Position Summary

The Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner is trained in the principles of epidemiology and is responsible for monitoring, analysis, interpretation and reporting of issues related to Infection Prevention and Control.

The Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner is responsible for educating associates about infection prevention and control and makes recommendations regarding evidence-based best practices for the development of health system policies and procedures in order to comply with rigorous infection control standards that meet TJC, OSHA, CMS, CDC and other accrediting and regulatory agencies.

The Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner is responsible for conducting rounds throughout SHS in order to monitor for best practices and compliance with policies and procedures related to infection control. A summary of findings is reported to appropriate associates, supervisors, managers, directors and leadership.

Primary Functions

Regulatory:

1.Perform an annual infection prevention risk assessment of the organization. Develop an infection control plan based on prioritized risks. Update assessment and plan annually and as needed.

2.Review and monitor for compliance with national standards and regulating bodies such as TJC, CDC, OSHA, FDA, and HCFA regarding infection control standards and make recommendations for changes/improvement.

3.Evaluate SHS policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control and make recommendations for revisions.

4.Develop new policies as needed and submit to leadership for approval.

5.Maintain references for infection prevention and control as recommended by accrediting and regulatory agencies.

6.Attend/obtain ongoing education regarding infection prevention and control and disseminate information as appropriate. (as recommended by accrediting and regulatory agencies).

Surveillance:

7.Monitor for and investigate infections that are reported by associates, laboratory and pharmacy.

8.Conduct environmental rounds throughout SHS, report findings and make recommendations regarding changes/improvement and compliance with SHS policies.

9.Consult with associates regarding reporting and documentation of reportable diseases and conditions to appropriate public health agencies.

10.Monitor reports of biological indicators (for autoclaves) and report issues to appropriate staff.

11.Collect documentation regarding hand hygiene audits, calculate compliance and report to appropriate staff and leadership.

12.Calculate compliance with TB testing and report to Human Resources.

13.Calculate compliance with associate influenza vaccination and report to Human Resources.

14.Report to Human Resources regarding associates that are required to wear a mask during flu season.

15.Monitor for and investigate infectious employee illnesses and trends that are reported by associates, supervisors, managers and directors. Disseminate information regarding appropriate infection prevention measures.

Education:

16.Plan, organize and develop educational programs related to infection prevention and control and deliver to applicable associates.

17.Provide orientation to all new employees, contractors, students and volunteers regarding infection prevention and control. This includes, but is not limited to:

a.Standard precautions

b.Personal protective equipment

c.Methods of transmission

d.Hand Hygiene

e.Bloodborne pathogens

f.Biohazard waste

g.Spill kits

h.Influenza vaccination program

i.TB testing program

j.Infection prevention policies

18.Inform/educate clinic staff and providers regarding diseases/clusters/outbreaks/events occurring in the community.

19.Develop competencies regarding:

a.Cleaning of environment

b.Cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment

c.Personal protective equipment

d.Transmission based precautions

e.TB testing, reading, interpreting and assessment (for appropriate staff).

Educate appropriate staff and validate competency for above items.

20.Develop and deliver annual education regarding infection prevention and control and bloodborne pathogens.

21. Act as a resource/consultant for sterile processing and high-level disinfecting staff. Assist with the development and validation of competencies.

Performance Improvement:

22.Participate in quality/performance improvement activities related to infection prevention and control as requested.

23.Participate in regularly scheduled EOC and Leadership meetings and disseminate information/recommendations regarding infection prevention and control.

Management:

24.Function in a supervisory role over the Employee Health Injection Nurse (EH).

a.This includes training, supervising, payroll, documentation, and corrective action.

Other duties as assigned:

25.Act as a resource/consultant for the person(s)/clinic/department designated by the DON and/or CMO to be responsible for the administration, reading, interpretation and evaluation of all associate TB tests.

Qualifications
1. Bachelors of Science in Nursing required; Master’s highly preferred
a. Specialty in Infection Prevention and Control preferred
2. At least three years of experience in Infection Prevention and Control required
a. Five years of experience preferred
3. Current licensure as a registered nurse in Missouri and Kansas
4. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or obtained within one year of employment required
a. Ongoing certification maintained throughout employment
5. Current and ongoing membership and participation in the national Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) and the local Kansas City APIC chapter

About Swope Health Services:

Each year, Swope Health serves over 45,000 patients, encompassing more than 200,000 visits in four counties on both sides of the state line. Our team members are proud of the work we do and the promise we've made – delivering coordinated care that values the needs of the whole person and championing better health in our community.

Swope Health is a special place that cares for the people who need it most, wherever they are in the community. As part of our promise to battle health inequities and provide high-quality, comprehensive care, we make care visible. That means we proudly deliver our promise through every action, every day.

Swope Health Services supports its team members with:

Medical benefits (including a Health Savings Account option), dental and vision
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Company-paid benefits such as life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Paid Days Off , effective the first day of employment
Eight annual company-paid holidays; One annual paid personal day
Swope Health is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.