About this role
Job summary
The Associate Nurse Specialist will contribute to the care and safety of patients, visitors and staff by leading on defined aspects of infection prevention and control.
The Associate Nurse Specialist should be educated to first degree level in a health related subject and should be undertaking appropriate post registration education and development within their area of infection and prevention control.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Associate Nurse Specialist includes the following supervised activities;
Providing assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of infection control issues within defined guidelines and protocols Receiving referrals and advice from clinical/non clinical areas/staff Referring to and advising other disciplines and agencies Ordering and interpreting relevant tests and investigations Providing advice and guidance to nursing/midwifery & other disciplines Participating in the provision of training and education to own and other professions Monitoring standards of infection prevention and control Participating in audit, surveillance and research activity Disseminating good nursing practice at all times Ensuring effective communication between all teams
Key working relation relationships Director of Infection Prevention and Control Infection Prevention and Control Team Consultant Microbiologist Specialist consultant teams Outpatient managers and staff Divisional/Directorate Nurses, Midwives, Matrons, Ward Sisters/Charge Nurses Members of the multidisciplinary team e.g. Allied health professionals, medical staff, External organizations' and healthcare groups Relevant internal healthcare groups External contractors
About us
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description Job responsibilities Roles and responsibilities
1 Clinical practice
1.1. To participate in providing specialised aspects of infection prevention and control working in partnership with others.
1.2. To provide holistic assessment, care and treatment to patients, visitors and staff under the supervision of expert colleagues and within agreed guidelines and protocols and plan / conduct appropriate follow up.
1.3. To address patient and staff infection prevention needs through comprehensive assessment of individuals for risk factors.
1.4. To draw on own and others knowledge in decision-making to determine evidence-based interventions within guidelines and actively monitoring these.
1.5. To act as an advocate for the patient in treatment decisions and choices.
1.6. To use effective communication and interpersonal skills to provide information, explanation and reassurance to patients, families and staff, and build an environment of trust and rapport, enabling patent empowerment in their healthcare.
1.7. To maintain accurate and contemporaneous records of all assessment, care, treatment and follow up.
2 Leadership and collaborative practice
2.1. To work within an agreed job plan to meet service needs, to be agreed within three months of taking up post and reviewed annually and maintain records of activity.
2.2. To provide advice and guidance to Nurses/Midwives and other professions within the bounds of own knowledge and expertise.
2.3. To work collaboratively with colleagues, patients and families to ensure the provision of an excellent infection prevention and control service.
2.4. To maintain awareness of own role in relation to the wider multi-professional team and organisation, whilst building and maintaining these working relationships.
2.5. To develop and maintain awareness of epidemiological, demographic, social, political and professional factors relevant to this area of practice.
2.6. To use a reflective and questioning approach to individual practice, participating in clinical and service changes.
2.7. To support and contribute to delivering the wider Trust agenda as directed by the Chief Nurse and the Trust Executive Board.
3 Improving quality and developing practice
3.1. To participate in activities to monitor and improve the quality and effectiveness of own practice including clinical audit, peer review and clinical supervision.
3.2. To seek the views of patients, families and colleagues, using this to develop and improve practice and the patient experience within infection prevention and control.
3.3. To contribute to change at individual and team levels to improve practice and health outcomes.
3.4. To participate in risk assessment and clinical governance activities, including clinical audit
3.5. To maintain awareness of relevant research and evidence based developments relating to area of clinical expertise and profession practice
3.6. To ensure the appropriate and effective use of resources to ensure both cost effectiveness and quality care.
3.7. To contribute to the development of standards, policies and clinical guidelines.
4 Developing self and others
4.1. To actively seek feedback on own professional practice.
4.2. To provide patient and staff education and information which is appropriate and responsive to individual needs and level of development.
4.3. To maintain own development through:
Personal development planning and revalidation process Maintaining a personal portfolio Identifying appropriate learning opportunities. Identifying ways of applying own learning to practice Appropriate development of role / scope of practice Participating in clinical supervision Undertaking a qualification in infection prevention and control Completion of mandatory and statutory training on a yearly basis
4.4. To identify and use opportunities to share knowledge with and influence the practice of colleagues.
ADDITONAL INFORMATION:
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with their manager.
This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the post holder.
Health and Safety at work: The post holder is required to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself / herself and other persons who may be affected by their action or omission at work. To co-operate with the employer in ensuring that all statutory and other requirements are complied with.
Confidentiality: The post holder has a responsibility to comply with the Data Protect Act 1998 and maintain confidentiality of staff, patients and the trust business.
Conflict of Interest: The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the services for patients in its care meet the highest standards. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position.
Equal Opportunities: Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and will keep under review our policies and procedures to ensure that the job related needs of all staff working in Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust are recognised.
The Trust will aim to ensure that all job applicants, employees or clients are treated fairly and valued equally regardless of sex, marital status, domestic circumstances, age, race, colour, disablement, ethnic or national origin, social background or employment status, sexual preferences, religion, beliefs, HIV status, gender reassignment, political affiliation or trade union membership. Selection for training and development and promotion will be on the basis of the individuals ability to meet the requirements of the job.
Data Protection: If you are required to obtain, process or use information held on computer or word processor, you should do it in a fair and lawful way, ensuring accurate data is maintained. You should hold data only for the specific registered purpose and not use or disclose it in any way incompatible with such a purpose.
You should disclose data only to authorised persons or organisations as instructed. Breaches of confidentiality in relation to data will result in disciplinary action which may include dismissal. Employees are expected to comply with all Trust data management processes and procedures. For those posts where there is management or supervision of other staff it is the responsibility of that employee to ensure that their staff receive appropriate data training (e.g. HISS induction, organising refresher sessions for staff when necessary).
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Essential
Registered Nurse Relevant Degree or equivalent experience in nursing in relevant health related field A minimum of 2 years post registration experience in general nursing or other specialist nursing roles. Recognised teaching qualification or prepared to work towards. Experience of working in inpatient and outpatient settings relevant to the specialism Experience of formal and/or informal teaching Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Recent experience of data collection and audit Excellent written & verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Sound knowledge of the principles of Infection Prevention and Control. Ability to recognise the contribution of members of the MDT. Ability to manage change, both personally & as a facilitator. Computer literate: able to use word, email, excel and manage databases. Awareness of current NHS issues & appreciation of the issues surrounding governance & quality initiatives. Able to critically analyse and apply research to the clinical setting. Management/ organisational / prioritisation skills. Ability to work autonomously and independently. Kind and respectful to patients, families and staff. Self-motivated & able to influence / empower others to deliver safe, patient-focused care in specialist practice. Act as a role model to others. Putting patients first Responsive to, and supportive of, patients and staff Open, welcoming and honest Unfailingly kind, treating everyone with respect, compassion and dignity Determined to develop our skills and continuously improve the quality of care
Desirable
Undertaking appropriate post registration education and development within infection prevention and control. Clinical supervision experience Project management, knowledge & skills. Innovative & flexible working practices
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship 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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Site
369 Fulham Palace Road
Chelsea, London
SW10 9NH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)