Infection Control Practitioner II

Job Description

Job Description : \n\nCompany Description Located in Largo in the heart of Prince George’s County, our new state-of-the-art regional medical center (UM Capital Region Medical Center) will provide improved access to primary and ambulatory care services, and serve as a tertiary care center for critically ill patients. In addition, our new space will allow us to expand our offerings as a community partner to help improve the health status of Prince George’s County residents.Job Description POSITION SUMMARY Under limited supervision, plans, coordinates and conducts essential infection prevention & control duties. This includes conducting infection surveillance, analyzing data for trends and presentation of data to appropriate committees, participating in outbreak investigations, providing related education to staff, and maintaining relevant policies and procedures. Partners with the unit or department leaders to identify, prioritize and address areas of improvement around infection prevention. Participates in the orientation and mentoring of new IP staff,and provide coverage for the Director in his / her absence. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Principal Duties : 1. Assist in the planning, organizing, and implementing departmental activities in collaboration with the Director of Infection Prevention and Medical Advisor. a. Stay abreast of current evidence-based literature / CDC recommendations. b. Participates in outbreak investigations in collaboration with the Director. c. Assists in developing and implementing of practice changes for infection prevention / reduction to clinical staff as appropriate based on surveillance findings. d. Develops and present educational programs for hospital personnel. 2. Reviews microbiology reports, daily admissions and Emergency Department visits and medical records, and conducts surveillance of current or discharged patients for HAIs. Performs prevalence rounds and focused review regarding infections. Using above findings prepares reports on infection rates and identifies trends / patterns. 3. Identifies significant infection control issues and follows up with department to resolve any negative trend. Discuss findings and outcomes with the Director of Infection Prevention and Medical Advisor. 4. 5. Serves as a liaison with the local and state health department regarding reporting of communicable diseases (e.g., TB). 6. Communicates significant infections (e.g., MDRO) to the unit / departments involved and to outside facilities as needed. 7. Provide infection prevention & control education to nursing, medical staff, and various allied health care staff on a regular basis and when needs arise. 8. Assists and conducts annual training on required infection prevention and occupational exposure prevention for employees, medical staff, and other hospital personnel. 9. Consults and provides guidance to staff on infection prevention & control matters as requested and provides in-service and training as appropriate. 10. Assists clinical staff in developing departmental infection control policies & procedures. 11. Participates in collaboratives and performance improvement initiatives and committees as needed to reduce HAI and risks of infection transmission. 12. Collaborates with Employee Health regarding healthcare worker vaccination programs and post-exposure management for infectious disease exposures. 13. Other related duties as assigned. Customer Service : 1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate. 2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him / herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?” using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned. 3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions / concerns / complaints and attempts immediate resolution. 4. Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria. 5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him / herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service. 6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met. Commitment to Co-Workers : 1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed. 2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines. 3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public. 4. Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences. 5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department Communication Etiquette : 1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions. 2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty. 3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations). 4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and / or calls go to voicemail). 5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him / herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation. 6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible. 7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours). 8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.Self Management : 1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible. 2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes. 3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements. 4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards. 5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency. 6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times. 7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and / or departmental confidentiality statement.Qualifications POSITION REQUIREMENTS : Licensure / Certification / Registration Required : 1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited School of Nursing, Medical Technology, or a related field or equivalent is required. Master’s degree is preferred. 2. Have a current license or registration in good standing as a registered nurse or certification as a registered medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist in Maryland. Master’s degree preferred. 3. