Infection Control Specialist

Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist is trained in epidemiology principles and is responsible for surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of nosocomial and other infections; educating employees about infection prevention; and the development of policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards that meet OSHA, CMS, CDC, and other nationally organized agencies' recommendations and requirements.

Job Description

• Apply epidemiologic principles and statistical methods to analyze trends, risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Conduct ongoing surveillance/environmental rounds using CDC infection criteria, documentation, and investigation of nosocomial infections.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the surveillance plan and modify as necessary.
• Report patients with communicable diseases to the city/state health department and maintain appropriate records. Compile and interpret surveillance reports to the QAPI committee.
• Collect data in support of epidemiological studies of specific problems or problem areas to determine the source of the problem and make appropriate recommendations.
• Participate in quality/performance improvement activities by assessing, monitoring, and measuring nosocomial infections and evaluating outcomes on a continuous basis.
• Plan, organize, develop, and implement educational programs for all employees including administrative and ancillary services which convey specialized knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of the existence of nosocomial infections; techniques for avoidance and preventive measures to provide a safe environment for employees and patients.
• Develop appropriate informational material at an appropriate level of understanding and need.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and available resource on infection control practices and policies to patients, families, and staff.
• Participate in continuing educational activities at the department, state, and national levels to promote personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base commensurate with the latest research and scholarly knowledge.
• Develop and update isolation techniques and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice, rules, and regulations. Participate in maintaining policies and procedures which provide for a program of prevention. Include establishment of policies and procedures relating to exposure to infectious diseases and prevention of cross-contamination. Maintain a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking, published literature, and professional meetings.

Requirements

• BSN required.
• 3 years of nursing experience required. One year of experience in infection prevention preferred OR coursework (i.e., NC SPICE or APIC ICE 101) in infection prevention preferred.