Infection Prevention and Control Nurse inNuneaton inNuneaton PUBLISHED 14 MAY 2024

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust opened in 1948 and provides a range of elective, non-elective, surgical, medical, women's, children's, diagnostic and therapeutic services to a population of more than 350,000 people.

The hub of the Trust is located on the outskirts of Nuneaton and its services cover a large footprint, including north Warwickshire, south west Leicestershire, and north Coventry. We also provide primary and community services across Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Our vision is "to EXCEL at patient care". If you think you've got what it takes, help us realise this and join
#TeamEliot.


Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour aren't as likely to apply unless they meet every qualification of non specialist roles.

We're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role and meet our values, but your experience doesn't align perfectly with everything in the Job Description or Person Specification- apply anyway or email the Recruiting Manager to discuss the role further

We are proud to support the Armed Forces community. We are a Veteran Aware and Reservist Friendly organisation and welcome applications from Veterans, Reservists, Cadet Instructors, and family members of serving personnel.


Job overview


Job Title -Infection Prevention and Control Nurse

Hours per week-37.50

Perm/Fixed Term-Permanent

Salary-£35,392 - £42,618 per annum

Closing Date-27.05.2024

Interview Date-05.06.2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) team at George Eliot Hospital. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our team as an Infection Prevention & Control specialist working at band 6 to join our hard working, friendly & supportive team.

The role will require you to work across the trust and also provide IPC specialist support within our Community Sexual Health and Dental Clinics.

The post holder will be responsible for providing specialist IPC advice and support staff and teams working in both the acute and community settings to ensure good adherence to good practice in IPC.

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications so you are advised to apply promptly.

All correspondence for this vacancy will be sent by email; please check your account regularly including your Junk and SPAM areas.

A great and friendly place to work, so bring your passion, commitment and expertise and enjoy the opportunities to make a difference every day.


Careers at George Eliot - 'Where you make a difference'



Main duties of the job


Be a key member of the Infection Prevention & Control Team providing a proactive, Infection Prevention & Control Service (IPC) for the Trust.

Provide support and specialist advice to all staff, patients, and members of the public regarding the prevention and control of infection.

To promote the reduction in incidence of infection across the Trust. Through the provision of expert advice, risk assessment, surveillance, audit, education and the development of specialised protocols, policies and guidance.

To support the senior IPC nurses in ensuring the Trust is compliant with all local and national legislation including the Health & Social Care Act (20.


Working for our organisation


Here at George Eliot our vision to '
excel at patient care'
takes centre stage. An ever evolving clinically-led acute service provider we are on a journey to continually provide high quality, safe and responsive services delivered by inspiring, friendly and compassionate staff who share our corporate values which underpin everything we do. Our values are not just words on a piece of paper, they bond us together, reflect our ambition and shape who we are:


E
ffective Open Communication

e
x
cellence and safety in everything we do


C
hallenge but support


E
xpect respect and dignity


L
ocal health that inspires confidence


Benefits:
On-site nursery, 27 days minimum annual leave plus bank holidays, cycle to work scheme, flexible working, extensive in-house course learning directory, buying and selling of annual leave, subsidised restaurant, tranquillity garden and generous subsidised on-site parking.


Detailed job description and main responsibilities



Clinical


1. Provide specialist advice in the area of infection prevention & control to all health care staff through provision of evidence based advice, guidance and policies to improve the quality of care within the GEH NHS Trust.

2. Provide information/advice regarding infection prevention & control to patients and their visitors/relatives and contribute to the development of patient information resources.

3. To maintain a presence in the clinical areas working with the clinical teams to help prevent infections.

4. To work with external organisations e.g. CCG and Public Health England to share relevant information, and implement agreed standards and protocols.

5. Maintain systems for accurate record keeping and report writing, including the National data bases, maintaining confidentiality.

6. Investigate outbreaks and incidents of infection with other members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team to determine cause, associated risk factors and required intervention.

7. Keep senior management informed about significant infection control risks and situations in their clinical areas.

8. Contribute to the production, updates, implementation and monitoring of infection prevention & control policies and guidelines in collaboration with other experts and specialists, promoting and facilitating evidence based infection prevention & control practice.

9. Contribute to the weekend Infection Prevention & Control cover offering support and guidance to the Trust staff regarding infections and outbreaks.

10. Be a strong patient advocate ensuring that patient care reflects the high clinical standards of the Trust and that patients are treated with dignity and respect. Communicating sensitive and complex information, recognising barriers to understanding taking into account the possibility of hostility.

11. Advise and support staff regarding cleaning and decontamination, ensuring the appropriate policies are adhered to.

12. Participate and support the Infection Prevention & Control Health Care Support Worker with investigation of health care associated infection (HCAI) surveillance, including surgical site surveillance.

13. Assessing and interpreting HCAI's when notified by the laboratory and liaising with the wards regarding patients care and treatment.


Educational


1. Devise, implement and evaluate education and training for all staff within the Trust, in conjunction with the senior nurses in the Infection Prevention & Control Team and other educational providers.

2. Take responsibility for own evidence based practice and add to own body of knowledge by keeping up to date with current infection prevention & control developments.

3. Participate in reflective practice and share learning to improve clinical care.

4. Attend and represent the Trust at external study days and conferences.

5. Contribute to internal study days and support the link practitioner role.

6. Devise patient information leaflets and ensure patients understand their infections and treatment.

7. An integral part of the annual flu vaccination programme within the Trust, carrying out vaccination sessions.

8. Training staff to carry out Aseptic Non-touch technique (ANTT) when inserting cannulas, taking blood cultures and other aseptic procedures.

9. Work with students ensuring they follow standard infection prevention precautions, support clinical supervision with all staff.


