Clinical Nurse Facilitator – IPC, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic
Location: Sports Surgery Clinic
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role
UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic is recruiting a Clinical Nurse Facilitator for Infection Prevention & Control. The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, establishing and maintaining good working relationships aimed at delivering the highest standards of care.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Act as an accountable role model through the provision of professional leadership and demonstration of best practice in the area of infection prevention control.
Act as a resource in providing specialist knowledge, consultancy and expertise in collaboration with nursing and all healthcare personnel.
Support peers, colleagues and the public in learning and implementing measures to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistant organisms and infectious diseases.
Establish an IPC strategy and programme of work in conjunction with the IPC lead for UPMC SSC.
Take a proactive role in the formulation and provision of evidence‑based PPPGs.
Identify, initiate, conduct, evaluate and ensure the completion of audits pertaining to IPC in all services, including the provision of reports to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC).
Maintain a record of clinically relevant data aligned to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as directed and advised.
Identify, critically analyze, disseminate and integrate best evidence relating to IPC care into practice.
Monitor clinical practice in relation to prevention and control of infection.
Maintain effective communication structures and interpersonal relations, ensuring that infection prevention and control information is conveyed quickly and effectively.
Contribute to and share learning through IPC Networks and advise UPMC SSC management, medical and nursing personnel regarding the need for isolation facilities or transfer of patients to infectious disease/isolation rooms.
Educate nursing and other healthcare personnel on the requirements of isolation practices using transmission‑based precautions.
Provide mentorship for nurse colleagues as required.
Educate and support ward/departmental managers and staff in the implementation of infection control policies, guidelines and procedures.
Create exchange of learning opportunities within the MDT in relation to evidence‑based IPC care delivery through journal clubs, conferences, newsletters, etc.
Co‑ordinate and assist with the investigation of outbreaks of hospital infection with particular reference to their course and mode of spread.
Carry out audits, complete reports and provide feedback to the Consultant Microbiologists and relevant personnel.
Provide education and advice to patients, relatives and carers on specific microorganisms.
Act as an advocate for the patients and/or staff on issues in the prevention and control of infection.
Monitor standards of clinic hygiene in collaboration with the Director of Nursing and Cleaning Services.
Develop, update and provide education on all policies and guidelines in relation to Infection Prevention and Control / Decontamination.
Work closely with Occupational Health and will be required to support days of immunisation.
Actively contribute, participate and ensure compliance with the key areas identified in the following:
Infection prevention and control / Decontamination
National Quality/Hygiene Schemes
All audits deemed necessary by the UPMC SSC IPCC and Management Team
Patient Advocate:
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.
Proactively challenge any interaction which fails to deliver a quality service to patients.
Maintain appropriate and accurate written records regarding patient care where required.
Surveillance:
Maintain efficient IPC surveillance to facilitate the prompt identification of patients and staff with infection.
Participate with the development of information technology surveillance.
Evaluate regular control of infection measures by means of inspection, audit, surveillance and recommend improvements where and when necessary.
Explain and interpret laboratory reports relevant to prevention and control of infection to healthcare personnel.
Perform regular audits of IPC policies and procedures with the co‑operation of departmental managers. An audit schedule should be agreed by the IPCC.
Collate, record and analyse relevant data and information for infection prevention and audits.
Provide feedback by giving verbal and written reports to the Director of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing and departmental managers.
Surveillance/monitoring of standards of clinic hygiene in collaboration with relevant staff and audit feedback.
Management / Leadership:
Co‑ordinate the IPCC with the IPC lead and Consultant Microbiologist.
Participate in and contribute to other relevant committees within UPMC SSC such as:
Wound Care Committee
Decontamination Committee
Act as a specialist resource in providing infection prevention and control knowledge and expertise to nursing and all healthcare personnel.
Optimize patient care by working closely with nursing staff.
Be a visible member of the team on the wards and in theatres.
Ensure that all IPC policies, guidelines and procedures are research/evidence based and that they are updated as required alongside the IPC lead.
Make recommendations for change and improvements in infection prevention and control practice.
Plan, negotiate with and support staff to implement necessary changes.
Advise the Director of Nursing and the multi‑disciplinary team on recent advances in IPC where appropriate.
Advise and participate in the commissioning, tendering and purchasing of patient care and medical equipment as pertaining to infection prevention and control.
Provide IPC advice in conjunction with the IPC lead to committees established to oversee capital projects, renovations and refurbishments within the clinic.
Participate in the formulation of policies, guidelines, standards and procedures of IPC, with the Microbiologists, IPC lead and other relevant staff, including defining areas of special risk.
Advise committees on procedures, practices, techniques and materials to control and prevent infection.
Participate in the development of the IPC service / programme and Network.
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.
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 educational and health promotion material which is comprehensive, easy to understand and meets patients’ needs.
Education:
Participate in pre‑registration and continuing education programmes for all healthcare personnel in both formal and information settings.
Engage in continuing professional development by keeping up to date with nursing literature, recent nursing research and new developments in nursing education and practice and to attend staff study days as considered appropriate.
Educate, participate in and evaluate programmes of education to meet the infection prevention and control requirements of all healthcare personnel.
Demonstrate vision, innovation, and flexibility in promoting knowledge to improve practice.
Participate in relevant in‑service education induction courses and study days for all healthcare personnel – such as:
UPMC SSC induction programmes for all staff (as required)
Education sessions with medical/nursing students (as required)
Hand Hygiene education days for all staff
Waste information days
Personal and Professional Development:
Attend professional meetings and conferences relating to IPC.
Be responsible for one’s own personal and professional development within the scope of professional practice.
Maintain an awareness of current developments and research in infection prevention/ control and nursing practice by reading relevant literature and attending seminars and conferences on an annual basis.
Information Technology:
Ensure the most effective use of information technology for both patient care and administrative purposes.
Qualifications & Experience
Registered Nurse and eligible to register with the NMBI on the General Division of the live register.
Higher Diploma in Infection Prevention and Control is desirable but not essential. Willingness to undertake this course is required.
Evidence of continuing professional development must be demonstrated.
Proficient knowledge of IT databases such as Excel.
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise and manage multiple issues simultaneously, and demonstrate attention to detail.
Specialist knowledge, including professional and clinical leadership to the Nursing Team.
Co‑ordinate and facilitate comprehensive infection prevention and control policies and procedures with the IPC lead and Consultant Microbiologist in UPMC SSC.
Define and enforce all national standards for the prevention and control of healthcare‑associated infections (HIQA & JCI standards).
Salary: €58,342 - €68,707 based on a 37.5 hour working week.
Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Benefits – Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive Pension Plan, company funded.
Performance and Recognition – Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work‑Life Balance – 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.
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