NursingNetUK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1.          Communication and relationship skills

In this role, you will possess a skill set tailored to effective communication, relationship establishment, and maintenance, along with the ability to secure cooperation from others. This skill set encompasses the aptitude for motivating, negotiating, and persuading individuals, considering the complexities inherent in exercising these skills. Your proficiency extends to providing and receiving information, navigating its intricacies, and adapting delivery methods, whether oral or written, based on the audience. You will adeptly communicate with various stakeholders, including colleagues, staff, patients, clients, carers, and external contacts such as local NHS Trusts and ICB (integrated care board) stakeholders.

2.          Knowledge, training and experience

The ideal candidate for this position will possess clinical experience, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of healthcare practices. They will be up-to-date with all relevant Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) statutory and mandatory training, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining current knowledge and skills in this critical area. Additionally, the candidate should hold registration with a relevant professional body such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Dental Council (GDC), or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), reflecting their status as a qualified healthcare professional.

The ideal candidate will also be experienced in use and application of web-based data collection and survey systems, and proficient in use of software programmes such as excel, powerpoint, word etc.

Furthermore, it is desirable for the candidate to hold a formal qualification in infection control or be willing to pursue such qualifications, such as completing Level 6 modules or obtaining a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field. Moreover, relevant experience in infection control, particularly in a link practitioner role, is advantageous.

3.          Analytical and judgement skills

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a diverse skill set essential for effectively managing tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic healthcare environment. They will demonstrate the ability to remain composed under pressure while efficiently prioritizing their workload, ensuring that critical tasks are addressed promptly.

The candidate will excel in initiating time-sensitive first drafts of quarterly and annual reports, as well as crafting responses to various forms of communication with agility and precision. Moreover, they will autonomously handle routine business matters, adeptly managing incoming communications and enquiries, while promptly escalating issues of concern or priority for timely resolution. Proficiency in dealing with telephone enquiries with professionalism and discretion, recording and prioritizing messages, and taking decisive action will be paramount.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will exhibit keen analytical skills, capable of identifying complex or urgent issues such as potential infection outbreaks, and taking appropriate actions, including escalation if necessary. They will possess the ability to analyse specialized data and information, deriving insights and formulating judgements and reports, particularly in areas such as audit data, trends in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI) surveillance, and thematic analysis to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

4.          Planning and organisational skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, capable of effectively planning and managing their own workload, as well as overseeing complex projects and tasks related to infection prevention and control (IPC). They will adeptly handle requests and obligations such as training sessions, conferences, and meetings, ensuring efficient coordination and execution. Furthermore, the candidate will excel in planning, maintaining, and monitoring databases and systems pertinent to IPC, facilitating smooth operations and data management within the department. They will also be proficient in monitoring reporting deadlines and taking proactive measures to ensure the progression of operational, performance, quality, and risk management aspects of the service.

Additionally, the candidate will possess the ability to organize and facilitate IPC training and education sessions, demonstrating effective communication skills and the capacity to collate relevant documents to support educational initiatives and compliance efforts.

5.          Physical skills

The ideal candidate will exhibit proficiency in utilizing various IT packages and applications relevant to their role, enabling efficient data management, communication, and analysis. They will demonstrate adeptness in navigating software systems and tools essential for their responsibilities within infection prevention and control (IPC). Additionally, the candidate will possess the ability to travel to various sites in a timely manner as needed, facilitating effective coordination and support across different locations.

6.          Responsibility for patient / client care

The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity in incidental contact with patients, maintaining a patient-centred approach at all times. They will provide valuable support to clinicians, facilitating the delivery of clinically excellent and evidence-based care. Furthermore, the candidate will ensure that clinical audit and effectiveness initiatives remain patient/client focused, aligning with the overarching goal of enhancing patient outcomes and experiences. Their active participation in patient-focused investigations underscores their commitment to identifying and addressing patient-related concerns and issues.

7.          Responsibility for policy and service development implementation

The ideal candidate will play an integral role in contributing to the establishment of organization-wide Healthcare-Associated Infection (HCAI) targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), collaborating closely with the Senior Infection Control Nurse and Director of Infection Prevention and Control. Moreover, the candidate will work collaboratively with the Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) and Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, particularly in the project management of new infection control programs.

8.          Responsibilities for financial and physical resources

The ideal candidate will undertake the responsibility of electronic ordering as necessary, utilizing the appropriate ordering system to ensure seamless procurement and maintain stock control and security. They will serve as an authorized signatory for purchase orders, demonstrating accountability and compliance with procurement protocols. Additionally, the candidate will uphold a personal duty of care concerning equipment and resources utilized in the course of their work, ensuring their proper handling, maintenance, and security to support effective and safe operations.

9.          Responsibilities for human resources (HR)

Aligned with the annual personal development plan, the candidate will be tasked with undertaking necessary training and development essential for fulfilling their role, encompassing statutory and mandatory training, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical audit procedures. They will exhibit a resolute commitment to continuous professional development and self-directed learning, ensuring their knowledge and skills remain current and relevant. Furthermore, the candidate will possess the ability to deliver various infection prevention and control (IPC) and audit training sessions to link practitioners across disciplines, contributing to the dissemination of best practices and fostering a culture of excellence in infection prevention.

Full JD can be found in the attachments.