Director of Professional Practice, Clinical Education & IPAC

We are seeking an experienced healthcare professional leader to join us as:

Director of Professional Practice, Clinical Education & IPAC

Permanent Full-Time, Hybrid role

This leader will provide strategic direction for professional practice and education of the clinical staff/service providers with a focus on practice, education, safety and quality through a culture of continuous learning.  They will build skills and empower the professional practice team to create innovative system solutions that are responsive to the health care environment, ensuring positive client experiences and outcomes that will advance VHA’s goals and objectives.

This role is accountable for developing a learning strategy that promotes lifelong learning by building capacity across the organization to advance professional and interprofessional practice. The incumbent will also have accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practices across VHA Home HealthCare.

This is a leadership role reporting to VHA’s Vice President, Quality, Practice & Client Experience Chief Nursing & Health Professions Officer.

Key Areas of Accountability

VHA’s Director of Professional Practice, Clinical Education & IPAC is accountable for the following responsibilities, but not limited to:

Practice and Education Leadership:

• Lead staff and service providers’ development and the advancement of clinical practice utilizing a wide variety of resources, strategies and a collaborative, corporate approach.

• Lead the development and implementation of educational programs that support best practices across the organization and that align strategically with organizational priorities and/or program goals.

• Establish evidence-based practice through the development of relevant policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.

• Ensure VHA’s standards, attributes and competencies  support professional practice in keeping with local, regional, and national standards and guidelines.

• Promote a culture of continuous professional development and leading education initiatives for all health professions. 

• Facilitate program planning, development, execution and evaluation by continuously analyzing clinical needs to assist in on-going planning, evaluation and enhancement of programs.

• Establish and maintain an active network with external professional partners and colleagues, including academic centers supporting and providing educational experiences for all health professional learners.

• Guides the team to develop and implement strategies to build capacity amongst point of care staff and service providers to support growth opportunities within VHA, e.g. Preceptorship/mentorship program, specialty education.

• Ensure that new professional practice team members have a consistent onboarding pathway for a successful transition and integration into the team.

• Collaborate with senior leaders to ensure that the health professional practice from an educational perspective is reflected in program, regional and organizational strategic plans.

• Monitor and respond to future practice requirements or expanded scope of practice based on regulatory requirements, health care trends and changing client demographics and care requirements.

• Collaborate with Quality & Safety, Clinical Informatics, and other stakeholders to identify and utilize tools and relevant data to enhance practice, education and IPAC program development and process improvement.

IPAC Leadership:

• Ensure infection control standards and practices are congruent with provincial and federal legislative requirements, as well as evidenced informed policy and procedures.

• Proactively monitor IPAC issues and trends to prepare staff/service providers/organization to ensure safety practices.

• Connect with other service provider organizations/hospitals to ensure IPAC practices are aligned to promote client/staff/service providers safety.

• Consult and provide leadership across the organization related to IPAC issues and practices including annual vaccination program.

People management and development:

• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback in a positive and supportive manner that facilitates career development. 

• Establish a health professions educational infrastructure that focuses on staff accountability that builds on a seamless continuum from novice to expert.

• Recruit and retain appropriate professional practice and education staff.

• Promote ongoing professional development of the professional practice and education team with skills and experience to effectively meet clinical and client requirements.

• Ensure a high-quality work environment that promotes a culture of collaboration, staff wellbeing, safety, productivity, and recognition.

• Conduct regular performance reviews of direct reports as per VHA policies and procedures.

• Develop and implement performance measures in keeping with relevant professional regulatory standards, VHA standards and legislated requirements.

Research and Quality:

• Promote and contribute to practice environments that encourage learning, knowledge translation and research.

• Identify, develop and implement effective education evaluation frameworks.

• Create a culture that supports a learning environment for staff and learners.

• Enhance the profile of academic practice, support and advocate both internally and in the external community.

• Support the development of areas of focus for fellowship programs based on healthcare trends, professional development needs and increased client complexities

• Consult and provide leadership across the organization related to IPAC issues and practices.

Financial Stewardship

• Implement strategies to monitor the effective use of resources within the organization, such as supplies, equipment, educational resources, etc.

• Utilize data to monitor and advance the efficient and effective management of resources; enhance organizational efficiency.

• Accountable for authorization of expenditures.

• Prepare financial or activity reports, as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Registration with College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing.

• Registration and ongoing membership in professional associations (e.g. RNAO, CNA).

• Master’s Degree in a Health Care Related field (nursing preferred).

• Adult Education Certificate or formal education in adult learning concepts and curriculum design.

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a leadership position working in the healthcare sector (home and community care preferred).

• Holds current academic appointment/eligible for academic appointment.

• Experience in developing evidence-based practice standards, interprofessional integrated models of care, and guided by a people centered philosophy. 

• Deep understanding of the Regulated Health Professions Act, standards of professional practice and codes of ethics, as well as demonstrated knowledge of professional governance.

• Track record of achieving results through effective team leadership and a focus on team satisfaction and performance.

• Proven experience leading practice changes and meeting healthcare organizational best practices/standards (i.e. leading RNAO Best Practice Guidelines; Accreditation)

• Ability to establish good working relationships with colleagues, other program or service providers, and community and academic partners through demonstration of exemplary collaborative, consensus-building, conflict resolution and negotiating skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting – with exceptional skill in organization, prioritization, and time management.

• Open communicator with excellent interpersonal, communication, report writing and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated commitment to professional and staff development and the enhancement of academic excellence.

• Demonstrated ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects other’s values, preferences and unique abilities.

• Critical thinker – clear, logical, system thinker and innovative problem solver.

• Excellent knowledge of CQI and research methodologies with a commitment to quality care, exceptional customer service and a client-centred philosophy.

• Ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively to identify opportunities for improvement and progress.

• Facilitates the prevention, management and/or resolution of conflicts and resolves interpersonal conflicts swiftly and constructively.

• Supports learning and development of others through active coaching and mentoring.

• Prioritize safety and quality of care by integrating them into every aspect of operations.

• Be client-driven, understanding and meeting the unique needs and expectations of clients and their families.

• Uphold ethical practices in all operations, including transparency, honesty, and integrity.

• Availability to participate in VHA’s On-Call roster.