Infection Prevention Specialist - Full Time

Infection Prevention Specialist - Full Time

The Infection Prevention Specialist working with direction of an Infection Preventionist is responsible for implementing, and maintaining a system for prevention, surveillance, investigation and control of infection within Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH). In alignment with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies, the hospital-wide infection prevention system will include staff education in regard to products or procedures that carry special infection related potentials and consult with physicians, administration, and staff for the management of infections and/or patients at risk. The Infection Prevention Specialist will report to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control, and other key members of the Administrative team. The Infection Prevention Specialist will work closely with Directors, Managers and Supervisors across all departments in the hospital.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor the infection prevention and control policies and procedures for all departments.
• Monitor surveillance system for detecting and monitoring hospital acquired and community infections.
• Collect and analyze infection prevention data as stated by Federal, State and Local mandates
• Provide physicians and staff with updates of infection prevention and control policy changes.
• Consult with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or patients at risk.
• Collaborate with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases.
• Participate in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including hand hygiene, Tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis, and Universal Precautions. May educate patients as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

A. Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Medical Technology or Public Health preferred.
• Master's Degree is desired.

B. Qualifications/Experience

• Current California Registered Nurse license Preferred (if applicable).
• More than 5 years of nursing, Medical Technology (Microbiology), or Public Health Required
• Supervisory or charge nurse experience preferred
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

C. Special Skills/Knowledge

• Must have working knowledge of epidemiological principles, infectious disease, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices. Must be able to manage and evaluate infection and control functions, efficiency, and create an environment where improvement opportunities can be identified and implemented or where other appropriate actions can be taken. Basic Knowledge of CDC, CMS, TJC, and other regulations required.
• Must be knowledgeable of Basic CDC criteria of MDROs, hospital-onset and community-onset infections and proficient on data management.
• Must understand statistical reports and utilize statistical methods in reporting formats. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be detail oriented. Must be proficient in computer skills utilizing Word, Excel and Power Point.