Surveillance Nurse Manager III - Infection Prevention & Control

Surveillance Nurse Manager III - Infection Prevention & Control

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital

Job type: Permanent

Overview of Role

To lead and coordinate surveillance activities for surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and any other healthcare associated infections (HCAIs), ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and reporting to support infection prevention strategies and improve patient safety. Act as deputy for the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) during her absence and maintain documentation and reporting in line with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Surveillance & Data Management
• Conduct active surveillance of SSIs, BSIs, and other HCAIs using national and local protocols
• Develop local protocols as required to ensure all information is reflective of best practice
• Collect, validate, and analyse infection data from clinical areas, laboratory systems, and patient records
• Maintain accurate databases and contribute to clinical governance meetings
• Identify trends, clusters, and outbreaks, and articulate findings to the IPC team
• Ensure all data/information is stored in accordance with GDPR guidelines

Clinical Collaboration

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with clinical, administrative, and external stakeholders to ensure engagement and collaboration
• Liaise with surgical and medical teams, microbiology, and ward staff to ensure accurate case identification and follow up
• Act as a liaison between IPC and clinical departments to support infection control initiatives
• Facilitate communication and feedback loops to promote shared ownership of infection prevention goals
• Participate in multidisciplinary reviews of infection cases and contribute to root cause analyses
• Support implementation of targeted interventions based on surveillance findings

Education & Training

• Provide training to clinical staff on surveillance definitions, documentation, and infection prevention practices
• Promote awareness of HCAI risks and surveillance outcomes through presentations and reports

Audit & Quality Improvement

• Contribute to IPC audits, including hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and antimicrobial stewardship
• Support quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing HCAI rates
• Assist in policy development and review of IPC guidelines

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare regular surveillance reports for hospital committees, senior management, and external agencies
• Communicate findings clearly and professionally to clinical and non clinical stakeholders
• Participate in or support research activities related to infection prevention, surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship
• Critically appraise and apply current evidence to improve surveillance methodologies and IPC interventions
• Contribute to publications, presentations, or quality improvement projects where appropriate

Deputy for the ACNO IPC During Absence

• Ensure continuity of IPC leadership and support across all sites
• Provide guidance and oversight to site IPC teams to ensure adherence to national and international standards, including HIQA and JCI
• Monitor compliance with IPC protocols and escalating risks or non conformances as appropriate
• Support the implementation and evaluation of IPC programmes, audits, and improvement initiatives
• Facilitate communication between site teams and senior management to maintain alignment with strategic IPC objectives
• Contribute to incident management and outbreak response, ensuring timely and effective interventions
• Maintain documentation and reporting in line with regulatory and accreditation requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Registered General Nurse with NMBI
• Minimum 5 years post registration experience, with at least 3 years in infection prevention
• Master's degree in Infection Prevention & Control
• Experience with surveillance systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficient in clinical documentation and data management
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to continuous professional development

Equal Opportunity Statement

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation

Competitive pay for the work employees do - base pay, performance related pay, and premium pay where applicable.

Benefits

Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents. Competitive pension plan. Company funded death in service benefit x 3 times. Critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.

Performance and Recognition

Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.

Work Life Balance

Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days. Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.

Development and Career Opportunities

Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.