Audit and Surveillance


1. Organise and undertake audits of wards and departments to ensure that infection prevention & control procedures are being carried out in accordance with policies and guidelines. Provide feedback and support the development of action plans and risk assessments.

2. Contribute to and participate in the infection prevention & control surveillance programmes in line with national guidelines and local requirements. Ensure appropriate evaluation and feedback takes place and support the development of action plans.

3. Use surveillance data to identify infection trends and identify appropriate interventions with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.


Research and development


1. Engage and lead research and development opportunities to advance patient care and service development.

2. Critically appraise research and use this to inform clinical practice.

3. Look to contribute to the body of evidence nationally by writing papers, producing poster presentations and speaking at national / regional conferences to share knowledge and learning.


Leadership & Management


1. Represent the Infection Prevention & Control Team at appropriate meetings.

2. Contribute to relevant reports including the Annual Infection Prevention & Control Report.

3. Contribute to the annual Infection Prevention & Control programme.

4. Build collaborative relationships with teams and colleagues across the Trust and external partners. Supporting outside contracts such as the community dental service and sexual health service across Warwickshire.

5. Act as a source of expert advice at the planning stage of new capital projects and the modification and upgrading of existing hospital premises.

6. Participate in the review and evaluation of the Infection Prevention & Control Service.

7. Contribute to the development of the Infection Prevention & Control Service.

8. Coach and support other health care workers within the Trust and wider community.

9. Act in a professional, supportive and sensitive manner when communicating with staff, patients or relatives by phone.


Personal Development


1. Identify personal development needs with the line manager.

2. Develop and maintain knowledge in the speciality of infection prevention & control through reflection on practice, attending professional meetings, relevant courses and conferences as well as self-directed study. .

.3 Maintain a current professional portfolio and ensure compliance with relevant registration requirements, NMC/ HPAP.

4. Enhance own knowledge and qualifications by attending a degree level infection prevention and control management course.


Relationships


Members of the Infection Prevention & Control Team including the Microbiologists and Antimicrobial Pharmacists.
• Clinical Managers, Matrons, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Ward Managers,
• Directorate Leads
• Pharmacists
• Facilities and Estates
• Hotel Services
• Bed Management
• CCG Infection Prevention & Control Nurse
• Community Dental Team
• Community Sexual Health Team


Special requirements


Take individual responsibility to ensure working practice is safe:

Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team

May be required to work in a community setting, carrying out audits and education involving driving to locations

Role entails walking around the Trust daily visiting wards, standing to present education/training sessions

Sitting for long periods in front of a computer


Person specification



Experience and Knowledge



Essential criteria

• Demonstrable post registration experience in an acute healthcare setting at band 5
• Evidence of multi-disciplinary working

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an infection prevention and control environment or as a link Practitioner, in Infection Prevention & Control, demonstrate using IPC in working practice
• Experience of Research & Audit

Qualification and Professional Training



Essential criteria

• Professional Qualification NMC / HCPC
• Other specific attainments (Evidence of CPD))
• Commitment to undertake appropriate specialist training

Desirable criteria

• Teaching qualification, or evidence of teaching and mentoring.

Skills and Abilities



Essential criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong presentation skills and ability to convey complex information clearly
• Build and maintain effective communication between all members of the multidisciplinary team
• Ability to deal with complex or stressful situations involving staff, patients and relatives
• Competent user of computer software including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook & Power Point

Desirable criteria

• Accuracy and attention to detail in relation to computer data entry and recording of information and policy formation

Personal Qualities



Essential criteria

• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively when under pressure
• Ability to organise time to meet competing priorities
• Understand the limitations of your knowledge and ability
• An enquiring and open minded approach
• Demonstrates resilience
• Act as a resource for IPC across the local health economy
• Adaptable
• Ability to critically assess research and other sources of new knowledge Able to assess, plan and implement care pathways within National guidelines
• Approachable & Enthusiastic

Desirable criteria

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication
• Ability to build constructive working relationships with all staff groups

Other



Essential criteria

• Ability to travel to all Trust departments and sites including at short notice.
• Car Driver
• Willingness to participate in the On-call rota

Please note:


George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust utilises a third party recruitment system (TRAC). When applying via NHS Jobs, your submitted application will be imported into TRAC where all subsequent information regarding your application will be generated. You will not be able to track the progress of your application or receive messages via the NHS Jobs website. Furthermore, as an employer, we will not be able to respond to any emails/messages sent to us via the NHS Jobs website.

By applying for this post you are consenting to George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system, TRAC.

The Job application data you provide will be used to assess your application for employment at GEH, to verify your information and conduct reference checks, and to communicate with you. If you accept employment with GEH, the information collected will become part of your employment record and will be used for employment purposes.

All information provided will be used for recruitment purposes only and processed in a lawful, fair and transparent manner.


Other:


The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of individuals and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safe recruitment practice, if appropriate for the role, it is a mandatory requirement for all newly appointed staff to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service application.

In response to NICE guidance and to support the reduction of health harm from tobacco, the Trust has a smoke-free site policy which applies to anyone on Trust sites. Staff who smoke will be supported to quit or not smoke whilst on Trust sites.

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and inclusive working environment for all our employees as they are at the heart of our patients journey. Our aim is to ensure that employees are equally valued, respected, empowered and included within an organisation that is representative of all members of the community. We define diversity as valuing everyone as an individual - taking pride in that we value employees, job applicants, students, volunteers, patients and visitors as people. This is reflected within our excel behaviours with a vision to create a workplace that represents a culture of kindness, joy and inclusion.


Employer certification / accreditation badges



Applicant requirements


You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.


Documents to download

• Job Description Band 6 IPC Nurse (PDF, 480.3KB)
• Person Specification Band 6 IPC Nurse (PDF, 328.6KB)
• Functional Requirements (PDF, 512.6KB)