Clinical Nurse Specialist – Infection Prevention and Control
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Infection Prevention and Control
Grade Code : 2632
Job Title and Grade

Campaign Reference
NRS0853
Closing Date
Wednesday 5th June 2013 at 12 noon
Proposed
Interview
Date (s)
Taking
up
Appointment
Organisational Area
Week commencing 8th July 2013
Location of Post
Please note that the panel being created from this recruitment campaign will be used to fill
current and future vacancies at all HSE sites as appropriate. This means that all future
vacancies will be filled from this panel and it is anticipated that vacancies will arise in other
sites.
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage
All Health Service Executive (HSE) areas - South, West, Dublin North East and Dublin Mid
Leinster
There are current live vacancies available in the following locations:
HSE Dublin North East
 Area wide post covering Dublin North City HSE Area, this post will be based initially in
St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin 20.
Informal enquiries contact for this post:
Mary Flanagan, Director of Nursing Older Persons Services
Tel: 01-7044402 / Email: mary.flanagan1@hse.ie,

Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Informal enquiries contact for this post:
Mairead Lyons, Director of Nursing (Acting)
Tel: 01-6465114 / Email: mairead.lyons3@hse.ie, ,
HSE West
 Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Informal enquiries contact for this post:
Josie Esaul, CNS ICN Tel: 094-9021733 Bleep 604 / Email: josephine.esaul@hse.ie ,
or Grainne McHale, CNS ICN Tel: 094-9021733 Bleep 388 / Email:
grainne.mchale@hse.ie,
Details of Service for
current vacancies
Dublin North City HSE Area:
The person appointed to this post will work within the Integrated Services Directorate;
working as part of multi-disciplinary teams delivering a coordinated approach to client care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Prevention and Control will be part of the Dublin North
City Quality and Patient Safety Team.
Connolly Hospital:
The person appointed to this post will work within the Infection Prevention and Control
Team; working as part of multi-disciplinary team delivering a coordinated approach to
patient care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Prevention and Control will be part of the Connolly
Hospital Nursing Service Team.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 1
Mayo General Hospital:
The person appointed to this post will work within Mayo General Hospital; working as part
of multi-disciplinary teams delivering a coordinated approach to patient care. Clinical Nurse
Specialist, Infection Prevention and Control will be part of the Mayo General Hospital
Quality and Patient Safety Team.
Mayo General Hospitals has 306 beds,
 Emergency department, approximately 33,000 attendance per year.
 Medical
 Surgery (Theatres HSSD Minor operations)
 Orthopaedic
 Maternity service
 Renal
 Paediatrics General CF Shared care oncology
 Day services Medical Surgical Gynae
 Endoscopy
 Gynaecology Ambulatory inpatient and day case
 Oncology
Its aim is to deliver high quality and equitable care for all its patients, in a safe and secure
environment. To achieve excellence in clinical practice, teaching, training and research.
Reporting
Relationship
Director of Nursing or designated officer.
Purpose of the Post
The aim of the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Infection Prevention and Control is to optimise
patient care through the prevention, surveillance, investigation, liaison, education,
research and control of health care acquired Infection (HCAI).
The appointed person will be required to provide and maintain a comprehensive, efficient
and effective infection prevention and control service for clients and patients. The
appointee will work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team providing specialist
infection control advice, support and expertise to healthcare staff. He/ She will work
closely with the Quality and Patient Safety Team, Area Infection Prevention and Control
personnel including microbiology.
The post-holder will work with local hospital Infection Prevention and Control Team which
will provide professional support and advice as well as fostering communication between
hospital and community infection control.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control must carry out these
responsibilities in a progressive and changing service, which meets with International and
National Standards but is locally focused and subject to the management of the
community.
Education, research and development are paramount to the role of the Clinical Nurse
Specialist Infection Prevention and Control so that practice is based on appropriate
research and evidence. The post holder will work as part of the Quality and Patient Safety
Team including participating at team meetings.
Principal Duties and
Responsibilities
Clinical Focus
 To provide high quality, client focused care recognising the valuable contribution of a
well-managed and innovative service
 Has a key role in formulating policy, implementing infection prevention and control
programmes and improving practice.
 To monitor and critically evaluate the practices and resources used through audit and
risk management.
 Works closely with microbiology, medical and para-medical colleagues and make
alterations in prescribed clinical options along agreed protocol driven guidelines and
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 2














