How Many Hats Is Too Many Hats?

Session Description: Infection Preventionists (IPs) in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) are often tasked with multiple roles, frequently facing challenging and conflicting responsibilities. These roles can span across various healthcare facilities or encompass several duties within the same hospital. The position demands the urgency of Fridays at 4 PM, with project deadlines that allow no delay. Additionally, the role often requires travel, necessitating work away from the home office.

Working in small hospitals presents unique challenges. Limited staffing and resources can amplify the stretch on IPs, who may need to balance job responsibilities with administrative duties. The dual role of an IP often means juggling infection prevention with patient care, patient safety, quality, compliance, and even staff education. This multifaceted nature of responsibility can lead to role strain and burnout if not managed effectively.

For a CAH IP to lead the program effectively, support, resources, and management skills are essential. Departments sharing this role must closely collaborate to sustain this model. Leaders should assess and communicate the unique challenges associated with the position to the IP undertaking it. They must also acknowledge the division of time and responsibilities between roles. It is crucial that the IP is passionate about both the role and capable of prioritizing their duties effectively.

This session will explore the diverse allocation of an IP’s time between facilities and departments. We will provide strategies for daily task management and discuss tools and techniques to manage responsibilities and cope with stress. Participants will learn about creating efficient workflows, leveraging technology for better time management, and fostering interdepartmental cooperation to ensure comprehensive infection prevention. By addressing these challenges head-on, IPs will gain skills and knowledge needed to navigate their complex roles successfully in CAHs.