Job overview
Are you passionate about preventing surgical site infection? Are you interested in developing a career pathway in the specialist field of surgical site infection surveillance? Are you concerned about patient safety in relation to surgical procedures?
If yes, you might the right candidate for this exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic nurse to join our teams in surgery.
Main duties of the job
The Surgical Site Surveillance Nurse is a member of the SWS Surgery Team leading in providing a service for the surveillance of surgical site infections and implementation of improvement work for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. They will be responsible for accurate data collection, with appropriate analysis and dissemination of results; and will lead the wider surgical team in implementation in developing strategies for improvement based on learning from the data and associated clinical case reviews.mong the key responsibilities the Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Nurse will:
1. Oversee the collection of SSI data for relevant categories as determined by the Division and/or the Infection Prevention and Control Team
2. Oversee (and participate as need in) efficient and accurate data entry
3. Review results and gain consensus of results prior to reporting to UKHSA
4. Prepare and deliver reports of the data to relevant staff
5. Work with the division to deliver a quarterly case learning review panel
6. Work with surgical teams to apply learning for improvement of the service
7. Manage the Surgical Site Infection Surveillance assistant
8. Review processes to streamline the service delivery
9. Work with other Trust Surveillance Nurses to facilitate a comprehensive and consistent service across the Trust
10. Link into other Trust Surveillance Teams to further develop the service
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Inclusive leadership, professional standards and accountability
11. Uphold and display the Trust values of Commitment, Care & Quality
12. Supervise (and where needed participate in) the data collection of patients in the relevant SSI categories.
13. Supervise the activities of the SSIS Assistant ensuring that deadlines for the national surveillance data submission are achieved, escalating challenges to line manager.
14. Contributes to the provision of specialist protocols and policies to facilitate accurate collection of information and dissemination of results.
15. Undertakes personal development review for SSIS Assistant
16. Responsible for organising own workload within the requirements of the specialist team activities and work plan.
17. Produces and presents surveillance and audit reports as required.
18. Provide representation of committee/working groups as required.
19. Ensure concerns regarding the quality of service provided are escalated to line manager.
Clinical Responsibilities
20. Leads the development systems and processes for surveillance
21. Ensures that accurate and detailed information is collected.
22. Participates in the collection of relevant data.
23. Works as part of the wider surgical team to provide, develop and promote high-quality care to reduce surgical site infection promoting excellence throughout the Trust.
24. Uses specialist knowledge and skills for assessing and interpreting highly complex surveillance data across a wide variety of disciplines, providing advice in the development of nursing standards and guidelines for patient care.
25. To provide senior nurse support through clinical assessment skills, clinical interventions and clinical management support for all the clinical areas where needed
26. Explains the significance of laboratory reports to hospital staff and relates clinical information to laboratory staff when required.
27. Communicates information to other members of the Surgical Team and other staff where relevant.
28. Develops co-operation from staff and strategies for overcoming barriers to understanding.
29. Undertakes staff education by organising study sessions for surgical teams and nurses as part of the clinical governance agenda
30. Ensures the implementation of best practice to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection by using a problem-solving approach and facilitation of the change process.
31. Supports ward staff, junior and senior doctors by assisting with clinical skills appropriate to scope of practice such as aseptic technique and facilitates staff training for aseptic technique and surgical wound care.
32. Assists in strategies for early identification of wound problems and signposts patient or staff for relevant intervention to prevent deterioration and patient harm.
33. Troubleshoots wound management throughout the patient pathway and ensures patients get timely assessment of wound infection
34. Contributes to the development of guidelines / protocols based on NICE guidelines to be used in theatres and wards
35. Develops care plans specific for wound care of acute surgical site. Actively seeks to improve practice through the application of research.
36. Visits wards/departments as part of the surveillance role audits, evaluates and updates efforts to prevent SSI. Supports staff to take ownership of local issues.
