POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for carrying out activities that contribute to the prevention and control of infections in patients and employees.# These activities include, surveillance and investigation of hospital acquired infections, education of staff, monitoring policy/procedure implementation, informing departments of current regulations and recommended practices, participating in Quality Improvement activities, and serving as a resource/liaison person concerning any infection control issues.# Reports to Vice President of Quality and Safety. ################## EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor#s Degree is required or graduate from a college with a major concentration in Microbiology, Laboratory Science or Registered Nurse.# A Masters Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology is desirable. Certification in Infection Control is preferred; required after 2 years in position. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a related health field in a hospital or other acute care health center is required as well as personal computer skills as needed to perform job duties.# Most specifically, knowledge in the use of internet search capability and Microsoft Word and Outlook. COMPETENCIES: A working knowledge of hospital asepsis, patient care practices, sterilization, sanitation, disinfection practice, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases and epidemiological principles is required.# Must understand commonly used statistics, surveillance methodology, how to complete a study/audit and adult education principles. ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.# They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.# These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time. # Job-Specific Competency 1.##### Provides an active Infection Control Program for the prevention, control and investigation of infections and communicable diseases. 2.##### Plans, develops, directs, implements and evaluates Infection Prevention and Control activities within the hospital and satellite locations. 3.##### Incorporates clinical research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice to improve the quality of healthcare. 4.##### Conducts surveillance rounds in hospital departments and satellite units to discuss, monitor and follow the practice of infection control with staff. Reviews Micro-Biology reports daily.# 5.##### Develops and maintains a system for identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infection and communicable diseases of patients and employees. 6.##### Collects, monitors, and maintains records and data pertinent to infection control surveillance via computer supports.# Reports data to regulatory agencies as required. 7.##### Performs Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) surveillance by systematically collecting, analyzing and disseminating data to providers to drive improved performance.# 8.##### Recognizes and investigates clusters and risk factors for infection and implements appropriate control measures. 9.##### Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques and recommends change as needed. 10.# Provides ongoing infection control education and training to staff.# Participates in new staff orientation. 11.# Assists with community wide pandemic flu planning, suspect disease outbreaks, clusters and disseminating disease advisories. 12.# Develops, implements and revises policies and procedures governing control of infections and communicable diseases based on current laws, regulations and accepted standards in conjunction with the Infection Control Council. 13.# Participates in performance improvement projects related to communicable diseases and emerging pathogens within the facility.# Participates in hospital committees as needed, including emergency preparedness committee. 14.# Participates in environmental and safety rounds. #Monitors construction/ renovation sites to assure compliance with infection control standards. 15.# Manages and oversees the system exposure program.# Investigates possible communicable disease exposures among healthcare workers, patients and/or visitors.# Provides counseling to employees on an individual basis in Infection control and infectious disease related issues. 16.# Provides education and consultation regarding infection control issues to members of the community as requested or required. 17.# Prepares, organizes and distributes information to be presented to and resulting from infection control committee. 18.# Reports surveillance, investigations and projects to appropriate committees, administration staff and directors/supervisors/managers.# Acts as a department liaison for infection control and as a consultant for the facility to integrate infection control activities. 19.# Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function in stressful situations.# Utilizes critical thinking skills and sound judgment in priority setting and delegation. #
