Job DescriptionCharter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.We are currently recruiting for a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) to join our team.Role SummaryThe Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) plays a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive IPC service within Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH).As part of the IPC Team, the post holder will provide specialist clinical expertise, leadership, education, and consultancy in IPC, supporting all healthcare staff to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). The role contributes to patient safety, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of evidence-based practice in line with national standards.The post is aligned with the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse/Midwife Specialist Posts (NCNM, 4th Edition, 2008) and encompasses the five core concepts of:Clinical FocusPatient/Client AdvocacyEducation & TrainingAudit & ResearchConsultancyWorking closely with the Director of IPC, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), Medical and Nursing Staff, Occupational Health, Health & Safety, Facilities, and other key internal and external stakeholders. Key working relationships will evolve as services expand.1. Clinical Focus – Direct Care· Act as an expert clinical resource for IPC-related issues across the hospital· Provide professional leadership and act as a role model for best practice in IPC· Advise on the care and management of patients with communicable diseases· Support and supervise the implementation of isolation and transmission-based precautions· Advise on patient transfers to isolation facilities in consultation with medical and nursing teams· Support staff in the implementation of IPC Policies, Procedures, Protocols, Guidelines and SOPs (PPPGs)· Establish effective communication and referral pathways for IPC concerns2. Clinical Focus – Indirect CareLead and support the development, implementation, and monitoring of IPC PPPGs in line with:· HIQA National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare· HIQA National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections· Identify areas of IPC risk and implement appropriate mitigation strategies· Participate in and maintain IPC surveillance programmes, including data collection and analysis· Assist with timely investigation of potential or confirmed outbreaks and IPC breaches· Provide IPC guidance related to building projects and renovations· Collaborate with MDT members to monitor hospital hygiene standards· Liaise with Occupational Health and Health & Safety on IPC-related staff issues· Contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of the IPC service3. Patient / Client Advocacy· Advocate for patients, families, and staff in relation to IPC practices· Work collaboratively with clinical teams to ensure a safe, high-quality IPC service is maintained4. Education & Training· Develop and deliver IPC education and training programmes for all grades of staff· Provide formal and informal IPC education in clinical and classroom settings· Develop IPC educational resources, including information leaflets and guidance materials· Participate in hospital-wide initiatives such as IPC Awareness Week· Support staff competence through targeted education based on audit and surveillance findings· Utilise IT systems to support education, data management, and reporting5. Audit & Research· Participate in the implementation and monitoring of national IPC standards· Develop, implement, and maintain IPC audit tools and programmes· Analyse audit and surveillance data and provide timely feedback to relevant stakeholders· Participate in outbreak investigation, clinical studies, and approved research initiatives· Maintain awareness of current IPC research and disseminate findings to staff· Support the evaluation and introduction of evidence-based clinical products· Maintain service activity data and provide annual reports to line management· Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the IPC CNS role6. Surveillance· Maintain effective IPC surveillance systems for early identification of infection risks· Conduct regular audits and inspections of IPC practices and hospital hygiene· Collect, analyse, and report IPC-related data in a timely manner· Interpret laboratory reports relevant to infection prevention and control· Provide targeted education and improvement recommendations based on surveillance findings7. Consultancy & Professional Leadership· Act as a specialist IPC consultant to clinical and non-clinical staff· Participate in IPC-related committees and meetings at hospital and national level· Represent CMPH and IPC services at external meetings and conferences (e.g. IPC Ireland)· Develop professional links with IPC teams in other hospitals and community settings· Act as an ambassador for IPC excellence and CMPH8. Governance, Quality & Professional Practice· Comply with CMPH policies, procedures, and governance frameworks· Participate in quality, patient safety, and accreditation initiatives· Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards at all times· Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective time management· Seek guidance and escalate concerns appropriately· Contribute to continuous service improvement initiatives9. Professional Development· Maintain registration and practice in accordance with the NMBI Code of Professional Conduct· Demonstrate ongoing commitment to continuing professional development (CPD)· Promote and support evidence-based practice· Maintain and expand knowledge of local, national, and international IPC standardsEssential CriteriaQualifications & Experience· Registered on the General Division of the Register of Nurses and Midwives maintained by the NMBI· Minimum 5 years post-registration clinical experience· Post-registration Level 9 (NQAI Major Award) qualification in Infection Prevention & Control OR willingness to enter a contractual agreement to obtain same within 3 years· Demonstrated clinical, managerial, and administrative competence to fulfil the role· Evidence of ongoing continuing professional developmentSkills/ CompetenciesClinical Expertise & Professional PracticeDemonstrates advanced specialist knowledge and clinical judgement in Infection Prevention & Control.Applies evidence-based practice consistently to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.Provides expert advice and leadership in the management of communicable diseases and IPC risks.Practices in accordance with NMBI Scope of Practice, professional codes, and national standards.Patient Safety & Quality ImprovementPromotes a culture of patient safety, quality, and continuous improvement.Actively contributes to surveillance, audit, and risk management processes.Identifies IPC risks proactively and implements effective preventative strategies.Supports hospital accreditation, governance, and regulatory compliance requirements.Communication & Interpersonal SkillsCommunicates clearly, confidently, and professionally with patients, families, and staff.Builds effective therapeutic and professional relationships across multidisciplinary teams.Provides clear, timely advice and education tailored to diverse audiences.Demonstrates sensitivity, tact, and professionalism in challenging situations.Leadership, Consultancy & InfluenceActs as a role model and clinical leader in IPC best practice.Influences practice through consultancy, education, and professional leadership rather than authority alone.Supports staff engagement, compliance, and ownership of IPC standards.Represents IPC and CMPH positively at internal and external forums.Education, Training & Knowledge SharingDesigns, delivers, and evaluates IPC education and training programmes.Facilitates learning through formal teaching, bedside education, and audit feedback.Promotes evidence-based practice and continuous learning within clinical teams.Utilises IT systems and data to support education, reporting, and service development.Organisation, Planning & Time ManagementManages workload effectively, balancing clinical, audit, surveillance, and educational responsibilities.Prioritises tasks appropriately in response to service demands and emerging IPC risks.Maintains accurate, timely documentation and reporting systems.Professionalism, Accountability & EthicsDemonstrates integrity, accountability, and respect in all professional interactions.Maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to data protection requirements.Accepts responsibility for own professional development and practice.Acts in the best interests of patients, staff, and the organisation at all times.What We OfferCompetitive salarySign-on bonusFull time hours, permanent contractContinuous professional development and training opportunitiesSupportive, collaborative working environmentEmployee Assistance ProgrammeOpportunities for career progressionFree on-site parkingAt Charter Medical Private Hospital, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunity in hiring and advancement. Apply for the above role by sending your CV to including the job title in the subject.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentWork Location: In person