Overall Purpose of Job
The Infection Prevention Control Clinical Nurse Manager will provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all that is delivered within the hospital. The post holder works as part of the multidisciplinary team, establishing and maintaining strong working relationships to ensure a high standard of care.
The post holder is required to develop additional clinical skills relevant to the specialty. They will coordinate the organisation-wide infection prevention and control programme, ensuring effective measures are developed, implemented, and maintained to identify, prevent, and control infections acquired within the hospital or introduced from the community. This includes developing and implementing programmes to identify, track, and analyse trends that may pose risks to patients, visitors, and staff.
The post holder is responsible for providing leadership and direction to all staff in relation to infection prevention and control initiatives and is expected to participate in relevant education and research activities.
They will work collaboratively with specialist and professional teams across the hospital in relation to infection prevention and control.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
Clinical
- Provide consultancy services to all departments regarding infection prevention and control issues, supporting the identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate measures.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with departments and medical staff to identify and resolve infection prevention concerns.
- Develop and maintain ongoing healthcare surveillance systems, identifying risks and trends, and working with departmental leadership to address issues. Conduct epidemiological investigations and participate in environmental surveillance rounds as required.
- Investigate and review incidents or accidents involving patients, staff, or equipment where appropriate.
- Review new equipment for compliance with decontamination requirements.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the infection prevention and control programme, including preparing annual assessments and improvement plans where required.
- Maintain accurate and appropriate patient care records.
- Prepare quarterly reports for the infection prevention and control committee, including data analysis, findings, and improvement actions.
- Develop, maintain, and update organisation-wide policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control, and review department-specific policies for consistency and compliance.
- Foster a supportive environment within the Infection Prevention and Control Department through regular collaboration with the Head of Infection Prevention and Control.
- Monitor infection prevention practices through audits, including environmental audits.
- Promote a safe clinical environment in line with health and safety and risk management standards.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current regulatory, scientific, and clinical guidance, including international best practices (e.g., CDC guidance).
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including Joint Commission International (JCI) and Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
- Deliver training and presentations on infection prevention and employee health during orientation and within departments.
- Develop and deliver educational programmes to raise awareness of infection risks across clinical areas.
- Review and continuously improve infection prevention systems and practices.
- Promote a culture that supports effective infection prevention and control practices across the organisation.
- Support and encourage staff education and professional development in infection prevention and control.
- Provide guidance on infection prevention requirements in newly built or refurbished departments in collaboration with the Head of Infection Prevention and Control.
- Represent the Infection Prevention and Control team at relevant meetings as required.
- Act as a role model and leader in infection prevention and control practices.
- In the absence of the Head of Infection Prevention and Control, assume responsibility for service coordination and liaise with laboratory services, wards, consultant microbiologists, and senior management as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Registered General Nurse with An Bord Altranais (in good standing).
- Level 8 post-registration qualification (or equivalent) relevant to Infection Prevention and Control or a related clinical field.
OR
- Commitment to complete a Level 8 post-registration qualification in Infection Prevention and Control within two years of appointment.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years post-registration experience.
- At least 2 years’ experience in infection prevention and control is desirable.
Job-Specific Competencies and Knowledge
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Effective communication skills.
- Strong organisational and workload management abilities.
- Commitment to high-quality service delivery.
- Proficient computer skills.
