Infection Control Officer for Silversea Cruises

We are currently recruiting for experienced Registered Nurse or Doctor, interested in a new role as Infection Control Officer!

Embarkation in ASAP

Wages in USD/per month worked on board - to be advised upon interview

Position Summary:

The Infection Control Officer is responsible for the coordination and execution of the company's Infection Prevention and Control Program, ensuring the company's public health and infectious disease standards are met and/or exceeded onboard to improve crew member and Guest safety through high quality care.

Main responsibility includes but are not limited to:

• Supervise the IPCS (Infection Prevention and Control System) and its implementation onboard
• Oversee all IPCS Staff onboard (Shipboard staff directly involved with or impacting the Infection Prevention)
• Lead and preside over the IPCS Committee onboard
• Implement and monitor a sanitary environment onboard
• Coordinate with Medical staff the supervision and evaluation of the medical care for each patient with a confirmed or suspected infectious disease diagnosis
• Promote, receive and assess internal reports and adverse events on infections (or related concerns) onboard
• Participate in the multi-disciplinary team to consult on new-build and modification projects that impact the IPCS

Qualifications:

The designated infection control officer or officers shall have the documented training and experience in infection control as defined by the Company and shall govern the policies for controlling infections and communicable diseases.

· Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related area preferred, from a recognized Medical educational program

· Active R.N. or A.R.N.P. license from a recognized jurisdiction

· Minimum 3 years of experience in implementing and evaluating infection control programs and working with regulatory agencies, or 3 years of shipboard experience as a Chief Nurse, a previous background in infection prevention desirable.

Successful completion of the company's infection training program

· Proficient in computers, Microsoft Office or related software and conducting internet research.

· Knowledge of training in a multicultural environment.

· Ability to multi-task and remain organized and flexible in a fast-paced environment

Specific duties:

Report to and Assist:

• the Captain onboard with a dotted reporting line to the IPCS Shoreside Chairperson
• The IPCS Shoreside Chairperson and the Shoreside IPCS Oversight group with matters on the IPCS including but not limited to:
  • provision of quarterly performance data,
  • establishing and monitoring of goals and objectives,
  • internal audits,
  • management reviews,
  • monitoring, analysis of patterns of incidents,
  • evaluation of the efficiency of the IPCS,
  • current risk assessments and new ones required by interim adverse events

Ensure / manage:

• for IPCS staff onboard:
  • involvement in performance improvement activities on infection prevention and control (e.g. risk assessment and indicator selection, data collection activities, and data analysis activities)
  • documented training and certifications is verified
  • training and qualification programs onboard are efficient
  • have undergone equivalent 4 hours of documented annual education specific to infection prevention and control on current practices and emerging issues
  • IPCS staffing determination / modification is assessed
  • Is periodically evaluated for performance

• reprocessing policies and procedures are implemented with regard to new devices or products purchased that affect the IPCS
• reports, data, records and documentation related to the IPCS are maintained onboard

Core Competencies:

Job Skills/Results:

Key Performance Indicators (KPI's):

· KPI's assigned to position/department.

Operational Effectiveness:
The areas included in the scope of the program are composed of, but not limited to:

- Management of immunization programs

- PPE guidelines donning and doffing training and fit testing for medical staff, ensuring adequate supplies of PPE are maintained onboard

- Training and monitoring of medical staff related to new procedures or equipment related to infection prevention or control

- Ensure adherence to autoclave and serialization protocols including training of staff

- Oversee Vessel Sanitation Program compliance and reporting where related to the medical facility
to ensure suitable records are maintained in accordance with VSP/CDC guidelines.

- Hand Hygiene compliance and monitoring in medical facility

- Oversee Medical Center cleaning protocols and training of the hospital cleaner

- Ensure proper logging and tracking of sharp containers and disposal procedures

- Review protocols related to laundering of possible contaminated laundry

- Monitor compliance of corporate needle stick policy

- Oversees testing and logging of water samples and assists as needed

Work with the pier coordinator to ensure the embarkation process is in line with company policy of social distancing and infection control policies and the medical screening process flows smoothly

The Infection Prevention Officer will be available to support the Medical Center staff as a RN during times of outbreak, pandemic or mass casualty incident.

Coordinates public health related functions for the medical team to ensure adherence with the highest operational standards of public health and compliance with company's public health policies as stated in SQM, SOPs, AMOS and any other documentation

Ensures company policy where related to the medical facility meets and/or exceeds regulations and requirements set forth by Public Health Regulatory Agencies world-wide including USPH-VSP, ShipSan, ANVISA.

Monitors gastrointestinal illness activity and guides the execution of the company's Outbreak Prevention Plan protocols

Oversees the execution of the quarantine plan and coordination of contact tracing.

Organizes and delivers public health awareness training to shipboard staff (class room style), ensuring awareness of all OPP protocols, Covid-19 and medical waste management Provides blood borne pathogen training and addresses other infectious concerns that may arise.Routinely communicates program effectiveness, best practices and lessons learned to shore side medical department.

People Skills:

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

· Stays "above the line" and accepts ownership for achieving results in all areas of accountability including SGI, ratings, revenue, Workplace Safety.

· Is a role model for others and serves as a positive ambassador of RCL.

· Resolves conflict with fact-based communication.

· Fosters team unity and inspires commitment to RCL Cruises

· Collaborates well and works up, down and across the organization

· Assists in training of all crew, including new hires

· Coaches and mentors potential future members of the team

Brand Culture:

· Knows our brand standards and is accountable for executing against them at all times.

· Guest facing communication is professional, on brand and visually appealing.

· Is a role model for others and serves as a positive ambassador of RCL Cruises.

· Exhibits professional presence, positive energy and passion in all situations.

· Brings out the best in his/her team through authenticity, care and humility.

Physical & Language Requirements:

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

· All shipboard employees must be physically able to participate in emergency life saving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

· All shipboard employees must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors and co-workers.