The purpose of this Clinical Nurse Manager II - Infection Prevention & Control post is to: co-ordinate, manage and lead the development and delivery of Infection Prevention & Control services within Connolly Hospital in line with the HIQA National Standards for the prevention and control of HCAI 2017 and Strategy for Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland by: 

• Providing specialist nursing advice to all Health Care Staff in the Acute Hospital setting on Surveillance, Prevention, Investigation and Control of Hospital Acquired Infection.
• Implementing evidence based practice and relevant best practice in Infection Prevention and Control to minimise the risk of transmission of infection within the acute hospital settings. 

The CNM II will deliver care in line with the five core concepts of the role set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Posts, 4th edition, National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) 2008 The Clinical Nurse Specialist will be responsible for co-ordinating, managing and leading the development and delivery of Infection Control services within Connolly Hospital based on a Monday to Friday basis.

This campaign will run in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).

The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles that should be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice. The Code outlines the standards that should be adhered to at each stage of the selection process and sets out the review and appeal mechanisms open to candidates should they be unhappy with a selection process.

The CPSA Code of Practice can be accessed via https://www.cpsa.ie/.

The RCSI Hospital Group includes the following hospitals

•  Beaumont Hospital
• Cavan General Hospital
• Connolly Hospital
• Louth County Hospital
• Monaghan Hospital
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
• Rotunda Hospital

The Academic Partner for the Group is the RCSI.

RCSI Hospital Group provides a national service and a regional service to Dublin and Dublin North East and is committed to the provision of world class care, exceptional clinical services with respect and compassion.

Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown is a major teaching hospital providing a range of acute medical and surgical services, day care, outpatient, diagnostic and support services.  Emergency services are provided on a 365-day, 24 hour basis.  Multi-disciplinary teams representative of medical, nursing, allied health professionals, management and general support staff play a pivotal role in the development, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of these services.  The hospital has a current bed complement of >300 beds.

The hospital is affiliated to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) for medical education, to Dublin City University (DCU) for nursing education and to University College Dublin (UCD), Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Institute of Technology for allied health professional education.

Connolly Hospital is one of 8 hospitals in the RCSI Hospitals Group covering a population of over 800,000 people.  Connolly Hospital’s Catchment Population of over 331,000 covers Dublin West, North Kildare and South Meath.

• The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.
• Maintain throughout the hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
• Performance management systems are part of role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme. 
• The post holder’s practice is based on the five core concepts of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) role as defined by the NCNM 4^th 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

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & 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, family and/or carer. Indirect care relates to activities that influence and support the provision of direct care.

Direct Care

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Provide a specialist knowledge and expertise in infection prevention and control in collaboration with management, nursing and all healthcare personnel.
• In collaboration with the medical and nursing team undertake patient assessment using best evidence based practice in Infection Prevention and Control.
• Use the outcomes of patient assessment to develop and implement plans of care/case management in conjunction with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate the patient’s response to treatment and amend the plan of care accordingly in conjunction with the MDT and patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
• Make alterations in the management of patient’s condition in collaboration with the MDT and the patient in line with agreed pathways and policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines (PPPG’s).
• Accept appropriate referrals from MDT colleagues.
• Co-ordinate investigations, treatment therapies and patient follow-up.
• Communicate with patients, family and /or carer as appropriate, to assess patient’s needs and provide relevant support, information, education, advice and counselling as required.
• Where appropriate work collaboratively with MDT colleagues across Primary and Secondary Care to provide a seamless service delivery to the patient, family and/or carer as appropriate.
• Maintain effective communication structures and interpersonal relations, which ensure that infection prevention and control information is conveyed quickly and effectively.
• Advise hospital management, bed management, medical and nursing personnel regarding the need for isolation facilities or transfer of patients to isolation rooms.
• Advise on isolation techniques and supporting line managers in supervising the implementation of such techniques in specific situations.
• Audit isolation activity and make recommendations to management of this area.
• Advise Medical/Nursing personnel regarding patient placement to minimise the spread of infection.
• Advise all healthcare personnel on the care of patients with transmissible micro -organisms.
• Investigate outbreaks of Infection in the hospital setting with particular reference to their source and mode of spread. Report outbreaks to relevant department/ Infection Prevention and Control team/outbreak control team.
• Explain laboratory reports relevant to the prevention and control of infection to relevant staff.
• Collaborate with the Microbiology Laboratory staff on “alert” micro-organisms, antimicrobial resistant micro-organisms, investigations of clusters / outbreaks of infection.
• Advise on screening of patients, staff, equipment and the environment.
• Maintain efficient infection control surveillance to facilitate the prompt identification of patients and staff with infection.
• Evaluate on a regular basis prevention and control of Infection measures in specific situations with a view to advising on continuous quality improvement.
• Surveillance / monitoring of standards of hospital hygiene in collaboration with relevant staff and audit feedback.
• Collect relevant clinical and epidemiological data to assist the infection prevention & control team.
• Work autonomously and seek collaborative relationships with others across the region and within professional boundaries; Health Protection Surveillance Centre and Public Health Medicine.
• Provide feedback and support staff in developing and implementation of quality improvement plans.
• Evaluate regularly infection prevention and measures by means of inspection, audit, surveillance and recommend improvement where and when as necessary.
• Perform regular audits of infection prevention & control policies and procedures with the co-operation of departmental managers.
• Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence based, care planning approach.
• Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership in relation to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Participate in the hospital’s accreditation process and as part of teams/meetings/committees (e.g. Risk Management, Nursing practice, Environmental Committee, Decontamination Committee) as appropriate to the service, communicating and working in co-operation with other team members.
• Provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to service users within the guidelines laid down by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann and Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
• Identify health promotion priorities for the patient, family and/or carer and support patient self-care in line with best evidence. This will include the provision of Infection Prevention and Control educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patients needs.

