JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION (Title): Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Associate (Long Term Care)
DEPARTMENT/SERVICE
AREA: Infection Prevention and Control
SITE: Rainy River and Emo Health Centres – Support at all sites as required
REPORTS TO (Title): Director of Risk Management
DATE OF ORIGINAL
(REVISION): January 2025
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- · Registered Practical Nurse with current Certificate of Competence from the College of Nurses of Ontario, OR Completion of a minimum two-year Post-secondary diploma or degree in a health related field with a working knowledge of microbiology as related to the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases.
- · Demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: infectious diseases, cleaning & disinfection, data collection & trend analysis, reporting protocols, outbreak management, asepsis, microbiology, adult education, epidemiology and program management.
- · Infection Control Certificate recognized by Infection Prevention and Control Canada preferred. Incumbent required to enroll within 6 months of hire.
- · Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred. Incumbent required to obtain within 3 years of hire.
- · 3-5 years nursing or related experience
- · Demonstrated knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control Standards and Practices as they apply to Acute and Long-Term Care settings.
- · Well developed critical thinking and decision-making skills carrying out activities in an ethical manner per RHC Ethical Framework.
- · Significant experience developing policies and procedures. Experience developing policies and procedures related to infection prevention and control preferred.
- · Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills required to effectively communicate and collaborate with management, committees, unions, workers, and outside agencies.
- · High degree of knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and jurisprudence in information management, health and safety and employment, and long-term care, including, but not limited to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA), Ontario Human Rights Code, Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSIA), Employment Standards Act, and Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities Act (AODA), and Fixing Long Term Care Act.
- · Proficient in the use of common office software applications including Word Processing, Spreadsheet, E-mail, and Presentation applications.
- · Proficiency using risk management software, and human resources information systems an asset.
- · First Aid and CPR certification
BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
The IPAC Associate provides leadership, and help to coordinate an effective, compliant Infection Prevention and Control program for Long Term Care (LTC) facilities, including the development of Policies and Procedures, surveillance, outbreak management, supervision of IPAC practice, education, and quality improvement.
In collaboration with administration, LTC personnel, and appropriate health care professionals, the incumbent assists in maintaining the highest possible standards of Infection Prevention and Control for all residents, patients, staff, visitors, students and employees by implementing the IPAC Program.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
1. Development and ongoing review of Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures for LTC in collaboration with ICP
1.1 In accordance with best practice supported by current research, develop policies and procedures to guide Infection Prevention and Control practices for LTC.
1.2 Review of policies and procedures on an annual basis.
1.3 Review of environmental cleaning practices.
2. Lead the Infection Prevention and Control program/team
2.1 Conducting prevention and control activities that are specific to the health care setting, the population served and the continuum of care.
2.2 Working with other IPAC staff, chairs and coordinates the Infection Prevention and Control Committee within the long-term care facilities.
2.3 Organize the interdisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Team meetings, on a quarterly basis at minimum.
2.4 Responsible to create goals and objectives for the Infection Prevention and Control Program and report to the Director of Risk Management.
2.5 Coordinate Outbreak Management meetings as required for infectious and non-infectious outbreaks.
2.6 Incorporating fiscal responsibility into the IPAC program.
2.7 Lead the resident immunization program.
3. Surveillance
3.1 Using a systematic surveillance approach to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are consistent with the organizations goals and objectives.
3.2 Management of and surveillance for healthcare acquired infections (HAI).
3.3 Assists with completion of IPAC audits including hand hygiene, PPE and assisting with environmental services audits.
3.4 Collects and analyzes data and disseminates information to the appropriate areas.
3.5 Investigates infection control practices when indicated through data analysis.
3.6 Initiates practice change based on surveillance data when appropriate.
3.7 Reports surveillance data to the ICP and Infection Prevention and Control Committee.
3.8 Maintains relevant records as mandated.
3.9 RAI entries
4. Outbreak Management
4.1 Investigates clusters of infection to determine outbreak potential
4.2 Reports all outbreaks and suspect outbreaks to the Northwestern Health Unit
4.3 Directs LTC activities and serves as the LTC contact person in outbreak situations
4.4 Coordinates ongoing activities for outbreak management
4.5 Ensures the LTC Home is in compliance with related regulations and orders
4.6 Coordinates organizational planning, policy development and activities related to the LTC emergency response plans for pandemic disease in collaboration with the ICP
5. Supervision of the practice of Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for LTC staff
5.1 Provides ongoing review of residents on infection prevention and control precautions updating care plans as appropriate.
5.2 Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnosis and determines appropriate infection prevention and control interventions.
5.3 Acts as a resource to staff in infection prevention and control practices, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE).
5.4 Monitor construction activities occurring in LTC regarding infection control standards.
5.5 Conduct N95 Fit Testing as a program champion
5.6 Involvement in product selection related to agents for hand hygiene and disinfection.
5.7 Involvement in safety issues relating to IPAC.
6. Education
6.1 Provides education to LTC staff on infection prevention and control policies, procedures, and practices.
6.2 Maintains a working knowledge of current best practices related to infection prevention and control.
6.3 Promotes the practice of infection prevention and control through ongoing communication along with a presence on resident care units.
6.4 Motivates LTC personnel to become participants in Infection Prevention and Control.
6.5 Provide infection prevention and control education to residents, visitors, caregivers and contractors.
6.6 Offer infection prevention and control resources and education to Resident and Family Councils
6.7 Provides infection prevention and control resources to health disciplines within and outside the organization.
7. Quality Improvement Program
7.1 Design audits to validate infection prevention and control practices.
7.2 Analyze audit findings and present actions for improvement to the IPAC Committee.
7.3 Formulate quality reports to be submitted to the Quality, Safety and Risk Committee.
7.4 LTC Quality protocols are to be completed annually and submitted to Director of Risk Management and Infection Control Practitioner and IPAC Committee/Administrator.
7.5 Participate in quality programs such as wound care, catheter usage etc, that have potential for infection
8. Professional Development
8.1 Acquires and maintains current IPAC knowledge and skills in epidemiology
8.2 Is responsible for the development, evaluation, and improvement of his/her own practice in relation to the practice standards for IPAC.
8.3 Keeps current with new issues and trends in infection prevention and control through literature and research and applying relevant findings into IPAC practice.
8.4 Participates in the Infection Prevention and Control Groups and Associations (IPAC-Canada, Regional Infection Control Network etc.).
9. Other
9.1 Work in collaboration with the Occupational Health Nurse, and Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator.
9.2 Work in collaboration with Clinical Leadership and Medical Staff.
9.3 Involvement in facility design, maintenance and construction projects.
9.4 Participation in planning activities for emerging pathogens, bioterrorism and pandemics.
9.5 Collaborate with Infection Control Practitioner to ensure coverage at all sites, and cover each other during time off.
9.6 Travel to other RHC sites across the district.
9.7 Other duties as assigned.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
1. Human Resource Policies
2. Corporation Policies
3. Department Policies
4. Must provide satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
5. Must maintain valid Class ‘G’ Driver’s License