Infection Prevention & Control Coordinator Nurse

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to Nurse In-charge, the Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Coordinator/Nurse is responsible for IPC implementation initiatives in support for Quality Improvement of patient care outcomes and promotion of patient safety. They shall lead the hospital IPC Committee activities and monitoring compliance to IPC through surveillance with the aim of preventing hospital acquired infections. The IPC Coordinator shall work closely with the housekeeping leadership team to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of environmental hygiene, cleaning and disinfection practices, waste management, and other infection prevention measures within the hospital. This collaboration shall promote adherence to established IPC standards and ensure a safe and hygienic environment for patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and other stakeholders. . They shall liaise with the in-country authorities pertaining to IPC as well as collaborate and liaise with all hospital departments. Act as specialist advisor to all hospital staff where relevant in matters relating to infection prevention/control. The IPC Nurse optimizes patient care through the prevention, surveillance, investigation, liaison, education, research and control of Health Care Acquired Infection (HCAI).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Monitoring & Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI)

1. Responsible for the monitoring, surveillance, investigation, prevention and control of HAIs.
2. Investigate outbreaks of infection in the hospital and report outbreaks to relevant departments.
3. Advise, supervise and implement isolation techniques.
4. Advise nursing management of individual patients with infectious conditions.
5. Act as specialist advisor to all nursing staff and other hospital staff where in matters relating to infection prevention/control. 
6. Explain laboratory reports relevant to the prevention/control of infection to nursing staff.
7. Collect relevant clinical and epidemiological data to assist the infection control team. 
8. Participate in infection prevention/control and hygiene audits and complete reports against agreed guidelines. 
9. Resource for corrective and preventive action plans for HAIs.
10. Participate in the formulation and development of clinical protocols that promote prevention of HAIs.
11. Take a proactive role in the formation of  Polices, Procedures, Protocols and guidelines (PPPGs) relating to IPC.
12. Operate within the scope of practice, seek advice and assistance from immediate supervisor on any cases or issues that prove to be beyond the scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice and clinical governance. 
13. Liaise with the staff of the laboratory department in organizing and conducting microbiological and epidemiological surveys and participating in research relevant to infection control. 

Monitoring of IPC Components Implementation

1. Develop a schedule on infection prevention/control spot checks and scheduled audits and complete reports. Share the results with the relevant staff and develop corrective actions.
2. Provide feedback and support staff in developing and implementation of actions plans.
3. Develop and regularly review IPC audit tools for various core areas.
4. Carry out hospital-wide environmental checks and investigations in relation to IPC.
5. Advise on isolation techniques, support and supervise the implementation of such techniques in specific situations in the hospital.
6. Evaluate regularly prevent/control of infection measures in specific situations with a view of advising on continuous improvement.
7. Maintain and keep custody of IPC data dashboard, and regularly analyze and report to the relevant teams.
8. Advise Medical/Nursing personnel regarding patient placement to minimize the spread of infection and the implementation of agreed guidelines in their specific areas.
9. Chair the IPC committee and keep records of all meeting discussions.
10. Work closely with IPC link persons in each department.

Staff Training & Patient/Family Education

• Develop, and train staff on IPC policies/procedures /protocols/guidelines in the relevant areas and monitor the implementation.
• Develop a staff training schedule, and structured training modules for all staff on relevant components. Keep records of these training sessions.
• Develop IPC training materials (posters/pamphlets/videos etc) for patient and family education.
• Participate in the development of patient and staff surveys regarding IPC.

Housekeeping and Environmental Hygiene

• ​​​​​​​Provide clinical oversight, technical guidance, and monitoring of housekeeping practices from an infection prevention and control perspective, in collaboration with the Housekeeping Leadership Team, to ensure compliance with established environmental hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the Housekeeping Leadership Team to ensure the effective implementation and adherence to infection prevention and control standards across all hospital areas.
• Monitor compliance with environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols through regular audits, inspections, and surveillance.
• Provide technical guidance, education, and training to housekeeping staff on appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices, including the correct use of approved cleaning agents and disinfectants.
• Monitor and promote adherence to enhanced cleaning and terminal disinfection procedures in high-risk clinical areas, including isolation and wound dressing rooms..
• Identify, report, and collaborate with housekeeping management to address environmental hygiene risks, non-compliance, and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Participate in the development, review, and continuous improvement of housekeeping-related IPC policies, procedures, cleaning schedules, and quality improvement initiatives.

Professional Development & Collaboration

1. Ensures own professional development to enhance own competencies through self-assessment and/or formal performance appraisal on regular basis according to the hospital (and own) professional development plan;
2. Maintains professional records that provide evidence of competency and lifelong learning.
3. Identifies personal development and training needs and work with the supervisor to, help facilitate education and professional development where possible.
4. Maintains a good quality learning environment that supports continuing professional development, creativity and being proactive.

All staff are expected to work in such a way that does not cause injury to themselves, other staff members or customers.

• Following & complying with H&S policies, processes & applying them to their own work activities, including using/wearing Personal Protective Equipment as required.
• Participating in activities directed at preventing harm & promoting well-being in the workplace Identifying, reporting & self-managing hazards where appropriate.
• Early and accurate reporting of incidents at work and raising issues of concern when identified.
• Participates in the hospital’s Spiritual Ministry programs.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the co-worker for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Co-worker must perform other tasks, duties, and projects as assigned.

Attend and participate in office devotions, seminars, in-service education classes, on-the-job training programs among others, and may be required to participate in mobile clinics or community outreach

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from a recognized institution.
2. Those with a Diploma in Nursing and Degree in health-related field will also be considered.
3. Licensed to practice as a Nurse .
4. At least 5 years of post-education experience, with at least 2 years in pediatric nursing.
5. Experience in management of Infection Prevention & Control program
6. Experience in quality management certification or accreditation (SafeCare or JCIA).
7. Experience in clinical policies and procedures formulation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

1. Excellent analytical & writing skills.
2. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
3. Proficient in computer skills (MS-word, Excel, Power-point).
4. Numerate and proficient report writing skills.

COMPETENCIES:

1. Attention To Details. Able to be alert in a high-risk environment; follow detailed procedures and ensure accuracy in documentation and data; carefully monitor processes; concentrate on routine work details, and organize and maintain a system of records.
2. Communication Skills. Able to take responsibility for actions and outcomes and persist despite obstacles; demonstrate dependability in difficult circumstances and show a sense of urgency about getting results.
3. Decision Making & Problem Solving. Able to take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a realistic understanding of issues; able to use reason, even when dealing with emotional topics; review facts and weigh options.
4. Integrity. Ability to be tactful, maintain confidences, and foster an ethical work environment; prevent inappropriate behavior by coworkers; give proper credit to others; handle all situations honestly.
5. Leadership. Able to assume a role of authority as necessary; advocate new ideas, even when risk is involved; set an example for co-workers; delegate responsibility and empower direct reports to make decisions; provide constructive feedback to others.
6. Quality. Able to maintain high standards despite pressing deadlines; establish high standards and measures; do work right the first time; test new methods thoroughly; reinforce excellence as a fundamental priority.