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POSITION
(Title):
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Full Time - Infection Prevention and Control Associate
(IPAC) – Long Term Care
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DEPARTMENT/SERVICE
AREA:
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Infection Prevention and Control
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SITE:
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Rainycrest Long Term Care
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FTE:
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1.0
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Reports
To:
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Director of Risk Management
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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.
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
- Class G
Ontario Driver’s License
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
Shared responsibility for IPAC program at Emo Health Centre with
travel to that site weekly.
SPECIFIC
DUTIES:
1. Development and ongoing review of
Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures for LTC in
collaboration with Infection Control Practitioner (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 team members, 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 by ensuring routine immunizations are offered on
admission and remain up to date for all residents.
2.8 Coordinate
and lead seasonal vaccination clinics for residents and collaborate with Staff
Health for employee vaccinations.
3.Surveillance
3.1 Using a systematic surveillance approach
to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are
consistent with the organization’s 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.
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 compliant 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