Infection Control Nurse

Role & responsibilities

• Provide specialist information to all staff on the clinical management of infectious patients recommending treatment, where necessary, for specific infections.
• Using clinical judgement and knowledge interpret microbiological and epidemiological data to assess, plan and implement care for infectious patients.
• Provide specialist information and supervision, through ward visits, on infection prevention and control to patients, visitors and staff and ensure swift dissemination of information.
• Deal with occasional exposure to hazardous/biological substances or give advice on handling hazardous substances such as clinical waste, spillages and contaminated linen.
• Support in the investigation and management of outbreaks of infection in hospital as required and analyse deficiencies that have contributed to outbreaks and act on this information.
• Work with nurse in-charges & nurse managers to improve standards of cleanliness within the hospital environment.
• Contribute in the development of care pathways
• Contribute to effective and timely specialist Infection Prevention & Control advice in all stages of planning relating to building work, upgrades to equipment,etc.
• In collaboration with senior ICN and HIC team, update policies, procedures and standards for the hospital to prevent and control infection
• Contribute to the formulation of an organization wide Infection Prevention & Control programme.
• Attend the Hospital Infection Control committee, meetings, and support and contribute to quarterly reports on incidents within the hospital.
• Take appropriate measures, to ensure the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff from blood, body fluids and micro-organisms.
• Participate actively in antimicrobial stewardship
• Support the senior ICN in implementing and influencing changes to clinical practice within Infection Prevention & Control supporting staff groups where necessary.
• Provide timely feedback, both written and verbal, to relevant clinicians, managers and committees on Infection Prevention & Control issues.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with other Infection Control personnel
• Ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times in conjunction with the Hospital Confidentiality Policy
• Apart from the above duties and responsibilities, carry out any other duties assigned by the CNO and Clinical Microbiology.