Other Opportunities: Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner (Casual)

Summary of Duties: 

Reporting to and in collaboration with the Director, Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Services,  the Infection Prevention & Control Practitioner will take a leadership role in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an IPAC program including: policy, procedure reviews and practices, surveillance, education, consultation and leadership.  S/he performs a variety of professional duties involved in the prevention and control of infections, which includes audits, the collection, interpretation and reporting of data.  This position will assist in ongoing development and maintenance of a best practice Infection Prevention and Control Program including evaluation of staff skills, developing remedial action plans, and evaluation of compliance with infection control directives, regular in-services, orientation and staff feedback. S/he advises the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee on infection control issues to ensure worker protection.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides professional and clinical leadership with respect to evidence based infection prevention and control practices by reviewing, analyzing and applying existing regulations, standards and/or guidelines of applicable professional organizations and governmental agencies. Monitors the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies by applying epidemiologic principles and statistical methods
• Performs quality control activities such as rounds, surveys, antibiotic utilization reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of written communication and educational activities related to Infection Prevention & Control and established guidelines for antibiotic usage.
• Implements changes mandated by regulatory and licensing agencies.
• Collaborates with the quality improvement and risk management teams on areas related to infection prevention and control.
• Design, develop and deliver IPAC orientation and education programs reflecting best practice.
• Participates in the evaluation of nosocomial infection outbreaks to detect causes and formulate solutions to improve patient outcomes through data analysis and epidemiological investigations.
• Evaluates new equipment or products to ensure that they provide the elements necessary to prevent the spread of infection and can be adequately disinfected between uses.
• Evaluates communicable disease exposures within the hospital to contain infectious disease and prevent disease transmission to patients and employees.
• Develops educational programs for hospital employees and other health care professionals so they can maintain current knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.

Education Requirements/Qualifications: 

• Registered Nurse (RN) with baccalaureate degree in nursing and five years recent nursing experience in an acute care setting  or Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with 3 years clinical experience in medical laboratory preferably in microbiology
• Currently registered and in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario or College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
• Previous experience as an Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner in a healthcare setting
• Entry-level comprehensive IPAC course required
• Must have obtained or be committed to obtaining a Certification in Infection Prevention and Control through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within two (2) years of being hired.
• Able to work flexible hours to meet work demands.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and be self-directed.
• Demonstrated understanding of infectious diseases and their prevention.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and teaching skills.
• Demonstrates a professional and respectful attitude to patients, public, volunteers and colleagues and fosters good public relations and effective working relationships.
• Ability to respond to large numbers of simultaneous/competing demands from patients, families, staff, physicians, and other programs and departments.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations.
• Ability to work effectively as a collaborative member of a team.
• Sound understanding of data collection, epidemiology, research and principles of adult education.
• Collaborative, critical thinker and problem solver.
• Working experience with computer databases as well as with spreadsheets, MS Office and Internet searches.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the position.
• Demonstrated compliance to all Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and Infection Prevention and Control practices.
• Proven good attendance record with capabilities of maintaining this same standard.