Ms Bern Squires1
1Albury Wodonga Health, Wodonga, Australia
Biography:
Bern is the Director of Infection Prevention and Surveillance at Albury Wodonga Health. She has extensive experience in Australia and the UK and a background in perioperative care. She is passionate about excellence in leadership and committed to advancing the growth and development of IPC professionals through innovation and collaboration.
Abstract:
In 2023, Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) launched a pioneering Registered Nurse Graduate Rotation in Infection Prevention & Surveillance (IPS), aiming to address workforce challenges and foster sustainable growth within the IPS team. This innovative program was developed in response to increasing difficulties in recruiting experienced IPC professionals, an evolving skill mix, and shifting demands within internal and external healthcare networks.
The program represents a shift in thinking—reframing the role of junior IPC members as valuable contributors rather than novices needing extensive experience. By embedding graduate nurses into the IPS team, AWH has cultivated a ‘grow your own’ workforce model that emphasizes mentorship, structured learning, and career development within the IPC space.
Key drivers for implementing the program included national shortages in IPC-trained clinicians, the increasing complexity of IPC roles, and the need to build resilient support networks both internally and across regional healthcare services. This presentation will explore the planning, implementation, and evolution of the program, including the support structures developed to ensure success.
Outcomes from the first two years have been overwhelmingly positive. The IPS team has expanded in both capability and capacity, with several graduates progressing into permanent IPC roles. The model has also boosted the number of IPC champions across clinical areas and created new leadership and development opportunities. This presentation will highlight lessons learned, the impact on team culture, and the broader implications for IPC workforce planning across the healthcare sector.