Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides current, evidence-based practice guidelines to departments related to infection prevention. Uses literature review to make recommendations on performance improvement and interventions. Understands adult education principles and designs educational programs, effective presentation skills. Prepares educational offerings for partners and serves as a resource for all departments
• Evaluates the quality of patient care and outcomes as they relate to healthcare-associated infections. Conducts surveillance through standardized case finding methods and application of HAI definitions. Counsels staff to implement infection control policies. Oversees process changes and investigations and participates in improvement efforts with departments. Participates in committee and program support activities related to infection prevention topics.
• Collects, analyzes and prepares data on healthcare-associated infections including surgical site infections, device-associated infections and multidrug-resistant organisms, and those required for reporting to regulatory agencies such as NHSN.
• Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions, monitors partners compliance with use of PPE, isolation precautions and other infection prevention measures. Possesses knowledge of requirements for investigations and conducts investigations with assistance from departments. Provides information on trends and issues to Leadership and Physicians.
• Reports communicable disease to Public County and State Health Departments as required.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:
Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.
Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.
Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited nursing program. BSN or upon hire BSN completion agreement for enrollment in an accredited BSN Completion Program. If hired prior to 1-1-17 in Winnebago County and 9-1-15 in Rock, Walworth or McHenry County an ADN is required. May required specific years of applicable experience to qualify, per department guidelines

Certification and Licensure

Licensed as an RN in state of practice
APIC Basic Training in infection control within 1 year
Certification in Infection Control preferred; required within 4 years of hire

Skills and Abilities
Strong interpretive analytical skills
Strong planning organizational skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Strong knowledge base in the principles of microbiology and clinical patient care
Ability to work independently using evidence-based research as a guide
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Respond preferred Human Resource systems; Internet software; Spreadsheet software and Microsoft Office Suite Word Processing software.
Other Qualifications
Traveling to other MHS sites
May include color blind test (per department guidelines)
Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Employee is required talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Level of Supervision

N/A

Supervises

N/A