Infection Prevention Specialist

The primary responsibility of this position is to assist in the development and implementation of the policies that govern the control of infections and communicable diseases. Shall assist in the development of a system for identification, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases of patients and personnel. Key Requirements Bachelor's Degree in applied clinical science (Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Public Health). Infection Control/Prevention specialist with 2 plus years' experience. Certification in CIC form the CDC is ideal but not a must. Hospital experience is a huge plus. Summary Interprets nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs) Uses information management systems for: Data entry and retrieval. Data collection and organization. Data analysis and evaluation. Required Reporting. Integration of diverse sources of data. Interprets Wyoming Department of Health standards, CMS Conditions of Participation (COP), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards, information on CDC websites, and medical/legal concepts regarding healthcare data. Completes data entry into the National Health Safety Network (NHSN) on a timely basis. Applies knowledge and skills regarding quality improvement tools and techniques, including statistical process control. Establishes, implements, and administers infection prevention program goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Conducts an ongoing review of hospital policies, procedures, and guidelines to identify infection prevention discrepancies and implement revisions as necessary. Ensures that the infection prevention program goals are compatible with and enhance the facility's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. Provides information to facility committees and department managers to formulate changes in the policies, procedures, and/or processes which could reduce the spread of infection. Interacts with medical and nursing staff, department managers, supervisors, employee health (occupational health), and other professional/non-professional staff members to provide resource information, resolve infection prevention and control issues, and identify new opportunities to improve services and reduce cost. Develops reports and statistical data for the Board Quality Council, medical staff committees, medical executive committee, and the facility's administration, as well as other committees as needed. Performs an annual risk assessment and developing action plans from the prior year's activities, which may include the development of a dashboard to maintain monthly data. Makes recommendations regarding construction and renovation projects, and participation in all Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) activities and environmental rounds; this includes assuring compliance with national and/or professional standards. Develops and updates the Blood-Borne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan. Conducts outbreak investigations which includes knowing what constitutes an outbreak. Reviews the Wyoming Department of Health's Reportable Disease and Conditions requirements and ensuring they are met. Reviews all laboratory results for multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDRO). Enters data into the NHSN reporting system according to the facility's reporting plan: Enters data into the NHSH reporting system. Maintains compliance with hand hygiene and precaution policies; this information is reviewed with the clinical department managers. Reviews the facility's data, and develops goals for the reduction of HAIs in conjunction with the IPC, reviews national data for HAIs. Performs additional duties assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr