Clinical Nurse Specialist - Infection Control & Prevention

Your role at St John of God Midland Public Hospital

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Infection Prevention & Control Nurse to play a pivotal role in shaping a safe, high quality care environment at St John of God Midland Public Hospital. In this permanent part time role (0.9 FTE), you will partner closely with the Infection Prevention & Control Manager to drive the implementation and continuous improvement of the hospital’s Program, acting as a trusted clinical expert and advisor across the organisation.

As a key leader within the interdisciplinary team, you will influence practice, lead improvement initiatives, and deliver outcomes aligned with service targets, accreditation standards, and key performance indicators. Working in collaboration with the Director of Mission, you will help embed the Mission and Values of SJGHC into everyday practice, while providing valued consultation and liaison to internal and external stakeholders. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient safety, staff wellbeing, and the overall quality of care.

The Position

• Assists the Manager Infection Prevention & Control in planning, coordinating, maintaining and evaluating infection control standards in relation to patient care and staff work practices.
• Acts as a resource for all hospital personnel in matters pertaining to infection control and provide recommendations for improvement in all departments.
• Provides advice on proposed new buildings and equipment intended for patient care in relation to accepted infection control standards.
• Responsible for the identification, development and introduction of risk management strategies related to infection control the will reduce possible risks to patients and caregivers accessing the hospital.
• Co-ordinates the caregiver health programs by providing appropriate screening and vaccination to all caregivers and ensure the maintenance of such records.
• Co-ordinates the management of occupational exposure to infectious hazards, for hospital personnel.
• Develops, implements and maintains safe work practice in relation to infection control in collaboration with Work, Health & Safety.
• Plans and implements surveillance programs of hospital acquired infections and make recommendations and changes to policy and practice as appropriate.
• Ensures appropriate infection control standards are practiced and implemented in the area of environmental and hotel service in collaboration with the respective Caregivers.
• Demonstrates positive role modelling and leadership as outlined in the SJGHC Leadership Profile.
• Demonstrates both clinical and administrative leadership through effective communication, interpersonal skills, change management ability and the development of a high performance team that exhibits a culture of professional accountability and quality service.
• Assists in the implementation of the Nursing & Midwifery Standards of Excellence at a Ward/Department level.
• Engages caregivers to ensure the efficient and effective management of all areas of responsibility.
• Promotes and maintains collaborative relationships with accredited Medical Practitioners.
• Encourages feedback on own performance. Implements caregiver/industrial relations policies in consultation with HR to ensure good caregiver relationships exist and that disciplinary and grievances are handled in accordance with Hospital policy.

The successful applicant will be a Registered Nurse with current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) hold, or be working towards, a qualification in Infection Control and a current Immunisation certification. They will demonstrate experience in infection prevention within an acute healthcare setting, including reviewing, developing, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures. Strong communication skills are essential, with proven ability in conflict resolution, negotiation and problem solving, along with experience in clinical teaching and the development and delivery of education programs.

You will bring a demonstrated commitment to quality improvement and a solid understanding of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards. The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment is key, alongside knowledge of relevant legislation and professional standards, including the Nurses Act, Code of Conduct, Occupational Safety and Health, and Equal Employment Opportunity principles. An understanding of the epidemiology of hospital acquired infections will also be essential to success in this role.

Above all, patient care will be at the core of everything you do committing to and supporting our Mission and Values.

We can offer you

• Salary: $129,203 pro rata, plus 12% superannuation
• Permanent part time position (0.9 FTE)
• Salary packaging up to $18,550 on a range of benefits such as mortgage, rent, meal entertainment, holiday accommodation or other everyday living expenses as well as options to salary package benefits above the FBT cap on items such as:
  • Novated leasing 
  • work related expenses
  • self-education and
  • additional superannuation
• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave & well-being programs
• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance
• Employee support through our dedicated free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Innovative Professional Development opportunities
• A welcoming and supportive culture
• Highly competitive salary and entitlements
• Collaborative leadership team
• Access to a range of Lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing rewards and discounts

For enquiries contact Kirsty Friesema, Manager Infection Prevention & Control on 0438 089 416.

Interested candidates should submit a current CV and a two-page letter outlining their experience and fit for the role

If suitable applicants are identified advertisement may close prior to listed date and screening/interviews may commence throughout the advertising process.

At St John of God Health Care, we celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care and proactively take steps to protect them from abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our inclusive culture fosters an environment that is respectful and secure, welcoming and accessible, and unified through our diverse community.