Infection Prevention & Control/Tissue Viability Nurse

Job overview

** Pay banding subject to Agenda for Change evaluation **

This post is dual role, working flexibly across infection prevention and control and tissue viability as the service requires.

In collaboration with the other members of the IPC and Tissue Viability Nursing Team, the post holder will provide clinical expertise and demonstrate a sound understanding of infection prevention and control, wound management and tissue viability (TV). This will include the identification, assessment, treatment and management of patients who require specialist input to their care.

**Please note we are unable to support applicants who require OSCE, as the Trust has a separate and limited application process**

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Job seekers should be aware that not all roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.  For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Main duties of the job

The postholder will have a high visible presence in a variety of clinical areas.  They will monitor and improve standards of care through providing specialist advice and guidance, supervision of practice, clinical audit, education and research, supporting professional colleagues through skilled professional leadership. They will assist and support the IPC Clinical Lead Nurse/Lead TVN in the delivery of the IPC and TV strategies and ambitions.

The postholder will be required to work flexibly within the team structure to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided to the Trust and when necessary, will act up or deputise for the senior team members of the IPC/TV Team. They will actively contribute to clinical governance processes and meetings within the service which will be aligned to compliance with the Health and Social Care Act (2008).

As an NMC registered nurse educated to degree level, the post holder will ensure high professional standards of nursing practice and clinical excellence in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct and embody the Trust values and standards, keeping the patient central in all aspects of care.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To deliver excellent, evidenced-based clinical practice, and to provide clinical knowledge, training, advice and support to all healthcare staff, patients, visitors and non-Trust staff working within the Trust regarding all areas of IPC/TV.

To work with other members of the IPC/TV Team to maintain high standards of Infection Prevention and Control and wound management in the Trust. This includes regularly working clinically within the ward and outpatient areas to provide IPC/TV support to staff to promote safe clinical practice.

To develop new initiatives, guidelines, and implement current government policy relating to IPC/TV to ensure a consistent quality improvement cycle is maintained to meet the requirements of clinical guidelines, regulatory requirements, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

To assist in the updating of Trust policies and guidance as required and delegated by the IPC Clinical Lead Nurse/Lead TVN.

To manage and undertake IPC audits throughout the Trust to ensure a safe clean environment, including estate, water, waste management and decontamination. To drive forward the improvements identified by the audit.

To provide advice for any infection control in the built environment and liaise with the Microbiologist to ensure relevant legislation and best practice is recommended and adhered to.

Monitor, investigate and follow up on IPC/TV events reported via the Datix system, including serious events.

Perform a variety of clinical duties including ward and classroom-based training, positive role modelling and lead and participate in IPC/TV quality improvement projects.

Assist the IPC Clinical Lead Nurse in the management of outbreaks of infection and ensure implementation of necessary control measures to minimise risk and prevent transmission

Lead on and contribute to individual case reviews concerning IPC or TV in line with PSIRF. Analyse findings from these investigations, make and lead on implementing recommendations.

Develop and deliver a planned programme of surveillance and audit compliance with guidelines and standards, promote surveillance within the Trust, plan and oversee the collection and submission of data within specified timeframes.

To undertake project and research work, enhancing the provision of IPC/TV and surveillance through data analysis, pattern recognition and produce detailed reports as required for assurance purposes.

To assist with the interpretation of microbiology results and ensure liaison between the appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team to optimise patient outcomes including using clinical judgement and expert knowledge to assess patient’s surgical wound sites for infection.

To attend, and lead on IPC/TVN link meetings and disseminate relevant information.

To work collaboratively with Occupational Health on the management of issues relating to Infection Control.

To manage the development and implementation of IPC and TV competency assessments for staff.

To manage spreadsheets, data and reports on all IPC/TV related issues, maintaining accurate, timely and legible records/documentation in accordance with the Trust and NMC guidelines and requirements (both paper format and digital).

Plan, organise and lead educational initiatives and events to raise awareness of IPC/TV issues.

Contribute to and deliver Trust-wide education sessions e.g. Trust Induction and study days and deliver focussed and bespoke specialised teaching programmes.

Maintain a high standard of professional behaviour, and role model the Trusts Values and Standards and act professionally at all times in line with the NMC Code.

Promote and foster positive relationships on behalf of the IPC/TV Team with all grades of staff within the Trust, maintaining professional boundaries and standards at all times.

Actively and effectively communicate specific information relating to the IPC/TV with colleagues within the Team and Trust departments and Units.