Roberta Barron
Salmon Arm,BC
Summary
With a robust background at Interior Health Authority, I am a dedicated advocate for IPAC and skilled fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. My expertise in infection risk assessment and commitment to quality improvement have significantly enhanced patient safety protocols. I am recognized for my proactive approach and ability to educate teams, blending technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills. Dedicated and detail-oriented Infection Preventionist with proven skills in establishing effective policies to minimize risks and avoid outbreaks. Expert in training, mentoring and monitoring healthcare staff to improve knowledge and performance. Hands-on professional with observant and proactive nature.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Preventionist
Interior Health Authority
Salmon Arm, BC
03.2024 - Current
- Provided training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate communication regarding best practices in infection prevention and control.
- Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
- Assisted with the development of new IH IPAC additional precautions signage.
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends.
- Enhanced patient safety through rigorous monitoring and evaluation of infection control measures.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by consistently emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols for preventing infections among staff members at all levels.
- Assisted in the management of infectious disease emergencies by providing guidance on isolation precautions, containment measures, and appropriate response actions.
- Developed strong working relationships with public health officials to ensure timely notification of reportable communicable diseases within the community.
- Reviewed relevant literature to stay current on emerging trends and advances in the field of infection prevention, incorporating findings into daily practice when appropriate.
- Gathered, analyzed and reported on infection data.
- Educated healthcare workers, patients and public about infectious and communicable disease transmission and prevention.
- Provided comprehensive training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks.
Long Term Care Coordinator
Gateby Care Centre
Vernon, BC
01.2024 - 03.2024
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and appropriate interventions.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies, promoting independence and empowering them to manage their health conditions.
- Enhanced patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during difficult times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and standards, maintaining patient safety and confidentiality.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, facilitating referrals and collaboration on behalf of patients.
- Conducted regular evaluations of care plan effectiveness, making necessary adjustments based on feedback from patients and providers.
Infection Preventionist (casual)
Interior Health Authority
North Okanagan, Salmon Arm, BC
10.2020 - 01.2023
- Provided training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks at various sites.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate communication regarding best practices in infection prevention and control.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies and policy development.
- Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
- Covered regular IP staff for vacation, or when lines were not filled.
Infection Preventionist (full Time)
Interior Health Authority
Salmon Arm, BC
09.2019 - 10.2020
- Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
- Developed targeted educational materials to raise awareness among patients, families, and visitors about the importance of infection prevention measures.
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by analyzing data trends over time to identify areas for potential enhancements in infection prevention efforts.
Infection Control Practitioner
Interior Health Authority
Kamloops, BC
10.2016 - 09.2019
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends.
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
- Identified and mitigated unnecessary infection risks through regular reviews and procedural assessments.
- Implemented emergency actions for especially virulent or widespread infections.
- Performed environmental assessments to identify potential hazards contributing to infectious diseases spread within the facility.
- Liaised with public health agencies for effective coordination during infectious disease outbreaks or other related health events that may require external assistance or resources sharing.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities, staying abreast with latest research findings and advancements in the field of infection prevention and control.
Clinical Shift Coordinator
Interior Health Authority
Kamloops, BC
05.2016 - 10.2016
- Mentored nursing staff, fostering a positive work culture focused on teamwork and excellence in patient care.
- Addressed daily staffing challenges proactively through strategic scheduling adjustments based on anticipated workload fluctuations.
- Served as a liaison between clinical staff members and administrative leadership to facilitate information flow between teams.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Ensured patient admission, placement, and that facility staffing was organized and functioning on days and nights.
- Collaborated with professionals from other centers including IH and outside of IH, in the placement of patients in our facility and for transfers out.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Eastern Health- St. John's
Newfoundland
09.2011 - 05.2016
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Interior Health Authority
Kamloops
10.2005 - 04.2011
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Expedited treatment plans by interpreting diagnostic tests accurately and collaborating with physicians on appropriate interventions.
- Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and promptly addressing critical needs.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse (casual)
Interior Health Authority
Chase, BC
05.2002 - 10.2005
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
Education
Master of Science - Infection Control
University of Essex
Leeds, UK12.2023
Certificate in Critical Care Nursing-Emergency - Emergency Nursing
Mount Royal College
Calgary02.2003
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Thompson River University
Kamloops, BC05.2002
Skills
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Infection Monitoring
- Outbreak Management
- Isolation precautions
- Surveillance
- Quality Improvement
- Microbiology Understanding
- Infection prevention education
- Infection Risk Assessment
Timeline
Infection Preventionist
Interior Health Authority
03.2024 - Current
Long Term Care Coordinator
Gateby Care Centre
01.2024 - 03.2024
Infection Preventionist (casual)
Interior Health Authority
10.2020 - 01.2023
Infection Preventionist (full Time)
Interior Health Authority
09.2019 - 10.2020
Infection Control Practitioner
Interior Health Authority
10.2016 - 09.2019
Clinical Shift Coordinator
Interior Health Authority
05.2016 - 10.2016
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Eastern Health- St. John's
09.2011 - 05.2016
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Interior Health Authority
10.2005 - 04.2011
Emergency Room Registered Nurse (casual)
Interior Health Authority
05.2002 - 10.2005
Master of Science - Infection Control
University of Essex
Certificate in Critical Care Nursing-Emergency - Emergency Nursing
Mount Royal College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Thompson River University