Reporting to the Administrator of Houses of Providence, and works as an integral member of both the Houses Team and the Unity Health Toronto Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team, the Infection Control Professional (ICP) provides expertise and consultation to meet the needs of an evolving IPAC program for Houses of Providence as directed by the Fixing Long Term Care Act. The ICP supports change management, risk reduction, education and quality improvement activities to support resident safety. This is accomplished through surveillance activities and the provision of other selected services to facility programs, staff, physicians, support services, residents and the Houses community. The Infection Control Professional works closely with the IPAC Manager and IPAC team on IPAC matters related to the Houses of Providence to ensure a consistent approach to care is in place, and consults with the Infection Control Medical Director for clinical issues.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Under the direction from HOP Director of Care and IPAC manager and those dictated in the Long Term Care Act, the ICP:
- Develops, coordinates and conducts surveillance activities, assesses and conducts follow-up on all exposure situations, coordinates the management of outbreaks of infection, serves as an expert consultant, provides on-going education, to staff, residents and their families on IPAC measures to prevent the spread of infection and provides leadership in the development of policy.
- Identifies and develops strategies to decrease the risk of adverse healthcare associated infection events and other outcomes of epidemiological significance.
- Carries out formal surveillance activities as outlined by the Infection Control Committee and in collaboration with the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, including: Identifying and providing a description of the event to be monitored in conjunction with the appropriate stakeholder groups.
- Monitors/assesses daily sources of infection data, initiating quality control/outbreak management and quality improvement activities.
- Performs cluster/outbreak and communicable disease exposure management responsibilities.
- Communicate and interpret policy, follow-up on results of surveillance reports, engage the clinicians and staff in the development and use of Infection Prevention and Control performance measures.
- As an organizational staff support, the ICP engages the clinicians and staff in change management, improvement cycles and on-going learning from the results of routine monitoring and/or outbreak management.
- Serves as an internal knowledge partner, constantly reviewing and distributing appropriate literature, linking with external academic institutions and representing the Houses of Providence on appropriate committees/working groups to contribute to the continued development of policy and practice guidelines and recommendations to further the ability of the larger community to prevent and control infections.
- Assesses learning needs related to Infection Prevention and Control for designated clinical services, other staff members and residents and provides targeted education.
- Facilitates the development of strategic goals and objectives for the IPAC program.
- Participates in research activities to advance the practice of IPAC.
- Takes rotating on-call responsibilities after hours, holidays and on weekends.
- Is able to work after hours, holidays and on weekends as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:- Completion of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Epidemiology or other relevant discipline required; Masters degree preferred;
- Recent Infection Prevention Control experience in a Long Term Care setting preferred.
- Current certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred or a commitment to completing certification within the first year of hire.
- Current member of IPAC Canada preferred.
- Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning principles and facilitation/presentation skills required.
- Knowledge of epidemiological principles, statistics, microbiology and infectious diseases.
- Knowledge and training in adult education and/or demonstrated skill in teaching.
- Experience with construction and renovation projects in relation to infection control preferred.
- Strong conceptual skills, with demonstrated knowledge and skill in problem solving, decision making and critical thinking required.
- Demonstrated advanced computer skills e.g., database management, statistics software and, proficiency in MS Office, email and Internet applications e.g. literature search are essential.
- Knowledgeable and proficient in Point Click Care
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach and facilitate change/innovation required.
- In-depth knowledge of individual patient care practices is essential.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment.
- Competent in change management techniques and team process management.
