Regional Nurse 4, Infection Prevention & Control - Long Term Care

Position Overview

Under the general direction of the Program Director, and working within the Mission, Values and Management Philosophy of the WRHA, the WRHA Infection Prevention and Control Program, the Infection Prevention and Control Specialist:

• Is responsible for assisting with and providing coverage or input on the WRHA regional infection surveillance program as well as providing support to the regional and site Infection Prevention and Control Programs.
• Synthesizes knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control practices including infection surveillance, teaching & learning processes, microbiology, epidemiology and biostatics in supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control programs and services.
• Provides clinical supervision, expertise, consultation, education, and orientation to Infection Prevention and Control staff as well as partners within and outside of the WRHA regarding Infection Prevention and Control.
• Leads and participates in various Infection Prevention and Control-related groups and initiatives.
• Is an integral member of the Regional Infection Prevention and Control Program and collaborates with other members of the Infection Prevention and Control Program, including the Infection Prevention and Control Program Team, Infection Control Professionals, Infection Control Assistants, Medical Directors, and other Infection Prevention and Control staff.
• Is responsible for fostering collaborative working relationships with the sites and the community in relation to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Practices in accordance with all relevant legislation (e.g., Public Health Act and Personal Health Information Act).
• Promotes and maintains professional practice standards, competencies and protocols (i.e., CNA, CRNM, WRHA).
• Performs other duties as required.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years recent related experience in health care.
• Recent experience in Infection Prevention and Control.
• Experience with program planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
• Previous experience in education and/or clinical research preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Baccalaureate degree in Nursing. 
• Post-graduate training in a relevant area, including epidemiology, biostatistics and/or microbiology recommended.
• Completion of an Infection Prevention and Control course.
• Infection Prevention and Control training.
• Certification in Infection Control from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Incorporated.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Current registration or eligibility for registration with CRNM required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • The vision, values, goals and objectives of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
  • The goals and objectives of the WRHA Infection Prevention and Control Program.
  • The Personal Health Information Act.
  • Advanced knowledge of current Infection Prevention and Control practices, teaching and learning processes, Infection Prevention and Control surveillance and other relevant areas such as microbiology, epidemiology and biostatics.
  • Demonstrated computer knowledge and skills essential.
  • Infection Prevention and Control software, e.g. Epi Info, AICE, IM Pro.
• Organizational, interpersonal, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, conflict resolution, decision-making and communication skills; leadership ability, self-directed and able to work with, coach and mentor staff at all levels.
• Proven ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to adapt readily to changing demands and situations, new concepts, techniques and best practices in Infection Prevention and Control.
• Demonstrated professional judgment and initiative.
• Ability to organize and complete assignments with a minimum of supervision.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to work for long periods of time at a computer.
• May be required to stand, bend and do lifting for extended periods of time.
• May be required to answer phones for extended periods of time.