Coordinator, Infection, Prevention and Control

**Summary of Duties**
Reporting to the Director of Care, the Coordinator, Infection, Prevention and Control works collaboratively with administrators, managers and employees to lead, develop and implement an Infection, Prevention and Control (IPAC) Program within the Dearness Home (the Home). With a focus on continuous improvement, the position will recommend policies and implement procedures and responses to infectious/communicable diseases, compliant with legislation and Dearness Home expectations, ensuring effective IPAC practices; conduct monitoring, surveillance and reporting and liaise with Public Health to manage outbreaks. Directing and supervising all nursing staff for compliance to their roles, this position will work to develop a culture of compliance and adherence to infection prevention and control using a person-centred care philosophy.

The Coordinator, Infection, Prevention and Control is a member of the nursing management team and is expected to work every other weekend.

**Work Performed** As infection, prevention and control lead**:

- Provides leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs in the following areas of accountability:

- Ensures an infection prevention and control surveillance plan is in place and conducted, and evaluates and modifies the effectiveness of same.
- Works with the interdisciplinary team to implement the infection control program.
- Provides leadership, consultation, and guidance to administration, committees, staff, and managers regarding infection prevention and control.
- Reviews daily and monthly screening results to determine if action is required.
- Promotes and supports staff compliance with policies, public health standards, and accreditation standards through regular auditing, meetings, and problem solving.
- Directs and supervises all employees in the Home with regard to compliance in infection, prevention and control.
- Provides advice and training for management team regarding infection control activities and input for Employee Rounding.
- Liaises with Public Health staff and physicians regarding infection prevention and control matters.
- Identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators, audits, and observations of infection control practices in the Home.
- Coordinates the Home’s infection prevention and control improvement activities.
- Reviews related research and documents and disseminates information through practice, education, and consultation.
- Provides ongoing infection control education to all staff, caregivers, volunteers, visitors, and residents.
- Maintains access to infection prevention and control information.
- Advises and provides expertise to staff regarding protocols and related issues.
- Coordinates annual vaccination of staff, residents, and the public at immunization clinics, and tracks staff immunization status. Ensures new staff are current with influenza immunization.
- Evaluates infection control technology, practices, and products for cost-effectiveness and makes recommendations for purchase/implementation. Ensures maintenance of supplies and equipment required for infection control.
- Receives notification and tracks resident admissions/status with infections (e.g., skin and wound, antibiotic resistant organism); advises staff on protocols; sets up isolation procedures.
- Coordinates respirator fit testing and maintains related records.
- Ensures the Home’s cleaning and disinfection protocols are followed, including those of contracted services, such as hairdressing and foot care.
- Participates in Public Health and Ministry inspections.
- Maintains current list of staff who work at other facilities (employers).

**In conjunction with the responsible Assistant Director of Care**:

- Convenes the interdisciplinary infection prevention and control team at least quarterly, and at a more frequent intervals during an infectious disease outbreak in the home.
- Reviews, analyses, and tracks surveillance data, including outbreak investigations; provides reports; disseminates information; and modifies the Home's plan for improvement of practice and resident outcomes.
- Makes recommendations based on accepted, evidence-based infection prevention and control strategies, giving consideration to clinical outcomes and financial implications.
- Collaborates with staff on integrating regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, guidelines, and current infection control practices into policies and procedures.

**Qualifications/Experience**
Completion of a Nursing program, such as the Registered Practical Nurse designation, with current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
A current certification in infection control from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, and within 3 years of hire attain any additional qualification(s) as required in the Fixing Long-Term Act, 2021 and related Regulations (O. Reg. 246/22).

Education and several years of experience in infec