Quality & Infection Control RN

Quality & Infection Control RNThe Infection Prevention RN is a registered nurse, qualified with knowledge of CDC, APIC, and AORN guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), federal and state regulations. The individual is responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients and personnel. The individual may institute collection of cultures and initiate appropriate isolation precautions. The individual is responsible for assisting with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control.Essential Functions• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the infection prevention process in a healthcare setting.• Demonstrates understanding of standard and isolation precautions as set forth by the CDC, APIC, AORN, and LA State Board.• Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of infection prevention.• Demonstrates knowledge of microbiology, and modes of transmission of disease entities.• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection prevention to all levels of healthcare personnel.• Demonstrates ability to develop infection prevention policies and procedures.• Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients of all ages and healthcare personnel.• Confers with staff nurses on all patient care units on a regular basis to determine occurrence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).• Confers with medical and nursing staff to determine appropriate implementation of isolation precautions.• Investigates all in-house infections and/or infections that occur within 30 days of surgery.• Initiates culture and sensitivity and/or appropriate isolation precautions when indicated.• Communicates appropriate reports to Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly.• Completes required reports of CDC in a timely and accurate manner.• Maintains accurate records of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients and personnel.• Assists in the development, implementation and improvement of infection prevention practices.• Communicates infection prevention activities to Administration and the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee quarterly.• Prepares statistics and other pertinent data and reports at least quarterly.• Implements and conducts special studies when appropriate or requested by physicians or administration.• Reviews the Infection Prevention policy and procedure manual at least every two (2) years and ensures compliance with the CDC, APIC, AORN, and LA State Board.• Based on studies which identify areas for improved patient outcomes, submits targeted surveillance indicators approval on an annual basis.• Available to assist all departments regarding issues related to infection control.• Stays abreast of changing infection prevention practices and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the Infection Prevention Program.• Assists with in-service education related to infection prevention hospital-wide.• Performs other duties as assigned.Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently 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, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.Required Education and Experience• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.• Knowledge of CDC, APIC and AORN guidelines.• Knowledge of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).• Knowledge of Federal and State infection prevention regulations.Required Skills and Certifications• Current Louisiana Registered Nurse Licensure.• APIC training course or equivalent required.• APIC Membership required.EEO StatementOur corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), age, disability, citizenship status, status as a current or former uniformed servicemember, genetic information, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.