job description - our lady's...

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATIONBased in Harold’s CrossQuality & Practice Development Nurse with a remit to Infection Prevention & Control (CNM2)1.0WTE Specified Purpose Post (approx. 3months- may be extended)

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Quality & Practice Development Nurse with a remit to Infection Prevention & Control

REPORTING TO: Interim Director of Nursing

RESPONSIBLE TO: Interim Director of Nursing & Quality

SALARY SCALE: CNM2 Salary Scale applies

QUALIFICATIONS Registered General Nurse whose name is held on the current General Register of Nurses as maintained by An Bord Altranais.

HOLIDAYS: 25 – 28 days per annum pro rata

HEALTH: A candidate for and any person holding the office must be free from any defect or disease which would render him/her unsuitable to hold the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to attend regular and efficient service.

CHARACTER: A candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

HOURS OF WORK: 39 hours per week. Details of starting and finishing times, which may vary in accordance with Hospice needs, will be notified to you by your Head of Department/Deputy. There will be times when you will be required to work outside of the normal office hours.

WORKING WEEK: Will be determined by Director of Nursing & Quality

ETHICAL CODE: The post holder is requested to respect the special charism, ethos and tradition of Our Lady’s Hospice and to observe and comply with its general policies, procedures and regulations.

CONFIDENTIALITY: You will have access to various types of records/information in the course of your work. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instruction of an authorised person, on no account must information concerning

Job Description & Person Specification – Quality & Practice Development Nurse with a remit to Infection Prevention & Control – December 2015

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staff, patients or other Hospital business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition, records may never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

JOB PURPOSE The post holder will also have a quality role in the Nursing Department. He/she will be delegated to lead on and participate in practice development and Infection Prevention & Control initiatives, audit and research incorporating the three specialities within the organisation as agreed by the Director of Nursing. To complement the current skill mix within the Nursing Department, the post holder is required to have experience/qualification in Older Person, Palliative Care, Rheumatology Services or Infection Prevention & Control. He or she will act as a role model for all staff, promoting our mission and values.

. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical focus: Practice

Ensure clinical time at ward level to observe current issues and nursing documentation Participate in the induction and orientation of new nursing staff and support of same. Liaise with Clinical Nurse Managers (CNMs) to facilitate mandatory and non- mandatory

training for nursing staff as provided by nursing department. Support staff who are under performance management reviews Support staff on the ward through informal one to one meetings. Assist nurse management in offering on-going reflective practice/clinical supervision and

support to staff. Maintain accurate training records inclusive of inputting into SAP Ensure the L.E.A.P programme (Linking Education And Practice) is maintained and

planned effectively Organise, coordinate and deliver study days/ trainings (Infection Control Training) Organise and facilitate IV simulations for staff for the completion of IV competencies. Collate and report on Infection Control surveillance data related to quality Facilitate documentation skills support. Follow up of ward documentation audits and staff feedback. Lead on and support quality and practice development initiatives. Lead on and support in-house projects (e.g. Positive Ageing Celebration, AIGNA, World

Elder Abuse Awareness day, International Nurses Day; Pressure Ulcer Awareness Day) Communicate with staff regarding resident/patient care queries, clinical decisions, non-

clinical decisions, skills update and other MDT role queries. Co-ordinate and deliver specialist training as required. Act as a role model and clinical resource person to staff. Assist in the introduction of change as and when required. Act as chair for the Infection Control Champions Group. Deputise for Quality and Practice Development Nurse in another specialist area of care

as required. Provide evening site manager cover.

Patient Advocate

Negotiate and represent patients’ values and preferences in collaboration with other professionals and implement changes to patient need as required.

Identify particular problems/needs and take appropriate action to resolve or improve these difficulties through liaison with the multi-disciplinary team.


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Ensure patients and families are provided with appropriate information / advice in keeping with professional standards.

Education and Training

Liaise with Clinical Nurse Managers, Interim Director of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing and Quality Practice Development Nurses in all areas to identify staff training needs.

