Infection Control Coordinator

The Infection Control Coordinator is a qualified individual with knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of HAI infections, JCAHO standards, federal and state regulations.  The Infection Control Coordinator shall be responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of HAI infections among patients and personnel.  By authority of the Infection Control Committee, the Infection Control Coordinator may institute collection of cultures and initiate appropriate isolation precautions.  The Infection Control Coordinator shall be responsible for assisting with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control.

• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of complete infection control process in the health care setting.
• Demonstrates knowledge of risk stratified statistics as applicable to trending nosocomial infections.
• Demonstrates understanding of standard and isolation precautions as set forth by the CDC.
• Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of infection control.
• Demonstrates knowledge of microbiology, and modes of transmission of disease entities.
• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection control to all levels of healthcare personnel.
• Demonstrates ability to develop infection control policies and procedures.
• Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of nosocomial infections among patients of all ages and healthcare personnel.
• Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology laboratory of patients and personnel to determine if infection is nosocomial in origin.
• Confers with staff nurses on all patient units on a regular basis to determine occurrence of nosocomial infections.
• Confers with medical and nursing staff to determine appropriate implementation of isolation precautions.
• Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established thresholds, and/or in clusters by patient units.
• Initiates culture and sensitivity and/or appropriate isolation precautions when indicated.
• Has input into the Employee Health Program and assists with follow-up of accidental exposure incidents.
• Communicates appropriate reports to IOP through the Infection Control Committee.
• Assists with in-service education related to infection prevention and control house wide.
• Completes required CMR reports to Public Health Department in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintains accurate records of nosocomial infections among patients and personnel.
• Assists in the development, implementation and improvement of infection control practices.
• Monitors proper use of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics and disinfectants in use throughout the facility.
• Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization and disinfection employed throughout the facility
• Reviews and/or revised all department policies and procedures related to infection control on a concurrent basis.