treatment modalities to achieve patient/ client centred outcomes and evaluates their
effectiveness.
Identifies health promotion priorities in specialist infection control.
Implements an efficient infection control surveillance system to facilitate the prompt
identification of patients and staff with infection.
Ensures that all infection prevention and control policies, guidelines and protocols are
research / evidence based and that they are updated as required.
Ensure that satisfactory structures are in place for the prevention and control of
infection.
Participate in outbreak control teams as required.
Support managers in the implementation of infection prevention and control policies
and guidelines in residential and community settings.
Act as specialist resource in providing infection prevention and control knowledge and
expertise to healthcare staff.
Advise on isolation and cohort methods and supervise the implementation of such
techniques in specific situations.
Maintain effective communication structures and networks which ensure that infection
prevention and control information is conveyed effectively.
Make recommendations for change and improvements in infection prevention and
control practice. Plan, negotiate and implement and evaluate any changes necessary.
Promote good inter-professional teamwork.
Ensure cost effectiveness is encompassed as criteria in all clinical decision making
relating to infection control.
Implements health promotion strategies for patient/ groups in accordance with public
health agenda.
Collaborate with other members of the health care team in the hospital and in the
community to ensure that a standardised approach to infection prevention control is
maintained.
Patient / Client Advocate







Enable patients/clients, families and communities to fully participate in decisions about
their health needs.
Articulates and represent patient/client interest in collaboration with the
interdisciplinary /multidisciplinary team.
Communicates, negotiate and represent patient/client values and decisions in
collaboration with other professionals and community resource providers.
Maintains effective communications and liaison with all members of health care team
in community and residential care settings.
Actively promotes best practice through Infection prevention and control committees,
health promotion resources, and public awareness.
Implements changes in healthcare service in response to patient/client need and
service demand.
Maintains a safe environment for patients, relatives and staff according to the Health,
Safety and Welfare at Work legislation.
Audit and Research






Identifies, critically analyses, disseminates and integrates research evidence into the
area of specialist practice.
Promote and disseminate infection control research findings.
Advise in the implementation of appropriate research findings
Initiates, participates in and evaluates audit.
Participate in the implementation and evaluation of interdisciplinary audit systems in
relation to Infection Prevention and Control
The post holder will audit clinical practice on an ongoing basis.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 3























Uses the outcomes of audit to improve service provision.
Provide feedback through verbal and written reporting.
Contributes to service planning and budgetary processes through use of audit data
and specialist knowledge.
Ensure that all infection prevention and control policies, guidelines and protocols are
research / evidence based.
Be a change agent in implementing research findings so as to enhance infection
control practice and ensure safe patient care.
Liaise with the Microbiology, Public Health and Community Care Departments in
organizing and conducting microbiological and epidemiological surveys and studies.
Evaluates equipment and products, which may impact on infection control practice and
patient care.
Establishes quality criteria against which infection control practice can be measured in
line with evidence based data and standards set by the Health information and Quality
Authority.
Develops, implement and update as required infection prevention and control policies,
procedures and standards.
Continually monitors the infection prevention and control service to ensure that it
reflects current needs.
Participates in the preparation for National Hygiene Audits and remedial actions
following such audits.
Develops cohesive links with other infection control nurse specialists in the Health
Service Executive to ensure that infection prevention and control policies, procedures
and practice are standardized throughout the region.
Collates and record relevant data and information and present progress reports on an
ongoing basis as required.
Collects relevant clinical data to assist in epidemiological record keeping and statistical
analysis.
Presents an annual report on developments and statistics pertaining to infection
control and prevention.
To produce an annual programme and report on Infection Control for the area.
Advises and participates in the procurement, commissioning, tendering and
purchasing of patient care and medical equipment as pertaining to infection prevention
and control.
Provides infection prevention and control advice to committees established to oversee
capital projects, renovations and refurbishments.
Initiate and participate in research projects being undertaken by the Quality and
Patient Safety Team.
Contribute to nursing research relevant to practice.
Demonstrate a commitment to identify and develop tools to audit current practice in
relation to Infection Prevention and Control and contribute to nursing/midwifery
research.
Participate in quality improvement initiative for the enhancement of patient care.
The Person appointed to this office will be required to perform such other duties
appropriate to the office.
Education and Training





