Job Description

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Summary

Reporting to the Director, Risk Management & Infection Prevention and Control, the Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) works to reduce the acquisition of healthcare-associated infections in patients, residents and staff at Providence Health Care. In addition, the ICP works to develop standards for, and assists in, the monitoring of infection control measures in the patient care areas and in other patient care/service areas/departments, and assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention and control initiatives, including educational programs.

Qualifications / Skills and Education

Education
Registration with the BC College of Nurses and Midwives as a practicing RN or RPN registrant supplemented by a degree in a relevant healthcare/scientific discipline plus three (3) years\xe2\x80\x99 recent, related clinical experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Completion of, or current enrollment in, an approved IPAC Canada sponsored and endorsed Infection Control course.

Current CBIC Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or expected certification within two (2) years of start of employment.

Skills and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to teach, coach, and provide clinical support.
Ability to identify learning needs and develop educational programs.
Ability to provide and/or develop resource materials, including educational materials.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of adult education principles.
Ability to lead a group.
Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to apply decision making and analytical skills.
Ability to role model conflict resolution strategies.
Ability to prioritize and organize work independently.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Knowledge of epidemiological principles, statistics, microbiology and infectious disease.
Knowledge of infection prevention and control computer applications.
Ability to operate related equipment, including computers and various word-processing and spreadsheet software packages.

Duties and Responsibilities

Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of infection prevention and control systems, policies, protocols, and procedures, which are specific to the practice setting, the population served, and the continuum of care, including surveillance, data collection, analysis, reporting and documentation.

Provides formal and informal education to health care providers, such as participating in hospital orientation and assisting with the development of educational manuals/materials for infection prevention and control, including the PHC IPAC Manual.

Provides consultation for complex infection prevention and control issues, including patient isolation and the management of infectious disease clusters and outbreaks. Assists with the implementation of control measures, review of practices, and communication of events and compilation of reports on the nature of the incident as well as recommendations for future control/avoidance of the same.

Directs or assists in collecting specimens, including environmental specimens for outbreaks and diagnostic testing.

Contributes to quality improvement in infection prevention control by updating and improving the policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control, and assisting with the implementation of recommendations from the Infection Control Standards Committee.

Maintains ongoing communication with public health officials and organizations related to the reporting of communicable diseases, such as the Medical Health Officer and TB Control.

Collaborates with the Occupational Health and Safety to establish protocols and procedures pertaining to the follow-up of employees exposed to communicable diseases.

Actively participates in organizational committees providing infection prevention control knowledge and expertise.

Participates in discharge teaching regarding infection prevention control procedures when necessary.

Reports infection prevention and control concerns to Infection Control Physicians, and/or the Patient-Resident Care Managers, Department Head or Program Directors.

Consults with Director and Medical Director regarding issues such as changes in infection control practices that will impact the provision of patient care and/or care items required.

Maintains ongoing review of infection prevention and control policies, protocols, and procedures, and surveillance of infections.

Provides advice, guidance, and instruction related to infection prevention and control to patient/service areas.

Participates in research activities and applies relevant published research findings through practice, education or consultation.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Providence Health Care