Promotethe delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourageevidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementationof research findings. Workwith members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard OperatingProcedures for the development of the Unit. Provideclinical nursing leadership in proactively addressing ethical and qualityof service issues with multidisciplinary team members and hospitalmanagement. Developa culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and nearmisses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near missesinvolving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols andguidelines. Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Control - UPMC Whitfield
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role:  The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with National and International Infection prevention Control standards. As a key member of the frontline team, the CNS IPC will provide support and specialist advice to all disciplines of staff, patients, and members of the public regarding the prevention and control of infections.This role will help to ensure patient safety in containing and reducing the incidence of transmissible infections and healthcare associated infections. The CNS IPC will use his/her expert knowledge to ensure a thorough risk assessment of processes is completed throughout the hospital, using all available surveillance and audit data and put in place risk reducing measures such as education and specialised protocols, policies and guidelines.The position requires a strategic approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the management of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Operations:
Act asa role model through the provision of professional leadership anddemonstration of best practices in the area of infection prevention andcontrol Act asa resource in providing specialist knowledge, consultancy and expertise incollaboration with Hospital Management, Occupational Health Nurse, nursingand all healthcare staff. Adviseon the nursing care of individual patients with infectious conditions orwhen at risk of acquiring infection i.e. the immuno-compromised patientetc. Advisehospital management, bed management, medical and nursing personnelregarding the need for isolation facilities or transfer of patients toinfectious disease/isolation units. Advisenursing and other healthcare staff on isolation techniques and supervisethe introduction and progress of such techniques in specific situations. Maintaineffective communication structures and interpersonal relations, whichensure that infection control information is conveyed quickly andeffectively to relevant targeted staff. Provideeducation and advice to patients, relatives/carers on specific infectionrisks and treatments. Act asan advocate for the patients, and/or staff on issues in the prevention andcontrol of infection. Assistand investigate outbreaks of hospital infection with particular referenceto their source and mode of spread and compile and report on root causeanalysis. Adviseand support ward/department managers and staff in the implementation ofinfection control policies and guidelines and clinical practices. Adhereto the hospital guidelines policies, procedures and guidelines. Maintaina safe working environment as set out in the Health and Safety at WorkAct. Respectconfidential information obtained in the course of professional practice. Befamiliar with the UPMC Mission Statement and uphold the Philosophy andPatient Charter of UPMC. Ensurean effective learning environment for the multidisciplinary team. Workwithin the code of Professional Conduct for Nurses, participation in thedevelopment of the Scope of Practice and provide strong professionalleadership and direction for Infection Control nursing services. Promotethe advancement of professional knowledge and ensure its integration intopractice. Ensurethat nursing care is based on the latest research findings and constitutebest practice and act as an expert clinical resource for all nursing andmedical personnel in the field of Infection Prevention and Control. Encouragecontinuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existingpractices through regular audit programmes and review and uphold hospitalpolicy.  Ensurethat all records are properly and accurately maintained and disseminatedto the appropriate staff. Implementan efficient infection control surveillance system to facilitate theprompt identification of patients and staff with infection. Regularlyevaluate control of infection measures by means of inspection, audit,surveillance with a view to recommending improvements where required. Performregular audits of infection control policies and procedures with theco-operation of departmental managers. Providefeedback by giving verbal and written reports to departmental andorganisational managers. Collate,record and analyse relevant data and information for infection audits,linking into the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) frequentlyfor updates on all infection related data, such as potential forthcomingoutbreaks. Conductnursing research relevant to infection control issues with support frompractice development Partakein accreditation processes and quality processes while adhering toNational and International best practice standards such as HIQA, ABA, HASand JCI. Participateas a member of Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Participatein the selection of waste, laundry and hygiene subcontractors in UPMCWhitfield and participate in audit of same. Adviseand highlight to clinical staff on any new pathogens as highlighted by WHOor HPSC. Makerecommendations for change and improvements in infection control practice. Plan,negotiate with and support staff to implement and make clinical practicechanges as appropriate. Advisesenior hospital management and the multi-disciplinary team on recentadvances in infection control and prevention when and where appropriate.
Learningand Education:

Adviseand participate in the commission, tendering and purchasing of patientcare and medical equipment as pertaining to infection prevention andcontrol. Provideinfection prevention and control advice to committees established tooversee capital projects, building renovations and refurbishments withinthe hospital. Workclosely with facilities colleagues when planning all renovations/refurbishments and maintenance Participatein the development of the Infection Prevention and Control service. Producereports/plans for infection prevention and control as required. Liaisewith the Department of Public Health, HPSC and other organisations inmatters concerning infection prevention and control. Act asa change agent in implementing research findings so as to enhanceinfection control practice and ensure safe patient care. Liaisewith the staff of the Microbiology Department in organising and conductingmicrobiological and epidemiological surveillance. Togetherwith Hospital Management be involved in identifying opportunities for thedevelopment of services that will improve the care of patients. Promotea patient centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive andconstructive patient feedback and ensuring patient dignity, respect andchoice is maintained in their care.  Undertakecontinuing professional development, availing of formal and informaleducational opportunities thus ensuring continuing credibility amongstnursing, medical and allied health professionals Maintainan awareness of current developments and research in infection control andnursing practice by reading relevant literature and attending seminars andconferences. Maintainand update a personal development portfolio. Keepup to date with Health & Safety requirements, fire regulations andRadiation Safety and Protection ensuring that such lectures are attendedand that you are familiar with the policies on Moving and Handling,Infection Control, Waste Disposal, Risk Management, Major incident andCardiac Arrest procedures. Beaware of legislation governing or affecting the Nursing Profession,including HPSC, the Nurses' Act (1985) and Nurses and Midwives Bill(2010), Health & Safety Legislation or any other relevant legislationor guidelines and trigger alerts as required.

QualityImprovement & Risk Management: Ensurethat there is compliance with all relevant hospital guidelines, policies,procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements. Thisincludes responsibility for dealing with regulatory or professional bodiesand inspections. Encouragecontinuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existingpractices through regular audit programmes and review engaging with themulti-disciplinary team where required. Promotea culture of continuous quality improvement across the departmentinvolving the team in continuous improvement initiatives and encouraginginnovation.  Setand monitor core objectives, standards and key performance indicators forthe service and monitor performance against these standards throughinternal and (where applicable) external audit. Leadout on the requirements of the hospitals accreditation process for IPC. Participatefully in the requirement of the hospital's risk management programme. Promotethe delivery of a high standard of care to all patients. Encourageevidence-based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementationof research findings. Workwith members of the Multidisciplinary team in devising Standard OperatingProcedures for the development of the Unit. Provideclinical nursing leadership in proactively addressing ethical and qualityof service issues with multidisciplinary team members and hospitalmanagement. Developa culture of safety, promoting positive reporting of incidents and nearmisses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near missesinvolving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols andguidelines. Qualifications & Experience: Beregistered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained byNMBI Haveat least five years recent relevant post-registration nursing experience(full-time or equivalent hours part-time) in an acute hospital settingwith at least two years working in Infection prevention control Have arecognised post-registration nursing course - Higher Diploma or Post Gradcourse in Infection Control or be in pursuit of same. Possess thefollowing skills:
· ClinicalSkills
· Managementskills
· Leadershipskills
· NegotiatingSkills
· ITskills
· Qualityfocus
· RiskManagement
· Clinicalaudit
· Excellentinterpersonal and communication skills
· Presentationskills
· Changemanagement skills
EqualOpportunity Statement and Benefits UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environmentfor all employees.
At UPMC we provide a total rewards programthat is not only market competitive, but fair and provides growth opportunitiesfor all our colleagues.

Compensation – Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related payand premium pay where applicable.

Benefits –Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive PensionPlan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times. Critical Illness coverfor all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission ofUPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work-Life Balance – Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexibleworking opportunities to support you to work around external familycommitments.

Developmentand Career Opportunities – Opportunities for each employee to reachtheir career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.

AboutUPMC 

A $26 billion healthcare provider and insurer, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centred, cost-effective, accountable care. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International.

Providing high-quality healthcare in the South East since 2006, UPMC's operations in Ireland now include UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, UPMC Kildare Hospital in Clane and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny. Outpatient care is available at the UPMC Carlow Outreach Centre, UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre radiotherapy locations at UPMC Whitfield and in Cork, the UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena, Waterford, TUS Moylish Campus, Limerick, TUS Thurles Campus, Tipperary, and the UPMC Concussion Network. The UPMC Institute for Health is located in Mayo and the Global Technology Operation Centre is based in Kilkenny. UPMC is the Official Healthcare Partner of the GAA and GPA. 



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