Provides mentorship, preceptorship, teaching, facilitation and professional supervisory
skills for nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers.
Educates patient, clients, families and communities in relation to their healthcare
needs in best practice in infection prevention and control
Functions as a role model for health care staff in clinical practice.
Designs, implements and evaluates programmes of infection prevention and control
education, which meet the needs of all healthcare staff.
Maintains an awareness of current developments and research findings in infection
prevention and control and nursing practice.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 4




Displays infection prevention and control expertise by contributing to conferences,
seminars and research /educational activities.
Takes responsibility for ones own personal and professional development and engage
accordingly.
Participate in performance planning, review and self assessment using the infection
core control competencies.
Provide reports as requested for the HSE Performance verification body and other
requirements as required.
Consultancy





















Provides leadership in clinical practice and acts as a resource and role model for
specialist practice.
Generates and contributes to the development of clinical standard and guidelines.
Consult closely with microbiology
Uses specialist knowledge to support and enhance generalist nursing/ midwifery
practice
Take a lead as a member of local, regional and national committees and provide
advice on infection prevention and control, nursing and related topics.
To provide high quality patient focused care recognising the valuable contribution of a
well-managed and innovative service.
Has a key role in formulating policy, implementing infection prevention and control
programmes and improving practice.
To monitor and critically evaluate the practices and resources used through audit and
risk management.
Be responsible for the fore view and updating of policies and guidelines on an ongoing basis.
Maintain a record of the circulation of policies/guidelines and to ensure the recall of all
out of date documents.
To collaborate with the Consultant Microbiologist in matters relating to relevant
Infection Prevention and Control issues and liaises with Nursing/Midwifery, Medical,
Paramedical, Technical and other staff where appropriate.
Be responsible for informing and continuous updating of all nursing and allied staff, as
appropriate, regarding correct working and treatment methodologies in line with best
practice in Infection Prevention and Control.
Ensure that the learning objectives set for Student Nurses, student midwives, student
Public Health Nurses and Midwives by An Bord Altranais in relation to Infection
Prevention and Control are adhered to and achieved. Liaise with Accreditation and
Clinical Coordinators regarding learning objectives and establish criteria for their
achievement.
Provide education to student nurses/midwives and in-service education to all health
care staff and be accessible for advice and support.
Liaise with the Nurse Planning and Development Unit in establishing and responding
to Nurse Education needs in the area of Infection Prevention and Control and in
Delivering Educational Programmes.
Be responsible for the monitoring of outbreaks of cross infection, investigation of
source, mode of transfer regarding patients and staff and implementation of Infection
Control procedures, guidelines and policies.
To provide accurate, timely and relevant information on control of infection as
requested by the Infection Control Committee and others as appropriate.
Report all incidents/accidents occurring within the area of the speciality in accordance
with community policy.
Refer all enquiries from outside agencies, e.g. Press, Garda, etc., to Director of
Nursing/Assistant Director of Nursing/Midwifery/General Manager/Area Manager
where appropriate.
Foster good working relationships between colleagues and other staff by maintaining a
high professional standard.
Be responsible for maintaining own professional development and to attend study
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 5






days and relevant staff and committee meetings, which are considered appropriate by
the Director of Nursing.
Ensures correct completion of records and provides reports relevant to Infection
Prevention and Control
Collects relevant clinical data to assist in epidemiology
Participates as a member of various Committees and advises them in relation to
Infection Prevention and Control
Provides advice on the safe decontamination of reusable surgical instruments and
medical devices as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Provide an ongoing educational resource on Infection Prevention and Control to meet
the identified needs of staff.
Liaise with the project development/technical services teams on issues pertinent to the
community services.
Health & Safety






Ensure that effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with
statutory obligations in conjunction with relevant staff.
Be aware of, and familiar with Health and Safety regulations.
Actively participate in Major Accident Policy.
Investigate relevant incidents/accidents, mishaps and complaints and report in line
with community policy.
Advise in consultation with other members of the Infection Prevention and Control
Team on isolation requirements for specific patients.
Liaise with the Occupational Health Department and Fire and Safety Officer.
Management