Develop and implement education and training programmes related to quality and practice relevant to staff.

Promote the role of the Quality & Practice Nurse among appropriate health care professionals throughout the hospice.

Organise trainings of new techniques and equipment and collate the critical comments of the CNM’s who have been asked to participate in trials of this nature.

Support and guide student nurses during their clinical placements in OLHCS when appropriate

The Interim Director of Nursing will allocate the post holder special projects on a hospice wide basis as appropriate

Attend professional/ regional meetings and conferences related to quality and practice Manage and promote liaisons with internal/external bodies as appropriate e.g. intra-

hospital service and the community Have awareness of the need to develop appropriate teaching skills. Identify and contribute to the continual enhancement of learning opportunities in the area

Audit and Research

Participate in completing surveillance findings and report to the Quality & Safety committee as required

Demonstrate a commitment to developing and contributing to nursing research. Promote nursing research and clinical audit to improve standards and implement where

appropriate Lead on and participate in the implementation and evaluation of interdisciplinary audit

systems and tools to audit current practice in the interest of improving quality patient/ resident outcomes.

Initiate and participate in appropriate research projects Use hospice resources to access applicable research to support evidence based practice

i.e. library journals and internet access. Critically appraise and evaluate the quality and practice development service by means of

audit and feedback with a view to recommending improvement where required Be responsible for reports on service delivery where relevant Strengthen research based practice, policies and standards in relation to quality and

practice in the hospice. To benchmark by networking with other practice development nurses and incorporate

national initiatives and standards of practice where appropriate

Quality

Demonstrate awareness of HIQA Residential Standards/ Safer Better Standards for Healthcare/ HIQA Infection Prevention & Control Standards and national/ international initiatives

Develop and maintain appropriate evidence to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies in line with operating systems in OLHCS (HIQA Residential Standards / Safer Better Standards for Healthcare/ HIQA Infection Prevention & Control Standards)

Demonstrate continual professional development of individual domains of competency relevant to nurse specialist role

Participate in, lead on and attend the Linking Education And Practice (LEAP) programme when required and appropriate.


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Participate in, lead on and promote the process of measuring and auditing the effectiveness of OLHCS service by means of quality management initiatives/ programmes

Represent the Quality & Practice Development team at internal and external meetings/ conferences when required and disseminate information to colleagues.

Demonstrate the efficacy of delivering evidence based care. Participate in developing the quality agenda under the guidance of the Lead Quality &

Practice Development Nurse. Identify and contribute to the continual enhancement of learning opportunities to meet the

identified needs of staff as appropriate. Lead and support the champions groups as required. Lead on, assist with and promote the introduction of change as required. Participate in the delivery of the Patient Priority Pledge as required under the guidance of

the Lead Quality & Practice Development Nurse. Provide clinical leadership by acting as a resource, facilitator, co-ordinator, role model

and advocate of patient care. Critically evaluate current research and promote evidence-based best practice amongst

staff in all aspects of patient care to achieve continuous quality improvement. Participate/lead on the development of clinical policies, protocols and guidelines in liaison

with the Medical Director and Interim Director of Nursing. Support services to enable nurses and care staff to provide optimum patient centred care.

Health & Safety

Ensure that effective safety procedures are developed and managed to comply with statutory obligations, in conjunction with relevant staff e.g. health and safety procedures, emergency procedures

Observe, report and take appropriate action on any matter which may be detrimental to staff and/or service user care or wellbeing/may be inhibiting the efficient provision of care

Assist in observing ensuring implementation and adherence to established policies and procedures e.g. health and safety, infection prevention/control, storage and use of controlled drugs etc

Ensure completion of incident/near miss forms/clinical risk reporting Adhere to department policies in relation to the care and safety of any equipment

supplied for the fulfilment of duty To work in a safe manner with due care and attention to safety of self and other

authorised persons in the workplace

General

To adhere to departmental and hospice policies at all times. To perform such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to

time by the manager or a nominee.

