Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Sue Dolan

Welland,ON

Summary

Accomplished Infection Control Practitioner with a proven track record at Niagara Health, enhancing patient safety through innovative outbreak management and risk assessment strategies. I am very experienced as an adult learner teacher, and excel in delivering knowledge bundles to any discipline .I've led past significant quality improvement initiatives throughout the organization, Team building is both a priority and a focal learning point for me. My decades of experience in many levels of healthcare across all sites and platforms has produced a most coveted ability in IPAC: how to think and execute in 'grey' for the best patient outcomes in a safe and timely manor while minimizing risk.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Infection Control Practitioner

Niagara Health
Niagara Region
04.2003 - Current
  • Investigated outbreaks and tailored outbreak control measures to reflect unit uniqueness
  • Developed effective training programs to help staff understand and implement critical protections.
  • Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends, eg influenza
  • Performed environmental assessments to identify potential hazards contributing to infectious diseases spread within the facility during times of routine unit status and at the start of outbreaks at minimum
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of current infection control measures, leading to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Enhanced patient safety through conducting regular risk assessments and developing targeted interventions.
  • 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.
  • Initiated the IPAC Education Lead role and proceeded to build a robust education program for new hires (IPO, GO), medical learners, volunteers, and staff. Lead creator of IPAC week goals, programs and activities for 5 years
  • Site lead for WHS and PCG for many years
  • Educated patients and their families on proper hygiene practices and infection control practices through educational fact sheets, town halls and one on one interactions
  • Created the first NHS hand hygiene program and continued to lead it and refine methodologies for 4 years,
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated infection prevention strategies, resulting in a safer healthcare environment.
  • Educated healthcare workers, patients and public about infectious and communicable disease transmission and prevention.
  • Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
  • Identified and mitigated unnecessary infection risks through regular reviews and procedural assessments.
  • Gathered and submitted data to NH teams for mandatory report such as hand hygiene compliance, ARI
  • Implemented emergency actions for especially virulent or widespread infections, with lead roles in the SARS pandemic, H1N1 epidemic, MERS-CoV, Ebola virus and COVID-19 virus responses
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging pathogens, trends in infectious diseases epidemiology, regulatory changes affecting healthcare facilities. Partnered with and/or subscribed to multiple global watchdog organizations that provide raw information about localized patterns of illness worldwide.
  • Implemented emergency actions for especially virulent or widespread infections.

Regional Stroke Coordinator

Niagara Health System
Niagara Region
02.2001 - 04.2003

With a $3M budget and working Executive Lead Patty Welychka:

  • developed, executed and maintained the new NHS Stroke program, including the Center of Excellence (GNG), the first Secondary Stroke Prevention program and the first inpatient stroke unit beds, utilizing guidance from the provincial lead organization (HHSc)
  • Evaluated program effectiveness using key performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, clinicians, administrators, insurance providers, and other stakeholders during complex case management situations.
  • Promoted community outreach initiatives focused on stroke prevention, increasing public awareness about risk factors and warning signs.
  • Conducted regular chart audits to ensure compliance with national stroke care standards and guidelines.
  • Established strong relationships with local EMS providers to improve pre-hospital stroke care and expedite treatment times.
  • Coordinated continuing education opportunities for staff members, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary communication for better patient management and streamlined care processes.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based stroke care protocols and guidelines.
  • Led hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall stroke care quality and enhancing the facility''s reputation as a center of excellence in stroke treatment.
  • Reduced door-to-needle times through efficient coordination of acute stroke response protocols.
  • Optimized stroke patient care by coordinating timely diagnostic tests and treatments.
  • Mentored new clinical staff members for proper onboarding and orientation processes.
  • Implemented new policies and educated staff on changes.
  • Supervised and managed daily activities of clinical team consisting of [Number] physicians, nurses, and support staff.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
  • Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.

Registered Nurse in Emergency Department

Niagara Health System
Niagara Region
01.1991 - 04.2003
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on shared goals, latest information and new technologies and promoting teamwork within the Emergency Department.
  • Provided support to patients experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises, utilizing therapeutic communication techniques to create a sense of trust and safety.
  • expert skills in areas requiring skilled 'gut instinct' triage ability for the approx 500 patients that come through ED every day
  • Expert level skills in trauma, cardiac and resuscitation through ongoing recertifications, holding BCLS, ACLS, PALS and TNCC standing.
  • professionally manage multiple critical situations simultaneously while supporting staff in those situations

Education

No Degree - Community Health

McMaster University
Hamilton, ON
09.2030

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Brock University
St. Catharines, ON
12.2005

Dipl. Nursing - Nursing

Niagara College
Welland, ON
07.1989

Skills

  • Infection Risk Assessment and Surveillance
  • Outbreak Management
  • Quality Improvement through IPAC audits, with results shared amongst the multidisciplinary team
  • In-Service Training
  • Hand hygiene monitoring
  • Infection control audits
  • Infectious disease knowledge
  • Patient Safety
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Prioritization, triaging multiple and often conflicting simultaneous tasks
  • Team building, team collaboration
  • Effective Communication via well honed interpersonal skills
  • Written Communication

Accomplishments

Global service through volunteer commitments:

Global Medic

Rotary International

Medicins Sans Frontiers

Global Polio Eradication Initiative

Wells of Hope, Central America

Stephen Lewis Foundation

Local service volunteer:

Out of the Cold shelter program

Underhoused Support program, Welland

Childrens' Breakfast Programs, Welland

Languages

Spanish
Elementary

Timeline

Infection Control Practitioner

Niagara Health
04.2003 - Current

Regional Stroke Coordinator

Niagara Health System
02.2001 - 04.2003

Registered Nurse in Emergency Department

Niagara Health System
01.1991 - 04.2003

No Degree - Community Health

McMaster University

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Brock University

Dipl. Nursing - Nursing

Niagara College
Sue Dolan