Bhsct Sister/Charge Nurse Band 7

Belfast Health And Social Care Trust; Belfast; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, specific to Critical Care, will work across Belfast Health and Social Care Trust critical care services under the direction of the band 8A lead nurse for critical care and in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control team.

The post holder will develop and implement a comprehensive service for the prevention, investigation, surveillance and control of infection within critical care.

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with NMC registration and a degree.
• Two years IPCT or critical care infection control experience.
• Current full driving licence.
• Audits and quality improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead infection prevention and control in critical care under IPCT guidance.
• Provide specialist advice and leadership to staff on infection prevention and control matters.
• Oversee infection surveillance and management of outbreaks.
• Develop and deliver education/training for critical care staff.
• Collaborate with IPCT, microbiology, estates and governance teams.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Decision making

IP knowledge

Change management

Quality improvement

Education

RN/NMC registration

Bachelor or equivalent degree

Job description

Advertised role location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL
Official document: Band 7 Sister- Charge Nurse (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST: Infection Prevention and Control Nurse
Specific to Critical Care
LOCATION: BHSCT
BAND: BAND 7
REPORTS TO: Lead Nurse- Development, Safety and Governance
RESPONSIBLE TO: Divisional Nurse - ACCTSS
Job Summary / Main Purpose
The Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, specific to Critical Care, will work across the Trust critical care services under the direction of the band 8A lead nurse for critical care and in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control team and the critical care teams. The post holder will develop and implement a comprehensive service for the prevention, investigation, surveillance and control of infection within critical care. The post holder will improve the standard of Infection Prevention and Control in critical care through leadership, education good communication, involvement and awareness of clinical practices and service provision, providing advice and support to all staff in service development and promotion of best practice for the prevention and control of infection.
Liaises with:
Critical Care MDT teams to include BCH ICU ,CSICU, and RICU
Infection Prevention and Control Team
Microbiology Team
Patient and Client Services
Health Protection Service, Public Health Agency
Occupational Health Staff
Risk and Governance Department
Nursing Development Lead
Critical care Education facilitator and NDL (Critical Care)
(This list is not exhaustive)
Main Duties / Responsibilities
Clinical
To work with the Band 8a Lead nurses for critical care and Infection Prevention and Control Team to identify key priorities in managing and leading the development and provision of Infection Prevention and Control Team in the critical care setting.
Provide specialist advice, support and leadership to Nurses, allied health professionals and other non-clinical personnel on matters related to Infection Prevention and Control within critical care, liaising with the IPCT as appropriate.
To identify potential infection hazards in patients, staff, the environment, equipment and take appropriate remedial action.
Clarify and explain microbiological results and resulting implications for infection prevention and control to critical care staff.
Under the guidance and in collaboration with the IPCT be involved in the interpretation of laboratory results concerning infection prevention and control related to clinical and environmental issues. This includes managed air systems and water supply to support the provision of clean air and water, working with the Water Safety Group, Estates team and Infection Control Doctor to ensure all parameters are met to provide a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
To communicate with patients/relatives and give advice relating to infection prevention and control as appropriate.
To maintain accurate patient clinical records, updating specialist patient databases as required.
Alongside the IPCT, Investigate and participate in the management and control of outbreaks of hospital and community infection with particular reference to their source and mode of spread. Carries out the appropriate functions agreed with the Infection Prevention and Control Doctor, Consultant Microbiologist or Senior Nurse Infection Prevention and Control during defined outbreaks within Critical Care.
Maintain clinical skills in critical care nursing through attendance at regular clinical updates/training and clinical experience.
Liaison/Advice
To lead on the update and introduction of new practices, in accordance with research legislation.
To liaise with members of Patient and Client Services and ensure staff are aware of the importance of environmental cleanliness within the critical care setting.
To liaise with outside health care agencies.
To liaise with critical care staff and infection prevention and control staff, in other Trusts and healthcare facilities to provide a seamless service.
To lead on the preparation of documents relating to service specifications and quality standards.
To liaise with staff in the Occupational Health Department in relation to the prevention and control of infection amongst critical care staff.
To liaise with staff in the Microbiology Department in the organisation and undertaking of surveillance and investigation of outbreaks.
Surveillance
To oversee processes for infection surveillance within critical care and forward relevant data to the Public Health Agency (PHA).
To ensure surveillance data is fed back appropriately to clinical staff.
To facilitate all HCAI surveillance initiatives both mandatory and non-mandatory.
To compile HCAI surveillance reports as required
Research and Audit
To assist the Band 8A Lead Nurses including self-assessment RQIA for critical care and Infection Control and Prevention Team to appraise and evaluate infection prevention and control practice through a structured audit programme.