Indirect Care

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Participate in Infection Prevention and Control case review with MDT colleagues.
• Use a case management approach to patients with complex needs related to Infection needs in collaboration with MDT in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate.
• Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence based PPPGs relating to Infection Prevention and Control care ensuring that all infection prevention and control policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines are research/evidence based and that they are updated as required.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the Infection Prevention and Control is in line with best practice guidelines and the Safer Better Healthcare Standards (HIQA, 2017)
• Participate with the full implementation of appropriate customised software to support infection prevention/surveillance.
• Participate in the identification, development and delivery of induction, and ongoing education, training and development programmes on Infection Prevention and Control for all healthcare personnel.
• Liaise with the staff of the microbiology department in organising and conducting microbiological and epidemiological surveys and participating in research relevant to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Advise staff on issues relating to decontamination.
• Provide support and supportive supervision to Clinical Nurse Managers and front-line staff where appropriate.
• Maintain nursing records in accordance with local service and professional standards.

Patient/Client Advocate

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Communicate, negotiate and represent patient’s family and/or carer values and decisions in relation to their condition in collaboration with MDT colleagues in both Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate.
• Develop and support the concept of advocacy, particularly in relation to patient participation in decision making, thereby enabling informed choice of treatment options.
• Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the patient, family and/or carer.
• Establish, maintain and improve procedures for collaboration and cooperation between Acute Services, Primary Care and Voluntary Organisations as appropriate.
• Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients.

Education & Training

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Maintain clinical competence in patient management within Infection Prevention and Control nursing, keeping up-to-date with relevant research to ensure the implementation of evidence based practice.
• Contribute to the design, development and implementation of education programmes and resources for the patient, family and/or carer in relation to Infection Prevention and Control, thus empowering them to self-manage their condition.
• Provide mentorship and preceptorship for nursing/midwifery colleagues as appropriate.
• Participate in training programmes for nursing/midwifery, MDT colleagues and key stakeholders as appropriate.
• Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence based Infection Prevention and Control delivery through journal clubs, conferences etc.
• Develop and maintain links with Regional Centres for Nursing & Midwifery Education (RCNMEs), 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.
• Be responsible for addressing own continuing professional development needs.
• Participate in the identification, development and delivery of induction, and ongoing education, training and development programmes on Infection Prevention and Control for all healthcare personnel.

Audit & Research

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Undertake infection prevention and control audits and complete reports against agreed guidelines.
• Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as directed and advised by the Director of Nursing.
• Identify, initiate and conduct nursing/midwifery and MDT audit and research projects relevant to the area of infection prevention and control.
• Identify, critically analyse, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to Infection Prevention and Control into practice.
• Contribute to nursing/midwifery research on all aspects of Infection Prevention and Control.
• 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.
• Initiate and organise studies of new techniques and trials of products / equipment to evaluate outcomes and recommend change, if necessary.
• Contribute to nursing research on all aspects of Infection Prevention and Control.

