Infection Preventionist Registered Nurse - Infectious Disease

Nurse

Position Summary: Responsible for the development and coordination of the infection control program. Isolates the sources of infection, educates people to reduce the spread of infection, and devises strategies to prevent the spread of infection. Prepares and delivers presentations, organizes data collection, and provides data analysis. Acts as liaison with health department. Provides infection control educational service assessment and improvement studies. Serves as a resource for community and organization.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for assisting in the identification, surveillance and collection of pertinent data related to infection risk areas within the hospital.
2. Develops an effective system for reporting, evaluating and maintaining records of illnesses and injuries of patients.
3. Provides a safe environment where risks for infection are identified and minimized for patients, employees and visitors.
4. Administers surveillance programs, data reporting, data analysis and intervention development aimed at reduction of healthcare acquired infections in patients and employees.
5. Investigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections in order to determine source and ensure control.
6. Develops and executes an in-service program for promoting infection control and educate hospital staff.
7. Reports communicable diseases to the health department.
8. Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques and recommends changes as necessary.
9. Stays updated and knowledgeable on infectious disease and surveillance issues and regulatory/accreditation requirements.
10. Performs other duties as required or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of regulatory requirements.
2. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
3. Self-motivated to increase infection prevention knowledge through APIC courses offered.
4. Knowledge of statistical terms.
5. Strong computer competency in the use of Microsoft Office/external databases.
6. Analytical and clinical skills.
7. Ability to communicate with diverse backgrounds.
8. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
9. Working knowledge of patient care practices.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing, public health, or healthcare related field.
• Two years of healthcare related experience in nursing.
• Current state license as a registered nurse.
• Must become certified in Infection Control (CIC) within three (3) years of obtaining position.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in nursing, public health, or healthcare related field.
• Four years of clinical nursing, infection prevention, or epidemiology experience.
• Coordinator or Manager experience