Registered Nurse (RN) - Infection Prevention & Control

Position Summary

As an integral member of the infection control team at Quinte Health, the Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) provides expertise and consultation to meet the needs of an evolving infection prevention and control program. The ICP works closely with patient care programs, clinical and non-clinical support services, physicians and staff. The ICP develops, implements and monitors infection prevention and control practices and strategies across the organization and performs these duties in alignment with best practices standards and guidelines. Collaboration with units spanning across all 4 Quinte Health sites is necessary and therefore inter-hospital travel is routinely required. This position requires a keen eye for detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.

Required

• Current Certificate of Registration, in good standing, from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Current certification in BCLS or CPR, or proof of enrolment in a recertification course. You will be asked to provide a copy of your valid certificate at the time of hire/transfer.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Current Certification in Infection Control (C.I.C.) or who has not obtained certification in infection prevention and control must do so within 2 years of accepting the position.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in bedside nursing/clinical care, in an active care environment, and with a strong knowledge of patient care practices.
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles, basic clinical microbiology, statistics, infectious diseases, principles of adult education, sterilization / disinfection / sanitation practices, waste management.
• Understanding of routine practices and additional precautions.
• Ability to set goals and to work independently (self-motivated, self-directed) and able to work as a contributing team member.
• Ability to organize workload and time efficiently.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Ability to access and critically review literature.
• Ability to maintain discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality in interpersonal relations.
• Satisfactory attendance record.
• A knowledge of computer databases and spreadsheet applications, proficiency in MS Office, email, and Internet applications e.g. literature search is essential.
• Capable of coping with a physically demanding workload (Physical Demands Analysis available to review).

Preferred
• Experience with construction and renovation projects in relation to infection control preferred.

Duties

• Develop and Implement Infection Control Policies and Procedures: Design, implement, and evaluate infection prevention and control policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines and best practices and which meet the variety of services offered at each of the 4 Quinte Health sites.
• Conduct Surveillance Activities: Apply epidemiologic principles and perform routine surveillance of hospital acquired infections, antibiotic resistant organisms, communicable and reportable diseases, and other infectious risks within Quinte Health.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to infection rates, outbreaks, and trends. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders.
• Assess learning needs of individuals: prepare, deliver and evaluate educational programs designed to reduce infection rates while protecting staff and patients.
• Educate and Train Staff: Provide education and training to interdisciplinary teams on infection control assessment, prevention and control strategies , including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and environmental cleaning protocols.
• Collaborate with Healthcare Teams: Work collaboratively with internal and external healthcare providers, administrators, and support staff to develop and implement infection control strategies tailored to specific patient populations and unit needs.
• Outbreak Management: Provides expertise in coordinating outbreak investigations, including the identification of the source of infection, implementation of control measures, education of teams and communication with relevant authorities.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives: Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing infection prevention and control processes, such as construction and performance improvement projects.
• Stay Current with Evidence-Based Practices: Stay abreast of emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and advancements in infection control practices through active membership in professional bodies (e.g. APIC), contact with relevant government agencies (e.g. Health Canada, Public Health Ontario, CSA, Ontario Ministry of Health) Health, PIDAC), and other authoritative bodies and through the pursuit of related continuing education.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations related to infection prevention and control, including mandatory reporting requirements.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Foster a culture of safety within all 4 Quinte Health sites by promoting awareness of infection control principles and fostering a collaborative approach to patient safety.
• Meeting Attendance and Participation: Required to serve on various organizational, community and provincial committees.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be adjusted as needed to meet the evolving needs of the organization.

At Quinte Health, guided by our core values of Imagine It's You, Value Everyone, We All Make a Difference, and Stronger Together, our family of four hospitals holds a central role in the mission to enhance lives and foster healthier communities. We operate as a cohesive team, uniting all our hospitals, to deliver local and regional healthcare services. In partnership with our communities, we strive to improve access to high-quality care, right in their own neighborhoods.

Our sense of fulfillment is deeply rooted in the impactful work we do, a sentiment shared by our dynamic teams of staff, dedicated physicians, and committed volunteers. They not only care passionately for our patients but also for each other, embodying our core values at every turn.

We don't just serve our communities, we actively contribute to them. Quinte Health is woven into the fabric of our local landscape, with our team members residing, raising their families, and often retiring right here in the communities they cherish. We are on a constant lookout for compassionate and dedicated individuals to join our team. Our diverse array of exciting roles encompasses positions that span multiple hospitals, as well as opportunities situated within a single hospital. Join us as we live out our values in providing exceptional healthcare close to home.

Physical Demands Analysis

Strength
• Required Occasionally – lifting and carrying average weight 20 pounds and max 50, pushing/pulling average 10-15 pounds and max 30 pounds, patient assist approx. 100 pounds
Mobility
• Required Constantly – standing
• Required Frequently – walking, bending/stooping
• Required Occasionally – sitting, twisting/turning, bending, crouching/squatting, kneeling
• Required Rarely – balancing, climbing
Dexterity
• Required Frequently – forward shoulder movements, gripping/grasping, pinching, neck, elbow, shoulder, wrist and back normal range of motion
• Required Occasionally – fine finger movements, shoulder movements (up/down)
• Required Rarely – foot action

Equal Opportunity

We thank all interested candidates for their response, however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. Quinte Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting needs under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our Recruitment process follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act in order to provide a fair and equitable process for all candidates. Applicants requiring accommodation through the recruitment/interview process are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department at 613-969-7400 x2577 or humanresources@qhc.on.ca for assistance.