Infection Control Nurse

Position description:

The Infection Control Nurse is responsible to minimise the risk of infection for patients, residents and health care workers by maintaining a safe environment that enables holistic care of patients and residents and protection for the health care worker.

Responsibilities:

The role of the Infection Control Nurse assists and promotes Yarram & District Health Service strategic directions by ensuring duties are performed within legislative compliance incorporating Yarram & District Health Services

• Policies and Procedures
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Other Standards or Acts this role must operate within.

Specific skills/activities

• Assesses infection control practices, reviews result and implements necessary improvements to ensure best practice is achieved
• Collects and reports data as required as per Department of Health schedule e.g. VICNISS surveillance, Influenza vaccination rates, hand hygiene audits
• Conducts compliance audits and provides reports
• Reviews medical products and devices and ensures compliance in accordance with regulatory bodies
• Co-ordinates staff health/immunisation program and maintains accurate records
• Promotes and encourages hand hygiene practices
• Manages outbreaks and provide reports to the Director of Clinical Services, Nurse Unit Manager and any other relevant parties
• Ensures all facility developments and maintenance needs meets all infection control standards
• Identify clusters of infections due to unusual microorganisms through regular review of patients/resident's records and microbiology reports
• Ensure occupational exposures are managed and followed up effectively.
• Ensure that transmission-based precautions are carried out effectively when required.

Risk Management

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of YDHS Risk Management Framework.
• Apply the framework to identifying, evaluating and minimising risk exposure for YDHS.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory:

• Registered Nurse with current registration.
• Recognised Infection Control qualifications: Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (or working towards)
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of general, clinical and environmental microbiology.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles of epidemiology, data collection and presentation of information.
• Demonstrated leadership and relevant organisational and administrative skills.
• An understanding of the principles of sterilisation, disinfection and sanitation within a healthcare facility.

Desirable:

• Recognised qualification: Pre and post HIV & HepC test counselling
• Recognised qualification: Accredited nurse immuniser
• An understanding of the principles of sterilisation, disinfection and sanitation within a healthcare facility.
• An appreciation of contemporary infection control practice and health care trends.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and quality improvement by seeking opportunities to learn, apply and share knowledge with clients, colleagues and others.
• A current Victorian driver's licence.

Person-Centred Care:

• Ensure that all clients, their families, visitors, and colleagues are treated with respect and dignity.
• Listen to and collaborate with our clients to understand their personal experiences to provide flexible care that complements their unique characteristics and supports them to live their best life.
• Support our clients to understand and learn about their health.
• Involve clients and their advocates in their healthcare decisions.
• Clearly explain your treatment options using easy to understand language and avoiding jargon.
• Respect healthcare decisions made by clients.
• Ensure your practice and the service provided to consumers is free from discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, employment status, cultural background, or religious beliefs.

Relevant information:

YDHS is responsible for employing and contracting to employees who meet stringent community and public sector expectations. Applicants shall be required to provide and maintain:

• An original National Police Record Check completed within the last 12 months prior to commencement.
• An employee Working with Children Check.
• Relevant professional registrations.
• Complete a Pre-existing injury declaration form
• Undergo any other relevant checks, education or licencing as directed at own cost.