What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Control Specialist Registered Nurse position at Geisinger?
- Coordinates and participates in the development and implementation of Infection Control Programs and activities in the assigned areas/departments.
- Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to improve infection prevention and control practices and provides education to assure the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program.
- Coordinates rounds in all patient care areas. Recommends changes in patient care and recommends department specific education about infection control practices based on information collected or observed on rounds.
- Coordinates implementation and education about the Infection Control Plan as assigned. Assists the System Administrative Director for Infection Control with implementation of hospital-wide infection control activities based on the Infection Control Plan.
- Serves as resource person for Infection Control initiatives at respective campus.
- Identifies and records hospital acquired infections (HAis)per Act 52 requirements.
- Understands and communicates JC and other governing body requirements which relate to Infection Control and Geisinger's fulfillment of these requirements. Actively participates in all surveys
- Develops, reviews and revises infection control policies and procedures after consultation with leadership.
- Participates in surveillance activities to identify unusual epidemic situations, to evaluate the impact of new procedures or equipment and to evaluate how the infection prevention and control program impacts the delivery of patient care.
- Collaborates with representatives of community health agencies and other institutions to assure coordinated service for prevention and control of infection. Assists Public Health authorities in the investigation of reportable infections as required.
- Participates in continuing education programs to expand knowledge of professional discipline. Participates in health-related associations to maintain expertise and promote interests of the health system,
- Develops and maintains expertise related to the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting criteria and requirements.
- Performs concurrent and retrospective medical record review including review of physician’s progress notes and nurses’ notes, laboratory culture data, radiology/imaging reports, surgery reports, to identify potential HAis.
Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.
Qualifications:
Requires 2 years of RN experience in hospital setting. Previous working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease principles preferred.
