1. IP Role Recognition: Developing a Professional Advancement Ladder for IPs May Riley RN, MSN, MPH, ACNP, CCRN, CIC Stanford Hospital & Clinics

2. Professional Advancement Ladder GOAL – facilitate registered nurses to acquire quality, leadership, education and research skills so that they may function at their highest level of professionalism. PURPOSE recognize and reward expertise in practice for the registered nurses in the specialty field of Infection Prevention. ensure safe, quality patient care and outcomes. promote recruitment and retention of experienced registered nurses. promote professional growth and development and foster professional practice.

3. Professional Advancement Ladder Process for Advancement: Must meet eligibility criteria — includes successful annual performance evaluation and no disciplinary actions Meet with Director to discuss goals of PAL and eligibility Sign “Intent to Advance” Required elements must be completed within one year Maintain a portfolio of all required criteria

4. Professional Advancement Ladder Process for Advancement: Must demonstrate participation in all categories of the PAL Leadership Quality/Evidence Based Practice/Research Education/Practice Each category has a point system for activities to accomplish or to participate in Each category recognizes current achievements and encourages growth and development

5. Professional Advancement Ladder Process for Advancement: Develop and complete project Project must align with mission and goals of the Infection Prevention Department and Carolinas HealthCare System Project must include literature review, application of quality improvement techniques, interdisciplinary team work, measurable outcomes and financial impact, and recommendations for future practice The proposed project is reviewed with Infection Prevention leadership and approved

6. Professional Advancement Ladder Process for Advancement: Project progress is reviewed periodically with Director Final portfolio and project are presented to the Professional Advancement Ladder Panel The IP will present project as a presentation to the panel The panel consists of leadership within both Infection Prevention and Quality The panel reviews project and makes recommendation for advancement Final step — advancement to Infection Preventionist II

7. Professional Advancement Ladder Maintenance of Infection Preventionist II Process similar to initial advancement Project also required Can be a continuation or expansion of IP I project Expectation that IP II will become mentor for those pursuing the PAL

8. APIC Competency Model Provided opportunity to develop competency checklist within the department As they developed their checklist, they realized they could incorporate it into the Professional Advancement Ladder (PAL) to assist with continued professional growth