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC) is required, or taken within two (2) years of hire. Education / Knowledge Attained Level : Professional Preferred : Masters or higher level specializing in Infection ControlApplicable Experience Experience (years) : Required : 5 Years Preferred : Not applicable Experience (describe required & preferred) : 5 years of clinical experience with minimum of two (2) years in infection control specialty required. Technical / Clinical Skills Microsoft Office Suite Skill Level Word : Intermediate Excel : Intermediate PowerPoint : Intermediate Access : Basic Working knowledge of ICD-10 (Medical Coding) Basic knowledge and working experience with Medical Terminology Standard Office Equipment : Medical Equipment : Communication Skills & Abilities Select highest applicable level : Effective Oral / Written Skills and Provide EmpathyProblem Solving / Analytical Skills & Abilities Professional / Supervisory Level of Supervision Required Work Product is Reviewed Periodically Contacts Inside & Outside Facility / Corporation Within / Outside Company with Tact and Discretion Transportation (Work-related) Not Applicable Business Travel Outside of Region Not Applicable Working Conditions : Lifting and / or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds Pushing and / or pulling non-motorized equipment (e.g., stretchers, supply carts, mops) weighing up to 20 pounds Using a keyboard to interact with computer system Proofreading and / or reviewing documents Sitting for extended periods of time Ability to communicate verbally Color Vision Ability to hear Position Requirement Explanations EDUCATION a. Entry Level : Equivalent to a High School diploma or GED; basic employment skills b. Formal Education / Training : equivalent to an Associate's degree (2 years college); requires knowledge and experience of a specialized field. c. Professional : Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree; working knowledge of theory and practice within a specialized field. d. Advanced Professional : Equivalent to a Master's degree; knowledge in more than one discipline. e. Expert : equivalent to PhD, M.D., J.D., Specialized knowledge often requiring license or certification. MICROSOFT WORD a. Not Applicable b. Basic : Perform daily word processing tasks, such as, producing routine letters, memorandums, and informal reports. Able to use basic formatting, editing, printing functions, and understands the document page set-up. c. Intermediate : Use and create a variety of templates, complex tables, merges; manage table data, sort and filter merges, and also performs basic work in existing Macros. Able to customize toolbars, import and insert graphs, embed Excel data, and elaborate reports. d. Advanced : Produces very large, complex formal documents that require a table of contents, footnotes, endnotes, bookmarks, and other special elements. Able to use and create a wide range of graphic effects and has full mastery of Macro commands. MICROSOFT EXCEL a. Not Applicable b. Basic : Performs tasks and work with data in worksheets. Able to enter and correct data, modify a workbook, format a worksheet, and use printing functions. c. Intermediate : Work with multiple worksheets, filter data, use integrate functions, and manipulate databases. Understands the concepts of databases and is able to work with charts and to use the list management capabilities of Excel. d. Advanced : Use advanced techniques for analyzing and manipulating data in Excel. Use customized functions (Names, VLOOKUP, IF, IS) and work with Pivot Tables. Able to automate some operations, manage Macro commands, and create MS Excel applications. MICROSOFT ACCESS a. Not Applicable b. Basic : Design, create, and modify databases, tables, queries, forms, and reports. Understands the different database concepts and structures and is familiar with data validation and indexing techniques. c. Intermediate : Use complex query techniques, create efficient forms and reports, and create Macros to automate these forms. d. Advanced : Develop an application and tie the objects together into a cohesive system by using Macros and Visual Basic for Applications code. COMMUNICATION a. Simple Written and Verbal Instructions : Work requires the ability to understand and respond to simple written or verbal instructions. Incumbents must respond appropriately to instructions, questions, or requests for information. Work occasionally requires contact with patients and / or visitors which involves courtesy. b. Exchange Information on Factual Matters : Work requires the ability to exchange information on factual matters, schedule appointments, greet visitors, explain hospital / corporate policies, and / or relay messages to appropriate personnel. This type of interaction requires courtesy and tact when dealing with patients, visitors, and / or hospital / corporate employees. More sensitive situations may be referred to others as appropriate. c. Effective Oral / Written Skills and Provide Empathy : Work requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and provide empathy in difficult interpersonal situations. d. Conflicting Issues; Mediate; Strong Writing Skills : Work requires communication skills in order to effectively deal with conflicting views or issues and mediate fair solutions or well-developed writing skills. e. Persuade and Negotiate on Important Matters : Work requires communication skills in order to persuade and negotiate with others on important matters, such as negotiate contracts, appeal reimbursement decisions and writing grants. f. Manage Staff and Persuade / Negotiate with Peers : Work requires the communication skills necessary to effectively manage the employees within assigned department and to persuade and negotiate with peer-level managers on issues and programs that impact the department. Work requires effectively dealing with conflicting views or issues and mediating fair and workable solutions. g. Advanced Skills & Ability to Represent Hospital / Company : Work requires advanced interpersonal / communication skills in order to present the hospital / corporation in legal proceedings, negotiate in extremely important and sensitive situations, persuade members of senior management on issues and programs that impact the assigned department, represent the hospital / corporation to external parties, or perform other duties requiring a comparable level of communication sills. PROBLEM SOLVING a. Entry Level - Service : Work requires the skills to read and understand instructions, add and subtract numbers, and make comparisons between numbers and letters. b. Administrative Support : Work requires the analytical skills to gather and interpret data in situations in which the information or problems are relatively routine. c. Technical : Problems resolved through well developed processes and procedures and requires basic scientific, mathematical or technical level training. d. Professional / Supervisory : Problems resolved mostly through defined processes and procedures, application of in-depth knowledge usually acquired through professional level train