Surveillance Nurse Manager III – Infection Prevention & Control
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of Role
To lead and coordinate surveillance activities for surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and any other healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and reporting to support infection prevention strategies and improve patient safety.
Act as deputy for the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) during her absence and maintain documentation and reporting in line with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Surveillance & Data Management
Conduct active surveillance of SSIs, BSIs, and other HCAIs using national and local protocols
Develop local protocols as required to ensure all information is reflective of best practice
Collect, validate, and analyse infection data from clinical areas, laboratory systems, and patient records
Maintain accurate databases and contribute to clinical governance meetings
Identify trends, clusters, and outbreaks, and articulate findings to the IPC team
Ensure all data/information is stored in accordance with GDPR guidelines
Clinical Collaboration
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with clinical, administrative, and external stakeholders to ensure engagement and collaboration
Liaise with surgical and medical teams, microbiology, and ward staff to ensure accurate case identification and follow-up
Act as a liaison between IPC and clinical departments to support infection control initiatives
Facilitate communication and feedback loops to promote shared ownership of infection prevention goals
Participate in multidisciplinary reviews of infection cases and contribute to root cause analyses
Support implementation of targeted interventions based on surveillance findings
Education & Training
Provide training to clinical staff on surveillance definitions, documentation, and infection prevention practices
Promote awareness of HCAI risks and surveillance outcomes through presentations and reports
Audit & Quality Improvement
Contribute to IPC audits, including hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and antimicrobial stewardship
Support quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing HCAI rates
Assist in policy development and review of IPC guidelines
Reporting & Communication
Prepare regular surveillance reports for hospital committees, senior management, and external agencies
Communicate findings clearly and professionally to clinical and non-clinical stakeholders
Participate in or support research activities related to infection prevention, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship
Critically appraise and apply current evidence to improve surveillance methodologies and IPC interventions
Contribute to publications, presentations, or quality improvement projects where appropriate
Deputy for the ACNO IPC During Absence
Ensure continuity of IPC leadership and support across all sites
Provide guidance and oversight to site IPC teams to ensure adherence to national and international standards, including HIQA and JCI
Monitor compliance with IPC protocols and escalating risks or non-conformances as appropriate
Support the implementation and evaluation of IPC programmes, audits, and improvement initiatives
Facilitate communication between site teams and senior management to maintain alignment with strategic IPC objectives
Contribute to incident management and outbreak response, ensuring timely and effective interventions
Maintain documentation and reporting in line with regulatory and accreditation requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Registered General Nurse with NMBI
Minimum 5 years post-registration experience, with at least 3 years in infection prevention
Master's degree in Infection Prevention & Control
Experience with surveillance systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel)
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
Proficient in clinical documentation and data management
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Commitment to continuous professional development
Equal Opportunity Statement
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation
Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance-related pay, and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
Competitive pension plan.
Company-funded death in service benefit x 3 times.
Critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition
Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance
Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities
Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
#J-*****-Ljbffr