Self-Development

To be aware of current developments and issues in health care by reading current literature and keeping abreast of new developments, attending ‘in-house’ seminars, lectures and courses when possible and as appropriate in consultation with your head of department.

To assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and safe work practice.

To ensure a safe environment for himself/herself, colleagues and visitors.

Professional

To have a working knowledge of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services policies.


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To present and act in a professional manner at all times and ensure colleagues do likewise.

Engage in performance review processes including personal development planning as appropriate


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Garda Vetting:

Arrangements have been introduced, on a national level, for the provision of Garda Vetting in respect of candidates for employment in areas of the Health Services, where it is envisaged that potential employees would have substantial access to children or vulnerable individuals. Each candidate will be required to complete a Garda Vetting form.

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. This job description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. It is not intended to be exhaustive but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which individuals work


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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Factors Essential Desirable

Qualifications Registered on the Live Register in the General Division of the Register of Nurses as maintained by NMBI.

Hold a post-graduate diploma in either Palliative Care/ Rheumatology/ Older Person/ Infection Prevention & Control

Other relevant post-graduate courses

Experience Have at least 5 years post registration experience. Evidence of consistent updating of clinical skills and

knowledge

Experience of Regulation inspection

Formal Teaching Experience

Core Competencies

Knowledge & Skills Post holder demonstrates the following: Knowledge of principles and practices of Palliative

Care, Rheumatology, Older Person Infection Prevention & Control

High level of English and numeracy skills Competent and confident IT skills - Word, Excel,

Power Point and e-mail Knowledge of an NMBI directives High level of clinical knowledge & competencies Promotion of evidence-based decision making Practitioner competence and professionalism A commitment to continuing professional development The ability to relate nursing research to nursing

practice Knowledge of quality assurance practices and their

application to nursing procedures An awareness of current and emerging nursing

strategies and policies in relation to the clinical / designated area e.g. person centred care concept.

An ability to work within a regulated environment Knowledge of and an ability to ensure infection control

and hygiene standards are adhered to An awareness of the Health Service Transformation

Programme Ability to collect and report on data Ability to work under pressure

Use of SAP or other HR systems

Teaching/Training Skills

Post holder demonstrates the following: An ability to develop, co-ordinate and deliver training

sessions An ability to teach clinical and best practice skills at

ward/unit level An ability to maintain accurate training records


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Management Skills Post holder demonstrates the following: Influencing skills Proven managerial and decision making skills The ability to lead on clinical practice and service

quality The ability to plan & organise effectively Resourceful and proactive An ability to work in a changing environment. The ability to build, lead and manage a team Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build

and maintain relationships An ability to monitor individual staff’s progress and an

ability to coach staff members to develop their skills. Initiative and innovation in the delivery of service An awareness of HR policies and procedures

including disciplinary procedures, managing attendance etc.

Scope of Practice/Professional Development

Adhere to a professional code of practice Understands the need to apply hospice and/or

professional standards, policies and procedures to their area of practice

Good organisational and self-management skills Demonstrate ability to be a reflective practitioner Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional

development at an appropriate level Demonstrate willingness for continued self-

development in a professional capacity.

Communication Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Clearly and confidently articulates ideas and opinions

and their underlying rationale Draws on a variety of communication methods to fit

situation/circumstances Listens openly, using questions to check for

understanding/avoid misinterpretation Adapt a professional approach at all times

Quality Service Is patient/resident centred at all times. Is flexible/adaptable to meet unexpected demands Ability to act as an advocate for nursing/ residents/

patients

Team Player Is understanding of diverse values and beliefs Considers how one’s behaviour might impact others Knows when and where to ask for help

Confident and friendly manner with

Display awareness of confidentiality issues Display awareness of patient/resident advocacy


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patients/residents and staff

issues Display eagerness to learn more on speciality Express interest in career development

Core Values Demonstrate a knowledge of the ethos and core values of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services


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