Job Summary:
In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Practitioner reports into the Coordinator/Clinical Manager, IPAC and works in collaboration with IPAC Medical Leads for the clinical programs across multiple sites within PHSA. The IPAC Practitioner has an active role in the prevention, surveillance, and control of health care associated infections; and implements and evaluates policies, procedures and programs for infection prevention and control within the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) of BC. The IPAC Practitioner collaborates with the clinical program IPAC committees, clinical operational teams and the organization-wide IPAC team. The IPAC Practitioner also maintains liaison with the leaders across the organization and within the clinical programs on operational and professional matters. This is a multi-site position that will be expected to carry out duties at various sites throughout PHSA.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Monitors and audits compliance of departments, patients, visitors, employees, contracted providers, students/residents, and volunteers with effective infection prevention and control policies and procedures including routine practices and precautions.
2. Monitors application and compliance of IPAC practices in all inpatient units, outpatient units and program service areas, and acts as a member of the interdisciplinary team while discussing and problem solving various IPAC issues related to patient movement, isolation, outbreaks, etc.
3. Acts as a clinical resource to provide a best practice, standard approach to IPAC related practices in all clinical areas through policy, education, consultation, auditing and QI.
4. Provides in the moment education to patients, visitors, employees, contracted providers, students/residents, and volunteers on infection prevention and control topics and issues.
5. Participates in development and delivery of ongoing education programs to employees, contracted providers, students/residents, and volunteers on issues such as routine practices, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, and cleaning and disinfection.
6. Supports the process to maintain the IPAC practices across PHSA programs by reviewing or developing protocols, policies, standards, and/or procedures to ensure material is up-to-date with current evidence based practice, in conjunction with the PHSA-wide IPAC team and the leadership teams within the clinical programs . Participates in stakeholder feedback process and ensures that revisions are made available in a timely manner.
7. Assist in implementation of approved changes and evaluates the effectiveness of the modifications on a regular basis, in collaboration with all key stakeholders.
8. Initiates IPAC epidemiological investigations for infectious disease outbreaks.
9. Performs IPAC surveillance, including focused surveillance of selected patient groups by capturing data and maintaining computerized records of details such as location, isolation, general treatment of patient infections, and realized or potential and related problems.
10. Interprets, prepares and reports IPAC surveillance results including recommendations to management for changes and improvements.
11. Report all communicable or contagious diseases to public health officials as necessary per organizational processes and as required by law by calling and/or providing written reports according to guidelines.
12. Participates as a member of relevant committees by providing reports on unit activities, bringing issues and concerns forward, and recommending/initiating follow-up action as required.
13. Participates in research projects by identifying the need for data collection, collating and analyzing data, summarizing and writing material for publication as directed.
14. Represents IPAC by participating in appropriate committees as the IPAC consultant on issues such as Employee Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Supply and Equipment, Construction, and Environmental Cleaning Services.
15. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the community at large, such as Public Health Departments, Tuberculosis Control and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
16. Participates in the assessment, selection and monitoring of new equipment as it relates to infection prevention and control.
17. Consults regarding planning renovations/construction to ensure infection prevention and control standards are incorporated into design.
18. Maintains knowledge of current developments in the IPAC field, through a variety of methods including review of relevant literature, consulting with other professionals and attending relevant education programs as required.
19. In collaboration with other professional groups, participates in IPAC related incidents and investigations, such as floods, poor patient outcomes etc.
20. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Minimum of three (3) years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Recognized post graduate Infection Control education and/or certification (Certification Board for Infection Control). For certain facilities performance of the duties requires a continually updated knowledge of changes and developments in the practice of psychiatric nursing and of applicable Federal and Provincial legislation (the Criminal Code of Canada, Forensic Psychiatry Act, the Mental Health Act, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Young Offenders Act, Public Trustee Act, etc.
• A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for business related purposes, as required.
• Travel outside of existing geographic area and/or overnight travel may be required, and will be compensated in accordance with applicable collective agreement language.
Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of technology and software applications such as electronic medical record software, database software, Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal, teaching and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, organize work and set priorities.
• Ability to access and critically review literature.
• Ability to coordinate, implement and evaluate educational programs.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to handle unexpected situations calmly and in a professional manner.
• Good negotiating skills.
• Ability to travel to designated facilities and work sites.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
NBA internal positions are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours. A selection decision will be made within 7 business days of the posting closing date. If an interview is required, you must be available. Interviews are scheduled for January 13, 17, & 21, 2025. The successful applicant has 48 hours to accept or decline the position. If you will not be available to accept or decline the job offer during the selection process, you must assign a designate that the Hiring Leader may contact during your absence. Please ensure you have clearly identified your designate on your resume or cover letter. If you have any questions regarding this new process, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk by email at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca