Hospital Infection Control Nurse

Infection Preventionist IIIf you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One!For over a century, we've served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South.The Infection Preventionist II is responsible for monitoring the hospital environment for appropriate infection control practices, for collecting and evaluating surveillance data for the preparation of necessary reports for various committees, and for assistance in educational programs related to Infection Prevention and Control. The IP will conduct an ongoing evaluation of prevention and control activities with changes in processes/policies/procedures as necessitated by internal or external influences such as new evidenced-based clinical information, national guidelines or regulations. The IP will also participate in system-wide Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives as determined by the needs of the site or system. Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.A Brief OverviewThe Infection Preventionist II is responsible for monitoring the hospital environment for appropriate infection control practices, for collecting and evaluating surveillance data for the preparation of necessary reports for various committees, and for assistance in educational programs related to Infection Prevention and Control. The IP will conduct an ongoing evaluation of prevention and control activities with changes in processes/policies/procedures as necessitated by internal or external influences such as new evidenced-based clinical information, national guidelines or regulations. The IP will also participate in system-wide Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives as determined by the needs of the site or system. What You Will DoCollects and analyzes data gathered from patients, associates, and environment to determine rates, percentages, and types of hospital acquired infections and reports to appropriate committee. Assists in investigations of outbreaks, which may include arranging collection of specimens for microbiological sampling data from associates and collecting environmental clinical data.Monitors infection control practices within the hospital departments. Submits communicable disease data to local and state health departments.Understands, applies and supports departmental/hospital policies, procedures, and standards. Attends medical staff departmental and other hospital meetings as needed.Assists the Infection Prevention Director to plan, organize, implement, and control Infection Prevention operations to meet department goals and objectives with directing, coordinating, and developing ICP policies for Methodist.Education/Formal Training RequirementsRequired - Bachelor's Degree NursingWork Experience RequirementsRequired - Clinical acute care 5-7 yearsLicenses and Certifications RequirementsRequired - Registered Nurse Tennessee - Tennessee Board of NursingPreferred - Certification In Infection Control - Certification Board of Infection Control and EpidemiologyKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesFamiliarity with Windows applications, e-mail, and MS Office products.Knowledge of Infection Prevention including outside regulatory agency requirements commensurate with education/experience.Ability to apply nursing knowledge and problem solving techniques.Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of Associates, management, and physicians.Ability to work without close supervision and to exercise independent judgment in a professional area.Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of work flow.Supervision Provided by this PositionThere are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job, however, the infection preventionist often performs autonomously.Physical DemandsThe physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; viewing a computer terminal; Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.Occasional travel to other facilities.Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity.Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.