Infection Control Professional (N4)

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Director Health Services, Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) and Medical Device Reprocessing and working within the Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Direction of the WRHA, the Infection Control Professional performs key roles which include:

• Provides clinical expertise, support, and direction to staff, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams in addressing infection prevention and control issues through consultation and education, and acts as a resource.
• Leads the development, implementation, evaluation and revision of regional IP&C policies, procedures, operational directives, and initiatives to ensure consistency of practice in all healthcare settings.
• Leads the local implementation and evaluation of IP&C interventions including education, in collaboration with assigned sites and associated stakeholders, ensuring consistency with WRHA IP&C direction.
• Advises sites on implementation of recommended IP&C measures to minimize risk of health care associated infections (HAIs).
• Ensures ongoing targeted surveillance of infection and colonization.
• Ensures timely execution of recommended IP&C measures where appropriate.
• Communicates and collaborates regarding IP&C issues across the continuum of care.
• Leads the development, implementation, facilitation, and evaluation of IP&C education in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Participates in IP&C research and knowledge translation activities.

Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years clinical nursing experience in a healthcare setting.
• Experience working in the field of Infection Prevention and Control preferred.
• Progressive experience in a leadership capacity with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience delivering education programming is preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing required.
• Master’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Completion of an Infection Prevention and Control Course endorsed by IPAC Canada. Successful candidate will be expected to successfully complete course within 1 year of hire if not already successfully completed.
• Additional education in areas pertinent to IPAC Canada core competencies an asset, e.g., Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated, Adult Education, leadership, microbiology, epidemiology.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Active member of and licensed in good standing with the CRNM required.
• Valid Manitoba Driver’s License and access to a vehicle required. Must be able to travel within the applicable geographic area (SDO specific) to fulfill the duties of this position.
• Certification in Infection Control required (CIC designation). Successful candidate will be expected to obtain certification within 2 years of hire if not already CIC designated.
• Obtaining and maintaining membership with IPAC Canada is a condition of employment.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of IP&C competencies including microbiology, infectious disease, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
• Demonstrated ability to critically think, analyze, interpret, and apply relevant practice knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to form effective and respectful working relationships with team members, other professionals, clients, stakeholders, and the community, with diverse values, perspectives, and ideas.
• Demonstrated strong organizational, problem-solving skills and decision-making skills, including the ability to prioritize, interpret and respond appropriately to multiple concurrent activities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required, with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in applying principles and approaches in quality improvement and adult education development and delivery.
• Proficiency in use of common office software.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the ability to effectively use database management software or data entry and analysis.
• Knowledge of the mission, vision, values, and strategic direction of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA).
• Knowledge of the key roles and duties of the WRHA Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Knowledge of Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).
• Demonstrated knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control competencies.
• Highly motivated, and energetic team player.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of program development, and adult education.
• Demonstrated ability to function collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to function in a self-directed, independent manner with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and critically review literature.
• Demonstrated time-management, interpersonal, clinical reasoning, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities, and function effectively independently and in collaboration with others to achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to delegate appropriately and monitor outcomes of delegation.
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adjust to new or unexpected events.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional development.

Physical Requirements

• Fast paced environment.
• Contact with the public, patients/residents/clients and other healthcare professionals.
• Variable daily tasks.
• Multiple concurrent demands.
• Must be able to concentrate over extended periods of time despite frequent interruptions.
• Pressure to perform duties accurately and efficiently within a prescribed period of time despite frequent interruptions.
• Required to enter construction sites, plant maintenance, medical device reprocessing, laboratory, and other ancillary areas.
• Required to work for extended periods of time on the computer (NOTE: computer and telephone use represent repetitive tasks).
• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• May be required to have dialogue via the phone for extended periods of time.
• Travel throughout the SDO will be required.
• May encounter individuals with aggressive behavior.