Job overview
Do you see yourself as a member of an innovative, award winning and respected infection prevention and control team? We welcome applications from nurses with a recognised qualification in Infection Prevention who are ready to expand their knowledge and practice in this evolving speciality.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a motivated nurse with a professional approach, demonstrated experience of infection prevention and control and the ability to work with people to empower and facilitate outstanding infection prevention and control practice. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including computer literacy are essential.
Reporting to the Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and control the successful candidate will work both autonomously and as part of the Infection Prevention and Control Team across hospital sites, striving to minimise risk from healthcare associated infection.
The post holder will assist in the development and implementation of systems to improve the quality of Infection Prevention and Control practice, by the delivery of National Directives to develop local quality, patient safety and safe systems of working for staff. You must have good organisational skills and the ability to influence others.
The successful candidate will need to be self-motivated and have a flexible approach to work, acting as a role model across disciplines. You will provide clear leadership for infection prevention across the sites, influencing and improving the quality of care delivered to our patients
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Once your pre-employment checks have been completed you will be contacted by Recruitment to arrange your start date which will be in line with one of our Corporate Inductions.
Following your Corporate Induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s 2-week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full-time (please email if this is problematic) and will involve travel to both Trust sites. The programme includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom-based sessions and e-learning.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children).
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. NMC Level 1 Registration. Evidence of professional and education development at an advanced level
6. Relevant qualification in Infection Control e.g. ENB 329, Diploma/degree in Infection Control / microbiology
7. ENB 998 or other relevant teaching qualification.
8. Bachelor degree or on a degree pathway
Desirable criteria
9. Masters (or working towards) degree in a health-related subject
Experience
Essential criteria
10. Post registration experience of which must have been spent in infection control.
11. Experience of teaching
12. Current consolidated experience in infection control.
Desirable criteria
13. Experience at ward/department management level.
Skills
Essential criteria
14. Proven clinical knowledge and skills in relation to infection control.
15. Awareness of current targets and recent legislation relating to infection prevention and control.
16. Excellent presentational, communication and interpersonal skills
17. Working knowledge of computers (be computer literate) and information technology with willingness to develop further skills.
18. Ability to manage complex clinical and operational situations that involve staff from all levels of the organisation.
19. Ability to work within multi-disciplinary team and to manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility.
Desirable criteria
20. An understanding of organisational management issues