BEAUMONT HOSPITAL
RENAL UNIT
JOB TITLE:
TUN Directorate Infection Control Coordinator
GRADE:
Clinical Nurse Manager II
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Directorate Nurse Manager
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. To be registered with An Bord Altranais in the General Division of the Register.
2. To have name maintained on the Live Register with An Bord Altranais.
3. To have at least 5 years post-registration experience, 3 of which must be recent clinical
experience in the speciality.
4. To have a recognised qualification in Renal Nursing.
5.
Infection Control experience and a Management course is desirable but not essential.
6. Applicants for the post must have the requisite knowledge and management ability for the
proper discharge of the post.
UNIT PROFILE:
The Renal Unit at Beaumont Hospital is the largest referral centre in Ireland for the Specialities
of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation. It is the National Referral Centre for Renal
Transplantation. Investigation and treatment facilities are provided for patients with various
forms of nephrological disorders including acute and chronic renal failure. The unit has a major
commitment to the provision of a fully integrated programme of Renal Replacement Therapy
(RRT) for patients with end stage renal disease. This integrated approach offers several types
of dialysis therapy (in-hospital Regular Haemodialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal
Dialysis/Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis, Home Haemodialysis) Therapeutic Plasma
Exchange and a vigorous Renal Transplantation Programme.
The Renal Unit at Beaumont Hospital aims to provide RRT to the highest International
Standards. Consistent with this philosophy and in response to increasing workload, the
appointment of a Renal Virology & Infection Control Co-ordinator is an initiative aimed at
streamlining the existing systems and practices in the Unit for the prevention and management
of Blood Borne infections and vaccination advice.
The role also incorporates infection prevention and control management in relation to the
Transplant Urology and Nephrology Directorate. The post holder will be involved in education
and quality control, as well as data collection, analysis, audits and formulation of reports.
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ROLE SUMMARY.
The purpose of the post is to direct and co-ordinate the ongoing development and
implementation of best practice guidelines for the prevention and management of blood stream
infections Hepatitis B, C & HIV) in the Renal Unit. The scope of the role will extend to the
management of pre-end stage renal disease patients as well as patients on renal replacement
programmes (i.e. Acute and Chronic Haemodialysis, CAPD/CCPD/HHD patients and Renal
Transplant patients). Vaccination advice for both pre end stage and end stage renal failure
patients.
The successful applicant will work closely with the Multidisciplinary Team in the provision of
this service and will be an integral member of the Team.
DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
Clinical.
1. Monitoring the Viral Screening Programme i.e. ensuring timely ordering and report of viral
tests and monitor results.
2. Discuss trends and patterns in results and review on a regular basis and give feedback to
Clinical staff and Infection Control staff as appropriate.
3. Ensure the on-going development and implementation of the education and counselling
service for patients regarding blood borne viruses associated with ESRD
4. Co-ordinate the implementation of the Hepatitis B vaccination programme within the
Department - pre ESRD Clinics, Haemodialysis and Home Therapy programmes.
5. Provide formal and informal education/advice to staff on the prevention and management of
BBV, blood stream infections and best practice with regard to the implementation of
infection control measures.
6. Monitor adverse events such as blood leakage, spills and machine malfunction and sharps
injury.
7. Lead in the reporting and investigation of critical incidents relating to BBV, sero conversion,
blood stream infections, infection control and incidents of contamination within the
directorate.
8. In conjunction with the Microbiology, IPC, TUN directorate multi-disciplinary clinical
teams advise staff on the management and prevention of healthcare related infection
outbreaks such as Norovirus, C.Diff.
PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT.
1. Support the implementation of research based practice and audit to improve quality of care
to patients.
2. In conjunction with the Renal clinical staff and hospital infection control team review and
update yearly infection control guidelines on the prevention and management of BBV
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viruses and blood stream infections in the unit (Haemodialysis, Nephrology and Home
Therapies) in line with best practice guidelines.
3. (a) Participate in the development of computerised links to enhance screening databases and
the Hospital Information System, Viral Screening Laboratory, DCU, Clinical Vision and
news systems implemented.
(b) Review and further develop Renal Database systems for maintaining individual patient’s
vaccination status and serology tests for BBV (including ALT) and adverse infection related
events pertaining to haemodialysis in consultation with the Renal IT Nurse.
4. (a) Develop an induction programme to educate all grades of staff on the specific guidelines
for renal units hygiene and standard precautions used in all health care setting.
(b) Develop curriculum content pertaining to BBV and blood stream infection for postgraduate Renal Nursing programmes and participate in these programmes.
In conjunction with the Renal clinical staff and hospital infection control team develop
TUN directorate infection control related care bundles
RESEARCH AND AUDIT.
1.
Demonstrate an awareness of the value and relevance of research in preventing infection
in Renal units.
2.
Read, interpret and evaluate research for applicability to nursing practice.
3.
Audit infection control practices and events in the Renal Unit in conjunction with the
Hospital Infection Control Team, and feedback outcomes to all MDT through
presentations at the M&M or CNM meetings
COMMUNICATION.
1. Maintain close liaison with Clinical Nurse Managers and all members of the
Multidisciplinary team.
2. Establish and maintain links with key Clinical Departments (e.g. Infection Control,
Microbiology and Nursing Practice Development Unit, pharmacy and general services) and
with Renal Units to promote and develop standards of best practice.
3. Participate in Renal CNM meetings and Hospital meetings/Committees as appropriate.
4. Liaise with external dialysis units and infection control associations regarding new ideas and
work practices
DETAILS OF FUNCTIONS
Professional
1
Participate in the prompt identification and isolation of infected patients.
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2
Act as specialist advisor to all nursing staff within the TUN Directorate in matters
pertaining to infection control and vaccinations. .
3 Seeks early evidence of the spread of infection from equipment or from patient with a
view to immediate preventative measures.
3 Formulates policies in relation to Virology and Infection Control in collaboration with
CNM3, CNM2, CNM, Practice Support Nurse and relevant members of the MDT and
ensures these are implemented.
4 Reviews existing policies and procedures. Recommend changes where necessary, plans,
negotiates and implements any changes required to ensure a high standard of Infection
Control, according to best practise guidelines.
5 Ensures that the requirements of An Bord Altranais for the practice of professional
nursing are met and upheld at all times.
6 Assists in the maintenance of a suitable environment for patients and staff with particular
emphasis on Infection Control factors by establishing and maintaining a relationship
with Medical Staff, Directorate Nurse Manager, Ward Managers, Department Heads and
Suppliers of new equipment.
7 Participates with the Infection Control Team in the control of an outbreak, relevant to the
TUN Directorate.
Self Development:
1
Reads current literature and recent research in relation to Infection Control Nursing and
renal related Virology .
2
Attends seminars and is aware of new developments in Nursing Management and
Infection Control.
3
Participates in training programmes in Information Systems in order to facilitate
development of Information Technology and Computerisation.
4
Develops own clinical knowledge and professional skills.
Additional duties may be required from the Directorate Nurse Manager which are not outlined in
this job description
I HEREBY ACCEPT THE POST OF RENAL VIROLOGY & INFECTION CONTROL
NURSE CLINICAL NURSE MANAGER 2 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND UNDERTAKE TO COMMENCE DUTY
ON:- ______________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE: _______________________________________________________________
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DATE: _____________________________________________________________________
Updated: October 2012
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