CNS - Infection Control

Purpose of the Role

The purpose of this role is to deliver specialist nursing care in line with the five core concepts set out in the Framework for the Establishment of Clinical Nurse Specialist posts (4th edition), National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM), 2008. The successful candidate will work as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a quality patient centred and seamless service.

The role in association with the Infection Prevention and Control Services Team will encompass the development of the Infection Prevention and Control Services programme and responsibility for the implementation and evaluation of the programme. As a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Services Team, the post holder will play a key part in minimising health care associated infections through monitoring/auditing of compliance with Infection Control practices and development of policies and procedures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will ensure the provision of a high quality service to reduce/minimise healthcare associated infections for patients and visitors to the Hospital. As education is pivotal to this role he/she will be expected to be active in patient and staff teaching and keeping abreast of national and international guidelines.

The post holder s practice is based on the five core concepts of the CNS role as defined by the NCNM 4th edition (2008) in order to fulfil the role. The concepts are:

• Clinical Focus
  
• Patient/Client Advocate
  
• Education and Training
  
• Audit and Research
  
• Consultant
  

ESSENTIAL

Registered General Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), or eligible to register with NMBI

Formal recognised post-registration education relevant to the area of specialist practice at level 8 (Higher Diploma) according to the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), National Framework.

Candidates without the relevant post-graduate level 8 specialist course will be appointed as Clinical Nurse Manager II initially, but must agree to complete within an agreed timeframe.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

5 years post-registration experience in the acute hospital setting within the last 7 years.

A minimum of 2 years experience in the specialist area Infection Control.