Department: Infection Control
Work Type: Full Time Infection Control Practitioner
Location: WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital, KW Campus)
This role is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy
Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.
At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.
Please Note: New employees must provide documentation/proof of COVID-19 vaccination status, a 2-step TB test, as well as proof of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) prior to their start date at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). New Employees will require clearance from Employee Health, Safety and Wellness before they are able to begin any position within WRHN.
Position Summary :
As an integral member of Waterloo Regional Health Network, the Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) provides expertise and consultation to meet the needs of an evolving infection prevention and control program. The Infection Control Practitioner reports to the Manager of Infection Prevention and Control. The ICP works closely with the patient care programs and supervises the development, implementation, and evaluation of the infection prevention and control strategies for the patient care programs.
This includes surveillance activities; outbreak management; acting as a consultant internally and externally; providing education to all levels of healthcare providers and patients; reviewing, selecting and distributing appropriate scientific evidence and best practices; linking with external agencies across the continuum of care; participating in research activities and applying continuous quality improvement principles. The role also includes providing infection prevention and control recommendations for construction and design projects and product evaluation. The ICP will be required to develop and maintain a personal education program that supports continuing improvement in the role. The successful candidate must be willing to travel to all campuses, and satellite locations as required.
Position Requirements:
- Current registration as a regulated health professional in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, or another regulated healthcare profession and/or a Baccalaureate degree in a healthcare related field.
- Master's in a healthcare related field preferred
- Successful completion of an IPAC Canada endorsed basic training course in Infection Prevention and Control.
- Clinical experience and/or has job related experience in a health care field and familiarity with patient care practices in a hospital setting is required.
- Experience as an Infection Control Professional in an acute care healthcare setting is preferred.
- Certification (or eligible for certification) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC), or willingness to obtain certification within 2 years.
- Member of the National Infection Control Association (IPAC Canada) preferred.
- Demonstrates the ability to effectively articulate the important components of an infection prevention and control program with all levels of personnel/clients.
- Expert Infection Prevention & Control knowledge and demonstrates the ability to integrate this knowledge into clinical practice
- Possesses the ability to act as a resource and problem solve Infection Prevention & Control issues.
- Possesses knowledge of and is able to utilize educational principles in program development and teaching.
- Possesses knowledge of epidemiological principles, statistics, microbiology and infectious diseases.
- Possesses knowledge of and utilizes the principles of continuous quality improvement.
- Works independently and is self-motivated and self-directed while possessing the ability to work within a team in a collaborative manner.
- Demonstrates expert verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates skill in computer databases (uses spreadsheets, Word, PowerPoint, Internet and literature searches, email comfortably).
- Flexible and able to work effectively with the team with minimal supervision.
- Consistent and regular attendance required.
Application Instructions:
EMPLOYEES OF LEGACY GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION ELECTRONICALLY USING EMPATH.
As per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.
WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.
Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
International Applicants
If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.
We would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest and only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.
