About this role
Job Requirements Responsibilities and Tasks
• Performs surveillance activities on assigned units, records demographic, clinical and risk information relating to adverse outcomes including defined nosocomial infections and quality indicators to ensure quality care to all patients. • Reviews microbiology reports, daily admissions and medical records. Performs prevalence rounds and focused review regarding infection rates. Using above findings prepares reports on infection rates and identifies trends/patterns. Follows up with department or committee regarding infection control issues, works to resolve any negative trend. • Identifies and reports healthcare associated infections (HAI) monthly in the NHSN database as required by the State of MD or as prioritized per the infection prevention & control plan. Complete necessary data collection and prepare & present HAI data to Infection Control Committee and other hospital committees. • Identifies reportable conditions such as tuberculosis and reports to State Health Department. • Provide infection prevention & control education to nursing, medical staff, and various allied health care staff on a regular basis and when needs arise. • Assists and conducts annual training on required infection prevention and occupational exposure prevention for employees, medical staff, and other hospital personnel. • Consults with healthcare workers via telephone or in-person concerning infection control issues in patient care areas and/or employee health. • Assist clinical staff in developing departmental infection control policies & procedures. • Collaborates with Employee Health regarding healthcare worker vaccination program and post-exposure management for infectious disease exposures. • Participates in collaboratives and performance improvement initiatives and committees as needed to reduce HAI and risk of infection transmission. • Serves as a champion for safety culture, instilling values that demonstrate prevention of Health Care Associated Infections (HAIs) are everyone’s responsibility. • Rapidly responds to shifts in regulatory and accreditation requirements and/or emerging science. Possesses sound understanding of regulatory standards, develops and implements strategies to ensure successful integration into applicable arenas. Creates and implements action plans with explicit timelines for deliverables and delineates responsible parties.
Work Experience Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, or Microbiology required. • If applicable, possess current licensure in Maryland or compact state. • Certification in infection control (CIC) from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is required within one year of eligibility. Certification must be maintained. • Minimum 3 years applicable clinical experience. • Infection Prevention experience, and experience as a program manager or coordination highly desirable.
Benefits Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Highly effective interpersonal, verbal & written communication skills • Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels in the organization to achieve program goals. • Self-directed, able to work independently, detail oriented. • Time management and priority setting skills. • Strong critical thinking skills • Able to effectively lead and coordinate a hospital-wide program. • Able to develop and deliver effective educational programing to all levels of organizational staff in the arena of infection prevention. • Knowledge of the performance improvement process • Knowledge of current infection control requirements and recommendations from regulating or certifying agencies (CDC, OSHA, TJC, CARF, etc) • Data: Ability to interpret data into reports, charts, graphs, analyze, develop, and implement plans of action • Computer proficiency, including word, excel, database management. • Excellent customer service skills