Infection Preventionist (RN)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the organizational infection prevention program. Performs on-going surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, making improvement recommendations to senior leadership.
• Assesses infection control issues/trends. Chairs and prepares agenda for the Infection Control Committee. Makes recommendations and implements improvements as necessary.
• Monitors infection control practices and employee compliance. Notifies appropriate management of areas for improvement in infection control practices. Assists with corrections as needed.
• Performs annual infection control risk assessment and develops educational programming related to infection control. Consults with department heads and physicians as needed to improve care.
• Creates and revises infection control policies and procedures. Assures that policies are in compliance with CDC, DIA, CMS and current standards of practice. Monitors organization compliance with the policies.
• Conducts infection investigations and initiates control measures. Reports data to applicable agencies, oversees corrective actions, and reports communicable diseases to the state as required by law.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Maintains a working knowledge of APIC, CDC, and CMS Standards and complies with all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Works with the Employee Health Nurse to initiate follow up on employee/patient/student exposures to communicable diseases.
• Assists in evaluation and approval of new products related to the prevention of infections.
• Collects and reports quality improvement data and activities.
• Communicates quality improvement opportunities to members of healthcare leadership teams, and assists in development of quality improvement plans.
• Assists in development and implementation of organizational emergency preparedness issues related to Infection Prevention.
• Assists the Director of Pharmacy with the direction of the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee and also with coordination of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
• Practices and behaves in a professional, safe and ethical manner at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities. Completes all CEU’s as required by respective licensure and relevant to the Infection Control Program per Vice President approval. If licensed, maintains an active and current license.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• RN with state license required, Current license to practice nursing in the state; BSN preferred, BSN required within 3 years of hire.
• Two years of experience as a professional nurse.
• Completion of a basic training program for infection control within 6 months of hire.

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 physicians, managers, customers, patients, families and the general public.

Position Requirements, Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Certification in Infection Control is desired.
• APIC member preferred.
• Basic Life Support certification.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.