Infection Control Nurse

Qualification Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of registered nursing or graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing.
• Currently licensed as an RN or LPN through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
• Advanced education specific to infection control preferred.
• Membership in an Infection Prevention Organization preferred.
• Minimum three years of experience as a nurse.   
• Demonstrates knowledge of current infection prevention and infection control principles in practice within the clinical setting.
• Working knowledge of computer and Microsoft Office applications; working knowledge of medical record system, Netsmart and EPIC preferred.
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Has the ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
• Must be CPR certified according to the American Heart Association CPR standards.
• Understands and is committed to the hospice philosophy. 

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the appropriate use of surveillance and investigation of infectious processes based upon current epidemiological principals.
• Utilizes appropriate statistical techniques to analyze data, calculate rates, and critically evaluate significance of findings.
• Evaluates the use of newly developed infection control technology or products for cost-effectiveness.
• Assists in coordinating activities related to prevention, control and surveillance of infections; assists in analysis, assessment and interpretation of findings; reports surveillance findings and makes recommendations as appropriate.
• Identifies, investigates, and implements corrective action on trends or clusters of infections of epidemiologic importance.
• Demonstrates knowledge in infection prevention and control requirements outlined in hospice licensure, Conditions of Participation and The Joint Commission. Utilizes this information to maintain policies, procedures and agency education.
• Participates in annual environmental rounds of each facility.
• Coordinates and/or provides employee health requirements related to TB skin testing and vaccinations.
• Conducts annual influenza campaign for employees, volunteers and patients.
• Participates in product evaluation and selection.
• In conjunction with Human Resources, maintains a sharps injury log and trends sharps injuries.
• Serves as a resource to physicians, nurses and other personnel on all aspects of Infection Control; acts as a liaison between Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the appropriate Health Departments.
• Educates staff, patients and families on infectious diseases as needed.
• Reviews and distributes Infection Control literature as applicable; provides educational offerings for orientation and ongoing in-services on infection control and prevention.
• Responsible to learn and utilize technology made available by the agency to increase efficiency, communication and performance of duties.
• Participates in the agency’s Quality Improvement program.
• Attends staff meetings and completes all mandatory training.
• Holds in strictest confidence all patient information and discloses information and data only to persons authorized by Hospice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.