To participate in the completion of audits relating to infection prevention and control eg. Environmental Cleanliness, High Impact Interventions, ANTT and Hand Hygiene Audits.
To participate in independent and validation audits in relation to infection prevention and control to improve patient care and provide written reports in a timely manner to include self-assessment RQIA audits for all critical care units.
To contribute to trials and product evaluation in order to promote good infection prevention and control practice in collaboration with other members of the Critical Care Team and Infection Prevention and Control Team.
To critically evaluate research to ensure that advice/guidance is research/evidence based.
To contribute to the dissemination of audit results through presentation at audit days, meetings, mandatory training sessions and/or induction days.
To continuously evaluate and update control of infection measures within Critical Care and to provide information to staff on recent advances in infection prevention and control.
To initiate and participate in research, the interpretation and analysis of findings and the application of research findings to practice.
Education
To lead on the development of educational programmes for all critical care staff. Assess and identify training needs and develop training packages to meet those needs.
To liaise with the Clinical Education facilitator (Critical Care), and Nursing Development Lead regarding staff training programmes.
To assist in the delivery of infection prevention and control training to new staff during their induction programmes within critical care.
To evaluate and review training as appropriate.
To keep abreast of regional, national and international issues which have a direct effect on infection prevention and control.
Management and Leadership
To be responsible for the provision of ongoing clinical, managerial and professional supervision and specialist advice to nursing staff across critical care in relation to Infection Prevention and Control Team.
To assist staff in complying with the service group Health Care Associated Infection Reduction/Action Plans.
To provide leadership to the Infection Control Link nurses in critical care and promote staff participation in Infection Control Link meetings and programmes of education.
Assist in the development and implementation of strategic/improvement plans for the Prevention and Control of Infection.
Represent the Trust on external working groups and committees as appropriate.
To ensure accurate record keeping is maintained and data is collected, analysed and disseminated in a timely manner.
To collect and analyse relevant data for Critical Care and the Infection Prevention and Control Team.
To lead on the development and implementation of policy, guidance and procedures relating to infection prevention and control in critical care, in conjunction with other members of the Critical Care Team and Infection Prevention and Control Team.
Professional Development
To pursue a programme of continuous learning in line with current guidance from the NMC.
To undertake relevant training in infection prevention and control.
To attend relevant meetings and conferences on matters relating to infection prevention and control and feedback information appropriately.
To critically reflect on own performance on an ongoing basis.
General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.
Information Governance
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.
For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR
Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors and staff.
Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:
Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.
Values
The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate and person centred care by:
Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect
Displaying Openness and Trust
Being Accountable
Being Leading Edge
Maximising Learning and Development
By embedding the above values we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust’s Vision.
Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community where relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).
To access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.
Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE / BAND: Infection Prevention Control Nurse specific to Critical Care
Band 7
DEPT / DIRECTORATE: ACCTSS
Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Registered Nurse on Part 1 of the NMC
Have a university degree or relevant professional qualification
and
Two years experience as an infection prevention and control nurse (band 6 or higher)
or
Two years experience at Band 6 or higher in adult critical care nursing with a relevant intensive care course ie. ENB 100 or intensive care and High dependency nursing course.
or
Have worked for a minimum of at least 5 years’ experience as an Infection Prevention and Control Nurse at band 6 or above) or
5 years experience as a band 6 or above in adult critical care nursing with a relevant intensive care course
Willing to undertake certificate level of training in infection prevention and control on appointment where required.
Experience as a IPCT link nurse or can demonstrate work related audit and quality improvement related to IPCT
Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
Have a current full driving licence (valid for use in UK ) and have access to a care on appointment (This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of their post )
Interview / Test
Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Have excellent communication skills both orally and in writing
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Ability to work well in highly charged situations
Provide evidence of having maintained and monitored standards, which have enhanced the patient /client experience of care.
Evidence of complex decision making in times of competing demands
Have knowledge of current and future challenges in Infection Prevention and Control
Have ability to influence and manage change at all levels of the organisation
Have ability to take the lead in promoting and developing practices in infection prevention and control
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Qualifications
Other
HSC Values
Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role