167920 - Infection Prevention and Control Professional - Department of Health and Wellness - Permanent

The Department of Health and Wellness is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The Infection Prevention and Control Professional (ICP) is responsible for surveillance, support, guidance and educational programs related to infection prevention and control in the health care system. In private long-term care and community care, the ICP directs the provision of high-quality resident care through Infection Control best practice. This position provides leadership and support for the staff in private LTC homes. These staff are responsible for activities which contribute to the prevention and control of nosocomial, community associated, and occupational infections. The ICP develops and maintains a high level of clinical competency and reports to the ICP team lead.

**Duties will include but are not limited to**:

- Provides guidance, recommendation, consultation, advice and leadership to the private long-term care and community care staff and administrators involved in the care and treatment of residents;
- Operational guidance with regards to evidence-based infection prevention and control practices;
- Collaborates with infection control supervisor and Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) with regards to policy guidance and best practice for infection control practices;
- Liaises with care service & dietary inspectors on infection control issues that have been identified within private long -term care and community care homes;
- Provides infection control support to homes experiencing an outbreak;
- Resource to the infection prevention and control committees in the facilities;
- Conducts on-going in-service education programs for infection prevention and control procedures and techniques for staff in private long-term care and community care homes;
- Provides formal and informal instruction, consultation and guidance relating to infection prevention and control techniques and practices as required;
- Demonstrates the use of new infection prevention and control equipment and supplies;
- Remains current in relevant research, professional literature, policies and procedures, and departmental roles and responsibilities;
- Participates in developing a standardized surveillance plan(s) based on the population(s) served, services provided, and previous surveillance data;
- Plans, collects, analyzes, interprets, and reports health care transmission (e.g. antibiotic resistant organisms, surgical site infections) and process (e.g. hand hygiene) surveillance data;
- Uses surveillance data to support, plan and implement practice changes to improve resident outcomes;
- Use a systematic surveillance approach to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are consistent with local goals and objectives;
- Reports and explains the implications of significant findings to stakeholders in a timely manner;
- Ensures requirements for communicable disease reporting are met (e.g. Public Health).

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- Baccalaureate degree in Nursing or a combination of a health or science undergraduate degree is required.
- Demonstrated equivalency will be considered.
- Strong clinical knowledge and the equivalent of four (4) full time years of recent related clinical experience as a practicing Registered Nurse/professional.
- Current Registration with the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of Prince Edward Island or applicable professional body.
- Must have Certification in Infection Control or have successfully completed a recognized Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) course. Applicants who do not possess Certification or the required course may be considered but will be expected to successfully complete a recognized IPAC course within a year from date of hire.
- High level of professionalism demonstrated leadership abilities and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to undertake programs of continuing study which are identified by the employer as relating to the role and function of the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse.
- Proficiency in use of computers, word processing and database is required.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle to travel to the LTC sites and Community Care facilities across the province.
- Experience and/or education in Adult Education is an asset.

**This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.**

**IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TH