CNM3 Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)

Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.

We are currently recruiting for an Infection Prevention & Control Lead (IPC) to join our team.

Job Description

Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) is a 77-bed surgical hospital located on the outskirts of Mullingar with four operating theatres and an endoscopy unit. We provide a wide range of surgical care across multiple specialties and offer 24/7 Stepdown, Minor Injuries, and Rapid Access services in collaboration with the HSE.

We are currently recruiting for a CNM3 Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) to join our team.

Role Summary

The Clinical Nurse Manager II in Preoperative Assessment will provide the clinical and managerial leadership for the Preoperative Assessment Clinic. The CNM2 is responsible for the overall running of the PAC department in addition to the pre-operative nursing assessment of patients being prepared for surgical procedures.

The role involves working closely with consultants, anaesthetists, the Day Surgery Unit, and Outpatients Department to ensure capacity within surgical services is safely maximised. The appointee will coordinate the scheduling of patients undergoing surgical procedures and ensure comprehensive nursing assessments are carried out.

The CNM2 will ensure that all necessary investigations and results are collated prior to the patient’s admission to evaluate suitability for general anaesthesia or sedation. The Pre-Assessment Nurse will also act as the coordinator of care prior to and during admission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Professional and Clinical Leadership

• Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership.
• Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence-based, care planning approach.
• Be responsible for the co-ordination, assessment, planning, delivery, and review of service user care within Day Surgery and OPD/PAC.
• Provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to service users within the guidelines laid out by NMBI.
• Practise nursing according to Professional Clinical Guidelines, CHKS, HIQA, HSE guidelines, local policies/protocols, and current legislation.
• Manage own caseload in accordance with the needs of the post.

2. Pre-Operative Assessment and Patient Care

• Perform and document nursing pre-operative assessment in the relevant proforma, including patient history, health screening, and nursing assessment.
• Organise relevant pre-operative investigations as per protocol (e.g., blood tests, ECG, X-rays, and pulmonary function tests) and communicate abnormalities to the relevant clinicians.
• Demonstrate familiarity with ASA scoring.
• Exercise clinical judgement and decision-making regarding patients’ suitability for surgery, consulting clinicians as necessary.
• Liaise and/or refer to GPs and clinicians to ensure pre-operative health is optimised.
• Liaise with Anaesthetists and Surgeons regarding potential medical issues.
• Provide pre-operative advice and support and initiate appropriate referrals to members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Plan discharge or transition of the service user between services as appropriate.
• Ensure that service users and others are treated with dignity and respect.

3. Collaborative and Quality Management

• Facilitate co-ordination, co-operation, and liaison across healthcare teams and programmes.
• Collaborate with service users, family members, carers, and staff in treatment/care planning and the provision of support and advice.
• Assist with the development of assessment and referral protocols and guidelines with anaesthetic, surgical, medical, and nursing staff.
• Participate in teams, meetings, and committees as appropriate.
• Communicate verbally and/or in writing results of assessments, treatment/care programmes, and recommendations to the team.
• Maintain nursing records in accordance with local service and professional standards.
• Adhere to and contribute to the development and maintenance of nursing standards, protocols, and guidelines.
• Evaluate and support the implementation of best practice policies and procedures.
• Collect data relevant to national pre-assessment KPIs and present same at user group meetings.
• Participate in clinical audit as required.
• Initiate and participate in research studies as appropriate.
• Devise and implement health promotion programmes for service users relevant to the role.

4. Education, Learning & Evidence-Based Practice

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to developing and maintaining a knowledgeable, competent, and confident nursing workforce.
• Promote a learning culture that values continuous professional development, reflective practice, and clinical supervision.
• Support staff in identifying personal learning needs through performance appraisals and professional discussions.
• Encourage participation in postgraduate studies, specialist training, and professional networking opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with the Learning and Development team to design and implement structured education and competency programmes.
• Integrate current research findings, national policies, and best practice guidelines into nursing practice.
• Act as a role model for professional development and lifelong learning, supporting succession planning within the nursing service.

Essential Criteria

Knowledge/Experience

• Be registered or eligible for registration in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland).
• Have at least 5 years post-registration experience to include 2 years within Pre-Assessment, Theatre, Anaesthetics, Surgical Services, or Day Surgery.
• Have the clinical, managerial, and administrative capacity to properly discharge the functions of the role.
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) at the appropriate level, with a clinical background in Theatre, Anaesthetics, Surgical Services, or Day Surgery.
• Have completed or be willing to undertake a Management Course.
• Possess a working knowledge of risk management, clinical audit, and research.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software packages.
• Demonstrate experience in change management processes and methodologies.
• Completion of a recognised post-registration course in Peri-Operative Care is desirable.

Skills/ Competencies

1. Leadership & Management

• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Ability to plan and organise resources and workload efficiently.
• Demonstrates initiative and innovation in service delivery.
• Awareness of HR policies and procedures, including attendance management and disciplinary procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and governance practices.

2. Clinical & Professional Practice

• Demonstrates practitioner competence and professionalism.
• Commitment to high standards of clinical care and patient safety.
• Ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality initiatives.
• Openness to change and adaptability in implementing change.
• Demonstrates evidence-based decision-making.
• Ability to relate nursing research to clinical practice.
• Awareness of clinical programmes and initiatives relevant to Pre-Assessment and Pre-Admission services.

3. Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Demonstrates resilience, composure, and problem-solving ability.

4. Time Management & Organisational Skills

• Manages a busy caseload effectively while maintaining high standards of care.
• Demonstrates flexibility in managing varied and complex patient presentations.
• Prioritises workload effectively within a fast-paced clinical environment.

5. Adaptability & Initiative

• Responds confidently to changing clinical situations and operational demands.
• Identifies opportunities to improve service efficiency and patient experience.
• Supports innovation and continuous improvement within the department.

What We Offer
Competitive salary
Sign-on bonus
Full time hours, permanent contract
Continuous professional development and training opportunities
Supportive, collaborative working environment
Employee Assistance Programme
Opportunities for career progression
Free on-site parking

At Charter Medical Private Hospital, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and ensure equal opportunity in hiring and advancement.