What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Prevention Nurse position at Gritman Medical Center?
Job Summary
Gritman Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Infection Prevention Nurse to join our Infection Control team. This role is critical in evaluating patient care quality and outcomes related to healthcare-associated infections. The Infection Prevention Nurse will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting infection data, monitoring compliance with infection control measures, and educating hospital staff on best practices in infection prevention. The ideal candidate will actively participate in policy development and program implementation to ensure a safe environment for healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct ongoing monitoring of hospital-acquired infections.
- Assess infection prevention issues and recommend corrective actions.
- Collaborate with the Infection Prevention Committee Chairman to develop meeting agendas.
- Ensure compliance with infection control guidelines from APIC, CDC, and other regulatory agencies.
- Develop, revise, and maintain infection prevention policies and procedures.
- Conduct outbreak investigations and initiate control measures.
- Report communicable diseases to the state as required by law.
- Provide educational training to staff through meetings, emails, one-on-one coaching, and in-service programs.
- Consult with department directors and physicians to improve patient care.
- Coordinate with employee health services for follow-up on exposures to communicable diseases.
- Prepare quarterly and annual reports for the Infection Prevention Committee.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Education:
- Associate Degree in Nursing or higher.
- Completion of a basic infection control/epidemiology training program within six months of hire.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Active [Idaho] Registered Nurse license.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of recent hospital nursing experience required.
Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures.
- Strong teaching and clinical evaluation skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to provide exceptional customer service.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in Infection Prevention.
Functional Demands:
Population Served: Neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Physical Demands: Occasional lifting (up to 10 lbs.), climbing stairs, stooping, and reaching. Frequent computer use and verbal communication required.
Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily indoors in an office setting, with occasional exposure to cleaning agents and chemicals.
Organizational Expectations:
- Represent the hospital positively and professionally.
- Promote a culture of safety for patients and employees through adherence to infection control standards.
- Maintain hospital standards for a clean and quiet environment.
- Stay up-to-date with best practices and industry trends.
- Engage in continuous quality improvement efforts.
- Adhere to hospital policies and professional standards.
- Maintain confidentiality in compliance with regulations.
- Demonstrate excellent customer service in all interactions.
Education
Required- Associates or better in Nursing
Behaviors
Required- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