Audit expected outcomes including

• Collate data to meet KPIs/clinical targets which will provide evidence of the effectiveness of the Clinical Nurse Specialist interventions undertaken - Refer to the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery final report - Evaluation of Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialist and Advanced Nurse and Midwife Practitioner roles in Ireland (SCAPE Report, 2010) and refer to the National KPIs associated with IPC. They should have a clinical nursing/midwifery focus as well as a breakdown of activity.
• Evaluate audit results and research findings to identify areas for quality improvement in collaboration with nursing/midwifery management and MDT colleagues (Primary and Secondary Care).

Consultant

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Act as specialist advisor to all healthcare staff where relevant, in matters relating to infection prevention and control.
• 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 relating to infection prevention and control and support implementation.
• Use specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/midwifery practice.
• Where appropriate develop and maintain relationships with specialist services in voluntary organisations which support patients in the community.
• Liaise with other health service providers in the development and on-going delivery of the strategy for control of antimicrobial resistance.
• Network with other Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention & Control and in related professional associations.

Health & Safety

• These duties must be performed in accordance with local organisational and the HSE health and safety polices. 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.

Quality, Risk and Safety Responsibilities

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, 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 Health Service Executive (HSE) 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 & Control.
• Specific Responsibility for Best Practice in Hygiene.
• Hygiene is defined as: “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection. It involves the study of preserving one’s health, preventing the spread of disease, and recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards. In the healthcare setting it incorporates the following key areas: environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, management of laundry, waste and sharps, and equipment“(HIQA, 2008; P2) It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure compliance with local organisational hygiene standards, guidelines and practices. 

Management/Administration

The Clinical Nurse Manager II / Clinical Nurse Specialist (Infection Prevention & Control) will:

• Provide an efficient, effective and high quality service, respecting the needs of each patient, family and/or carer.
• Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet changing and developing service needs.
• Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs.
• Implement and manage identified changes.
• Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient records is maintained.
• Represent the specialist service at local, national and international fora as required.
• Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records and data on all matters pertaining to the planning, management, delivery and evaluation of care and ensure that this service is in line with HSE requirements.
• Contribute to the service planning process as appropriate and as directed by the Director of Nursing.
• 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 as appropriate to the role.
• To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

KPIs

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the hospital’s service plan targets.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Building is not permitted.
• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Building is not permitted.
• Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

Risk Management, Infection Prevention & Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

• The management of Risk, Infection Prevention & Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
• The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
• The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:
• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives.
• Document Control Information Management System.
• Risk Management Strategy and Policies.
• Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards.
• Decontamination Code of Practice.
• Infection Prevention & Control Policie.s
• Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure.
• Data Protection and confidentiality Policies.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Hospitals Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
• The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture throughout your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
• It is the post holders’ specific responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.
• The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
• The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
• The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.
• It is the responsibility of the post holder to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management / Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

Professional Qualifications, experience etc.

• Be a registered nurse on the active Register of Nurses and Midwives held by An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be eligible to be so registered

And

• Be registered in General Division of the register of Nurses and Midwives in which the application is being made 

And

• 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 8 or higher award, relevant to the specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control prior to application.

 Or

• Can demonstrate in writing that they have achieved the number of ECTS credits equivalent to a Level 8 or higher standard, relevant to the specialist area of Infection Prevention and Control prior to application

And

• Have a minimum of 5 years post registration full time experience or an aggregate of 5 years full time in the General division of the register in which the application is being mad

 And 

• Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience within an area where Infection Prevention and Control was an integral part of your role

And

• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development

And

• Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional responsibility within his/her scope of practice

Annual registration

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 Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann) for the role

And

Confirm annual registration with NMBI to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

 Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age   Public servants recruited since 1^st January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

 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.

Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Technical & Professional Expertise

Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirements.

Leadership and Management

Manages performance to deliver team goals; demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating RCSI Hospital Group services. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude; influences others to follow a common goal.

Building & Maintaining Relationships

Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people. Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.

Commitment to Quality & Risk Management

The ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Identifies and solves problems by understanding the situation, seeking additional information, developing and weighing alternatives, and choosing the most appropriate course of action given the circumstances.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.

This Job Description is intended as a basic guide to the scope and responsibilities of the position and is subject to regular review and amendment. The role holder will be required to be flexible in this position and is expected to facilitate working additional hours on occasion, when requested.

The RCSI Hospital Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.