Provide an efficient, effective, and high quality service, respecting the needs of each
patient/client
Effectively manage time and caseload in order to meet the needs of a changing and
developing service
Continually monitor the service to ensure it reflects current needs
Implement and manage identified changes
Ensure that confidentiality in relation to patient/client records is maintained
Maintain accurate and up to date statistics of the service provided, including audit of
patient / client contacts.
Represent the specialist service at local, national and international meetings as
required
Maintain accurate and contemporaneous records / data on all matters pertaining to the
planning, management, delivery and evaluation of this service in line with HSE
requirements
The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties
involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties
as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and
to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or
experience
Each candidate must, at the latest date for receipt of completed applications for the post:

Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses & Midwives
maintained by Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (Nursing and
Midwifery Board of Ireland) or be entitled to be so registered
And

Have at least 5 years post registration experience in the division of the register in
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 6
which the applicant is currently practising
And

Have a minimum of 2 years experience in the specialist area of Infection
Prevention and Control or a relevant area clinically related to the area of Infection
Prevention and Control
And

Have the ability to practice safely and effectively fulfilling his/her professional
responsibility within his/her scope of practice
And

Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development
And

Have a level 8 post-registration National Qualifications Authority of Ireland major
academic award (or equivalent) relevant to the specialist area of Infection
Prevention/Control Nursing, infection biology, infection management or other
clinically related qualification specific to the area of infection prevention and control
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of
undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would
indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new
entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate
who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Post
Specific
Requirements
Demonstrate significant depth and breadth of experience in the area of Infection
Prevention and Control.
Other
requirements
specific to the post
Skills,
Competencies and/or
knowledge
Access to transport as post will involve frequent travel








Demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge to effectively carry out the duties and
responsibilities of the role
Demonstrate the ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality
Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control, general
and specialist nursing practice, risk management and clinical audit as well as
educational research and management skills and must have the potential to plan
and co-ordinate a programme of infection prevention and control and staff education
on matters relating to infection prevention and control.
Demonstrate evidence of further education / appropriate expertise in the speciality
and demonstration of excellent clinical practice.
Demonstrate promotion of evidence-based decision making; evidence-based clinical
knowledge in making decisions regarding patient/client care
Demonstrate the ability to relate nursing research to nursing practice
Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance practices and their application to
nursing procedures
Demonstrate an awareness of relevant legislation and policy e.g. legislation relevant
to the service area, health and safety, infection control etc.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 7












Campaign Specific
Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting /
Interview
Demonstrate an awareness of current and emerging nursing strategies and policies
in relation to the clinical / designated area
Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage resources effectively
Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to
work effectively as part of a multi disciplinary team
Demonstrate the ability to build, lead and manage a team
Demonstrate commitment to providing a quality service
Demonstrate initiative and innovation in the delivery of service and an openness to
change
Demonstrate effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
Demonstrate strong communication and influencing skills
Demonstrate integrity and ethical stance
Demonstrate resilience and composure
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information
supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on
the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies
and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you
think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being
called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an
order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of
the organisation.
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of
Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code
of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be
applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on
candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application
when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the
recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the
Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the
document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for
Candidates”.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of
Practice, Information for Candidates” or on www.cpsa.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job
description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither
definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 8
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Infection Prevention and Control
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current live vacancies for this post are permanent and whole time.
The post is pensionable. A panel will be created from which permanent
and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration will be
filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of
interest” stage.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is
governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management
(Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration
The Salary Scale (as at 01/01/10) for the post is:
Euro 47,089 – 47,886 – 48,559 – 49,659 – 50,874 – 52,067 –
53,260 – 54,604 – 55,852 (pro rata)
Working Week
Annual Leave
Superannuation
Probation
The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed
at Job Offer stage.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service
Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework
for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under
the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to
promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work
agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line
manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between
the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for
extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards
2016).
The annual leave applying to the post holder will be agreed at job
offer stage and as determined by the Organisation of Working Time
Act 1997
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful
candidate will upon appointment become a member of the
appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be
notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing
pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January
2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to
superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no
less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31 st
December 2004
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer
of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject
to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department
of Health Circular No.10/71.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 9
Protection
of
Persons Reporting
Child
Abuse
Act
1998
As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of
Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post
appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of
the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your
appointment to your current post or for the duration of your
appointment to such other post as is included in the categories
specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information
on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality
Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example,
Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and
Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
NRS0853 Job Spec Clinical Nurse Specialist Infection Prevention and Control: Page 10