Responsible for management of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities under the guidance of the Manager of Infection Prevention. Provides coordination and support for implementation of a system wide infection control and prevention program to identify and prevent or reduce sources of infection. Assists in the implementation and monitoring of processes to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAI). Ensures compliance to infection control standards meeting all local, State and Federal regulatory requirements.

Essential Job Functions

• Applies epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification to identify target populations, analyzes trends and risk factors, and designs and evaluates prevention and control strategies.
• Performs surveillance using NHSN criteria, documentation, and investigation of HAI through review of admission diagnoses, laboratory results, isolation, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings
• Utilizes computer-based programs for tracking, reporting and disseminating information from surveillance activities. Prepares statistical reports utilizing epidemiologic principles to identify and analyze infection trends. Investigates, documents and reports infection control issues to manager and IPC/Quality Committee.
• Investigates infection outbreaks utilizing laboratory results in consultation with IPC Manager, Infectious Disease Physician, County/State public health departments, and if necessary, the Center for Disease Control.
• Functions as an integral part of quality/performance improvement initiatives
• Participates in environmental rounds and construction risk assessments for inpatient, outpatient and off-site patient care areas by identifying infection prevention issues with the multidisciplinary health care team and providing sound interventions to maintain patient, visitor and associate safety.
• Provides expert knowledge and guidance in IPC and epidemiology through the integration of evidence-based practice, policy and procedures and compliance with regulatory and accreditation agency standards.
• Collaborates with Employee Health in evaluation employee exposures to communicable disease and supports coordination of appropriate follow up.
• Implements mitigation strategies in the event of communicable disease outbreaks within the health care facilities and/or community
• Serves as a content expert and educational resource for health care providers, ancillary staff, patients, families and the general public, providing education increasing awareness of HAI and IPC measures.
• Serves as a leader, mentor and role model through collaboration and knowledge sharing with facility personnel, collaboration with other healthcare professionals within and outside of the facility.
• Collaborates in the fiscal management of the service through evaluation of technology and products for infection prevention, incorporating fiscal assessments into program evaluation.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Employment Qualifications

Education Qualifications:

Required

Minimum Education- Bachelor’s Degree

Specialty/Major: Nursing or healthcare related field

Preferred

Education- Master’s Degree

Specialty/Major: Nursing or other health related field

Licensing/ Certification:

Required

RN Nursing License

Certification in Infection Control (CIC), awarded by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC), within 3 years.

Preferred

Certification in Infection Control (CIC), awarded by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC). Completion of advanced education in Infection Prevention at time of hire. 

Minimum Years and Type of Experience:

Experience of 2-5 years direct clinical patient care or experience in healthcare related field. 

Prefer infection control/prevention experience.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required

Demonstrated ability/experience to lead and facilitate multi-disciplinary teams; Demonstrated experience in performance improvement. Computer skills with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred

Knowledge of improvement science.