pathologists' assistant @ Cassellholme

Consider Your Next Career with Cassellholme!

Cassellholme, a not for profit, charitable organization, operates a 240 bed Long-Term Care facility serving residents 18 years of age or older who have long-term health care needs as well as a Community Support Services program that supports seniors' independent living.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting to the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Manager, the IPAC Assistant supports the day-to-day delivery of the IPAC program through surveillance, auditing, data collection, outbreak response, immunization support, education, and monitoring of infection prevention and control practices throughout the home. The IPAC Assistant works collaboratively with the IPAC Manager, nursing and care staff, and other departments to promote a safe and healthy environment for residents, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

• Review emails, voice messages, and the 24-hour report for IPAC concerns and follow up as required.
• Run and review the Isolation Report and complete routine audits of residents on isolation or additional precautions to ensure appropriate signage, PPE, hand hygiene supplies, dedicated equipment, and waste/disposal containers are in place.
• Assist with isolation and precaution implementation by ensuring appropriate supplies and resources are available and escalating concerns to the IPAC Manager as required.
• Assist with required infection-related testing and follow up to confirm that appropriate assessments, specimens, interventions, and medications have been initiated as directed.
• Monitor PPE and IPAC supplies on the units, identify shortages, restock as required, and monitor expiry dates.
• Review staff sick calls, identify trends, and collect data for health and safety committee reporting. Escalate concerns to the IPAC Manager as required.
• Support outbreak management on affected unit(s), assist the IPAC Manager as required, and complete increased auditing during outbreaks.
• Complete IPAC audits, including hand hygiene, PPE, isolation practices, environmental and equipment cleaning, quarterly IPAC audits, and other audits assigned by the IPAC Manager.
• Assist with monthly infection-rate data collection for monthly reporting purposes.
• Support specimen collection processes by ensuring appropriate specimen supplies are available and assisting with audits of requisitions, labeling, collection, and submission as assigned.
• Assist with immunization-related IPAC activities, including supporting vaccine clinics, and maintaining and tracking staff vaccination records.
• Maintain IPAC resources and supplies on the units, including IPAC resource binders, isolation supplies, signage, and educational materials.
• Audit medication rooms for cleanliness, expired products, appropriate use of single-use items, and medication-fridge requirements.
• Check that vaccine-fridge temperatures have been recorded and identify missed evening logs for follow-up.
• Maintain a record of resident catheters and complete monthly audits to confirm changes are occurring as ordered.
• Monitor that oxygen tubing, NG tubes, and similar equipment are changed in accordance with policy.
• Collect immunization history for new admissions and document the information in PointClickCare (PCC).
• Provide IPAC education and assist with IPAC orientation for new employees.
• Provide IPAC education huddles as needed when reminders, education, or practice changes need to be communicated.
• Provide in-person IPAC education sessions and maintain records of education provided.
• Monitor completion of annual IPAC education and follow up as required.
• Remain current with IPAC best practices and participate in ongoing education.
• Support compliance with applicable Ministry requirements, public health guidance, and Cassellholme IPAC policies and procedures.
• Provide back-up support to the IPAC Manager as assigned and perform other IPAC-related duties within the scope of the position.

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