IPAC LEAD- RPN

Southbridge Healthcare LP•Trent Hills, ON

3d•CA$75,000 - CA$80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Regional IPAC Specialist, the IPAC Lead will be a resident safety expert who leads the planning, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of system-wide improvements in infection prevention and serve as a role model to promote the goals of the IPAC program within the context of the vision and mission of Southbridge. You will facilitate change through interpretation and application of standards and provide best practice recommendations with the ultimate goal of improving resident outcomes and preventing disease outbreaks.

Requirements

RN/RPN degree or diploma (Preferred)
Bachelor’s degree in other healthcare related field, e.g., Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Science, Medicine or Occupational Health.
CIC-LTC certification required.
A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in infection control is required.
Experience and proficiency in the following: resident care practice, microbiology and infectious diseases, epidemiology and Biostatistics, outbreak response

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/French language is preferred and considered an asset.
Previous experience in long-term care as well as knowledge of applicable legislation is an asset.

Responsibilities

Coordination and implementation of infection prevention and control practices for the home
Participate in the planning of an infection surveillance program and lead the management of outbreaks in consultation with the local public health unit
Perform daily infection surveillance and develop the monthly surveillance report
Educate staff on the principles and practices of infection prevention and act as a resource regarding infection prevention and control
Maintain current vaccines for all residents; ensure the home is in compliance with the infection control guidelines mandated by the Long-Term Care Homes Act
Plan, develop, deliver and implement all training/orientation for current and new employees in accordance with legislation and health care standards, and in consultation with the Leadership Committee
Regularly evaluate training programs to ensure the needs of the home is being met
Identify and report safety hazards, conduct regular safety inspections and follow safe working practices and behavior
Provide expert guidance on facility design, maintenance, and construction projects
Lead the implementation of changes mandated by regulatory, accrediting, and licensing agencies (includes reporting communicable diseases to the local public health)
Monitor staff compliance with infection prevention guidelines regarding the disposal of sharps and biomedical waste, use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene practices and provides reports to the Infection Prevention Committees
Analyze infection trends, risk factors, and evaluate prevention and control strategies
Perform program assessment and make recommendations for correction and improvement
Lead the annual influenza vaccination campaign
Lead outbreak response efforts in coordination with the local public health unit
Conduct research and interpret evidence-based literature in developing IPAC best practices, guidelines, tools, and resources