RN - Registered Nurse - Infection Control Specialist

Job Summary

As one of the Top 8 Most Innovative Healthcare Systems in Becker’s Hospital Review, we’re working to create a national model for improving health. Today, we’re focused on bringing our region services that improve every facet of life to drive total health, inside and out. Through professional growth, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we’ve built an innovative culture that allows nurses to grow their skillsets, develop their practice, and leverage their years of experience to build a rewarding, lasting career with impact.

Job Duties

You’ll support the goals and objectives of the organization in efforts to provide safe, quality patient care, patient satisfaction, Infection Prevention and Control and successful Joint Commission and DOH surveys.

• At least 2 years of Registered Nurse work experience in a hospital setting is required.

• BSN is required.

• The ideal candidate will have previous experience in Infection Prevention, Joint Commission and DOH surveys.

• Previous working knowledge of epidemiology and infection disease principles preferred.

Benefits of working at Geisinger:

• Full benefits (health, dental and vision) starting on day one

• Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents

• Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA)

• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions

• Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly

• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year

• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive

• Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care. Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more.

• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, identity theft protection, universal life and pet and legal insurance

Position Details

Supports the goals and objectives of organization in efforts to provide safe, quality patient care, patient satisfaction, Infection Prevention and Control and successful Joint Commission and DOH surveys. Assists with coordinating inpatient Infection Prevention and Control activities, in collaboration with the medical staff from all healthcare facilities within the system. Assists the processes and goals of the Infection Control Program under the supervision of the Infection Prevention and Control leadership and team members in collaboration with the System Medical Director for Infection Control.

• Coordinates and participates in the development and implementation of Infection Control Programs and activities in the assigned areas/departments.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to improve infection prevention and control practices and provides education to assure the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program .
• Coordinates rounds in all patient care areas. Recommends changes in patient care and recommends department specific education about infection control practices based on information collected or observed on rounds.
• Coordinates implementation and education about the Infection Control Plan as assigned. Assists the System Administrative Director for Infection Control with implementation of hospital-wide infection control activities based on the Infection Control Plan.
• Serves as resource person for Infection Control initiatives at respective campus.
• Identifies and records hospital acquired infections (HAis)per Act 52 requirements.
• Understands and communicates JC and other governing body requirements which relate to Infection Control and Geisinger‘s fulfillment of these requirements. Actively participates in all surveys
• Develops, reviews and revises infection control policies and procedures after consultation with leadership.
• Participates in surveillance activities to identify unusual epidemic situations, to evaluate the impact of new procedures or equipment and to evaluate how the infection prevention and control program impacts the delivery of patient care.
• Collaborates with representatives of community health agencies and other institutions to assure coordinated service for prevention and control of infection. Assists Public Health authorities in the investigation of reportable infections as required.
• Participates in continuing education programs to expand knowledge of professional discipline. Participates in health-related associations to maintain expertise and promote interests of the health system,
• Develops and maintains expertise related to the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting criteria and requirements.
• Performs concurrent and retrospective medical record review including review of physician’s progress notes and nurses’ notes, laboratory culture data, radiology/imaging reports, surgery reports, to identify potential HAis.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Education

Bachelor‘s Degree- (Required)

About Geisinger

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities. KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves. EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence. LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow. INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation. SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, from senior management on down, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality. We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.