Onboarding New IPs: A Structured Approach

The field of infection prevention is consistently changing which presents a challenge for novice infection preventionists who are new to the discipline. Although infection control and prevention has evolved over the last 15 years, there are basic practices that every IP must know in order to function effectively in their role. For many novices, infection control and prevention can be an intimidating world to enter into. Many may not have an academic background or prior experience in infection control and prevention and lack formal training. They may be thrust into their role without direction and are still expected to perform at an advanced level. This can be challenging, as many IPs are forced to self-train, create duties and roles, or seek out other avenues for training creating knowledge gaps and uninformed practices.

This presentation will focus on the importance and benefits of having a structured and standardized approach for orienting new IPs to their role and to the field of infection prevention. Having formalized new IP orientation checklists helps to ensure each IP has the basic training needed to function independently in their new role. Strategies for organizing and scheduling training sessions will be provided. This presentation will share strategies and approaches from the infection preventionist training program at a multi-facility healthcare system that has been identified as a best practice by regulatory and accreditation bodies.Speakers will:Discuss the importance and benefits of having a structured and standardized New IP Orientation.Analyze strategies for organizing and scheduling training sessions.Evaluate the role of IPs and IP Leaders in attaining a successful orientation-training program.

Speakers will:

• Discuss the importance and benefits of having a structured and standardized New IP Orientation
• Analyze strategies for organizing and scheduling training sessions
• Evaluate the role of IPs and IP Leaders in attaining a successful orientation-training program