Infection Control Practitioner - Weekends

Job Requirements

Assumes responsibility and accountability for the surveillance, prevention, and control of transmission of infectious diseases in patients and healthcare workers as described in the Infection Prevention Program at SRHS. Provides cost effective services while maintaining quality of care by appropriate utilization of resources. Thorough the use of sound epidemiological principles and evidence-based practices, patient care practice monitoring, and environmental monitoring, collects and analyzes data and identifies risk factors associated with disease transmission. Tracks, trends and maintains an accurate data base of hospital associated infections as described by state and federal regulations. Excellent communication skills and analytical abilities are essential.

Minimum Requirements

Education

• ADN or BS

Experience

• 3 years in healthcare or public health. 2 years in Infection Prevention

License/Registration/Certifications

• RN, RT or MT

Preferred Requirements

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications

• Certification in Infection Prevention

Core Job Responsibilities

• Proactively assess regulatory agency standards for changes, interprets into policies, and serves as subject matter expert.
• Implements performance initiatives based on surveillance data, followed by monitoring for compliance.
• Uses a variety of methods for case findings related to surveillance, i.e. data mining, automated alerts and triggers, rounding, staff and physician communication.
• Serves as the liaison between the healthcare system and other facilities and the Department of Health and Environmental Control for infectious disease reporting, health alerts and emerging disease threats.
• Conducts investigations when surveillance data indicates and/or when requested by customers. To include event analysis for root causes, action planning, and monitoring improvements through collaboration with Infectious Disease physician, Risk Management and Patient Safety.
• Subject matter expert using guidelines, standards and scientific literature to guide patient care policies and care practices across the continuum of care.
• Promptly assists in management of healthcare worker infectious disease exposures.
• Maintains current knowledge base by formal training courses, educational opportunities, literature review and research, workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Demonstrates professional growth by participation and leadership in professional organizations.
• Provides input on product evaluations related to Infection Prevention in patient care
• Plays an active role in personnel education by in-service, impromptu training and formal presentation.
• Input into the planning of construction, renovation and maintenance projects. Monitors projects until completion and collaborates with Facilities and Safety to maintain current policies and associated documentation.
• Active in the system''s sharps safety program, promotes Safe Injection Practices, assists in tracking and trending blood and body fluid exposures, exposure management and reporting, Ryan White notifications and safety device selection.
• Fluent in National Healthcare Safety Network.
• Trained in process improvement such as Six Sigma in order to function as a leader and a team member.
• Other Duties as Assigned