37. Acts as a role model as part of an integrated multi-professional team, ensuring high quality care is delivered to the patients
38. Undertakes surveillance of patients post discharge. Develops strategies to do this to obtain accurate information regarding SSI
39. Formulates, completes and manages surveillance documentation.
40. Participates in the Trusts clinical, professional and managerial meetings and committees relevant to the service
41. To provide information to management on surveillance and audit by collating clinical data. Prepare reports for Infection Control Committees and Clinical Governance meetings for surgical division
42. Prepares and presents statistical information as required and collates and records relevant data and information.
43. Liaise with the Consultant Microbiologists and laboratory staff as needed.
44. Audits current practice i.e. the day-to-day baseline standards of infection prevention and advises as appropriate.
45. Develops skills to assess and interpret specialist information and takes appropriate action.
46. Provides specialist advice about surveillance to patients and their families/carers, staff and students.
47. Understands and recognises own limitations and refers/ escalates when required.
Professional Responsibilities
48. To use developed leadership and influencing skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams.
49. Takes the lead on providing surgical site infection surveillance support and advice Trust-wide with the support of other members of the team
50. Ensures that data is available for validation and analysis by infection specialists.
51. Identifies early problems arising and ensures these are reported to head of nursing.
52. Ensures that national SSISS audits are accurate and correct.
53. Uses reflection and self-assessment to formulate and prioritise strategies for self-development and the improvement of own competence and pursues a programme of continuous education using a range of resources in line with needs of the Trust and current requirements of the NMC.
54. Plans and organises own specialist workload across a broad range of activities, taking into account both clinical and non-clinical commitments
55. Works independently within agreed policies/procedures on clinical work projects etc., keeping manager informed of progress.
56. Participates in regular individual performance review and agrees personal development plans in line with service objectives.
57. Initiates and supports the clinical review of incidents and local learning reviews as needed.
58. Ensure Datix is completed for any moderate harm or above incidents.
59. Is familiar with and adheres to Trust policies.
60. Attends Trust wide meetings in order to represent the Surgical Team when required and feeds back appropriately.
61. Maintains responsibility for own professional development.
Communications
62. Communicates sensitive/highly sensitive and complex information to patients and their relatives/ members of the public with empathy and reassurance.
63. Prepares appropriate reports for meetings and committees as requested.
64. Works with the Surgical Team on the preparation of significant reports.
65. Competent use of computer to national guidance from the Internet.
66. Maintains timely, accurate and concise records for the clinical service, compiling statistical information that will profile the service and inform future strategic development and support the production of board, governance annual reports etc.
67. Works independently within agreed policies/procedures on clinical work, projects etc., keeping manager informed of progress.
68. Works with all members of the Surgical Team and other Trust staff in the establishment and revision of policies/guidelines and other documentation relating to SSIS and ensures implementation across the Trust.
69. Responsible for the safe use of equipment owned by the Trust or other agencies.
Digital and information technology
70. Be an expert resource for teaching and provide education and training on surveillance for all grades and disciplines of staff, formally and informally as required; and evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching/learning process.
71. To provide readily available information to staff on measures to prevent SSI.
72. Participate within the Division to support a digital-ready workforce to deliver efficient healthcare.
Collaborative working and clinical effectiveness
73. Work collaboratively at all levels within the Division, the Trust and where appropriate across the wider ICS.
74. Develop trusting relationships with the surgical teams in assessing cases against SSI guidelines
75. Establish, where appropriate, local improvement collaborations.
Service improvement and transformation
76. Promote quality improvement as everybody’s business.
77. Support gathering of insight and feedback from patients, staff and carers in service improvement and transformation.
78. Work with the Quality Team to identify service improvement areas and employ Patient First methodology to bring about improvements.
Person specification
Experience and qualifications
Essential criteria
79. Registered Nurse
80. ENB 998 or equivalent
81. Evidence and understanding of clinical audit
82. significant registration experience
83. substantial experience within a surgical setting
84. Up to date knowledge of surgical nursing practice
85. Ability to motivate and influence individuals through facilitating and foster excellent working relationships with colleagues across the Trust
86. Experience of undertaking RCA/investigatory work.
Desirable criteria
87. Understanding of infection control
88. Evidence of leadership development
89. Knowledge of national audits and surveillance
90. Experience of the audit cycle
Skills
Essential criteria
91. Evidence of leading a team
92. Evidence of changing practice and implementation of infection control standards
93. Ability to interpret data
94. Ability to gather data and input accurately
95. Willingness to engage with changing technology and support decision making.
Desirable criteria
96. Evidence of acting on data and the analysis of data
Equality and Diversity
Essential criteria
97. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
98. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.
Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications