Infection Control Professional (Nurse IV)

QUALIFICATIONS
* Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
* Eligible for active practicing licensure as a Registered Nurse with applicable regulatory body in the province of Manitoba
* Three (3) years within the past five (5) years of professional experience in a Health Care setting
* Formal infection prevention and control education and/or willingness to obtain
* Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Training, as delineated in Prairie Mountain Health Policy PPG-00002 CPR Training
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers Licence, or equivalent from province of residence, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within Prairie Mountain Health
* Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
* Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to work independently
* Demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures in a changing environment
* Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team
* The successful applicant may be eligible for an annual full-time incentive of up to $2,000 each year as per MOU #31 of the current MNU Collective Agreement

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Regional Infection Control Professional (ICP), working in conjunction with appropriate management, and in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, physicians, Immunization and Communicable Disease Coordinators as well as facility based clinical staff; assesses, plans, develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates infection prevention and control services for Acute Care, Long Term Care, Community Health Services and Emergency Medical Services within Prairie Mountain Health. The Infection Control Professional plans and coordinates services in compliance with legislation and standards within the vision, mission and strategic priorities of Prairie Mountain Health.

The Nurse IV recognizes and fulfills their professional responsibilities by practicing in a manner consistent with professional obligations to take actions as per the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses, The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses, the scope of practice as defined by the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), and other Provincial and Federal legislation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Overview:

1. Participates in the development of evidence-informed infection control policies with the Regional Infection Prevention and Control Team, ensuring processes and guidelines are based on best practice, legislation and standards.
2. Provides ongoing direction related to infection control routine practices and additional precautions in accordance with regional, provincial and national standards.
3. Ensures ongoing appropriate monitoring of cleaning, sterilization and disinfection processes.
4. Ensures Healthcare Acquired Infection Reports are completed by staff collating reports for statistical purposes in compliance with legislation and standards.
5. Develops and delivers educational programs for clients and health care personnel in all matters relating to infection prevention and control.
6. Investigates and controls real or potential infections.
7. Collaborates with relevant Infection Prevention Control Professionals, Regional Manager of Clinical Programs, Care Team Managers, Clinical Resource Nurses, Medical Officer of Health and Communicable Disease Coordinators in relation to infection control issues.
8. Investigates and provides ongoing surveillance of facility acquired infections including data collection, data analysis, interpretation and reporting.
9. Assists staff and physicians in decision making and problem solving in relation to infection control issues.
10. Assesses clinical status and infectious disease diagnosis and determines appropriate infection control interventions.
11. Identifies potential outbreaks and initiates appropriate investigation and infection control precautions and in consultation with the Medical Officer of Health and the Infection Prevention Control Team.
12. Ensures outbreak control measures are in place and being followed by staff.
13. Communicates with internal and external expert resources and regional ICPs in Prairie Mountain Health in matters dealing with individual patients or other identified issues.
14. Consults with physicians as appropriate regarding patients with exposure to communicable disease during hospitalization.
15. Maintains regional records of surveillance reporting (line listings), blood and body fluid exposures and Health Care Acquired Infection Reports forwarding these to the Regional Infection Prevention Control Team for regional statistics.
16. Participates in, works collaboratively with and provides support to the Regional Infection Prevention and Control Team.
17. Participates in the development, maintenance and revision of the Regional Infection Prevention and Control manual for Prairie Mountain Health.
18. Collaborates with Provincial working groups and works in consultation with provincial colleagues.
19. Other duties as assigned.