Staff Nurse - RN - Infection Control performs hospital-wide surveillance and data collection as part of an overall infection-control program. Investigates possible incidences of infection and implements remedial action. Being a Staff Nurse - RN - Infection Control works with the infection control committee to establish infection control standards and procedures, and educates staff on how to prevent and control infections. Informs the appropriate state and county organizations of any reportable infections and diseases. Additionally, Staff Nurse - RN - Infection Control typically requires a bachelor's degree in nursing. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Requires a valid state RN license. May require CIC certification. Staff Nurse - RN - Infection Control's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
The Infection Preventionist reports to the Director of Nursing and partners with the Medical Director, Medical Director for Antimicrobial Stewardship, the Quality Officer, and other stakeholders to develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices.
This individual is accountable for decreasing the incidence and transmission of infectious diseases between patients, staff, visitors and the community. Through strategic planning, leadership and consultation, you will lead and direct a robust team in the identification and implementation of infection prevention goals and objectives throughout the facility.
In this key position, essential job duties and responsibilities include:
Partners with the Medical Director for Epidemiology/Infectious Disease to develop, implement and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plan
Partners with facility leaders, physicians, local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention
Oversees the operations of the infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs
Accountable for surveillance of healthcare acquired and community acquired infections
Manages goal setting process for system, unit and physician goals related to healthcare acquired infections and conditions
Manages facility immunization programs
Leads facility wide interdepartmental infection control program to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, mitigate and control workplace conditions
Participates in the national collaboratives and external reporting to CDC NHSN system, and other post-acute care specific quality organizations
Authority and responsibility for ensuring appropriate intervention and education occurs with staff, volunteers and medical staff when healthcare infection trends, outbreaks or non-compliance to infection control/OSHA are identified.
Ensures that education and counseling on infection prevention is available and ongoing for all staff, volunteers, patients and patient representatives.
Completes regular and ongoing infection control rounds, audits and surveillance throughout the facility in all departments
Must be a member of the facility’s quality assessment and assurance committee and report to the committee on the IPCP on a regular basis
Participates in on call rotations as required by facility including assisting as a floor nurse if needed
Maintains current knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and ensures that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues. Understands and complies with infection control, safety and OSHA procedures and regulations.
Have primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or other related field
Be qualified by education, training, experience or certification;
Work at least part-time at the facility;
Have completed IDPH approved specialized training in infection prevention and control