ETC 47 - Creation of an Infection Prevention Career Ladder Using the Infection Preventionist Competency Model

Background: Our academic medical center currently has three job roles within the infection preventionist (IP) job category: IP associate, IP, and senior IP. There is no clear guidance or checklist for progressing through the job roles or criteria for promotion as IP staff gain experience and expertise. We are seeking to create a clear promotion pathway for infection preventionists at our institution.

Methods: We reviewed the Infection Preventionist Competency Model (IPCM) and used this as the framework for building a career ladder that included the three job roles already in existence at our institution. Additionally, we reviewed examples of other career ladders from the healthcare setting. Each member of the team provided input into the activities and tasks that they felt were important in each domain throughout the levels of competency.

Results: Using the IPCM and the six future oriented domains (as well their subdomains) as our framework, we created a career ladder document that clearly defined the tasks and experiences that must be completed at each level of the ladder before promotion can occur. Tasks and experiences relevant to each domain and subdomain were identified; they reflected progression from a novice IP through a proficient IP and finally an expert IP. Once this was completed, the job descriptions were reviewed and updated to reflect the levels of expertise outlined in the career ladder.

Conclusions: Clear criteria for promotion sets expectations for current work and helps retain knowledgeable and experienced staff members. A defined pathway for promotion leads to higher rates of staff satisfaction and retention. Other intuitions may consider adopting a similar model to clearly define expectations and the career pathway for IPs at their institution.