Infection Control Coordinator, Full Time, Days

ScionHealth • Lewiston, ID

206d

About The Position

The Infection Control Coordinator operates under the direction of the Infection Control Committee (ICC) and is mentored by the ScionHealth Certified Infection Preventionists. The Infection Control Coordinator will establish a networking relationship with the Infection Preventionists at neighboring hospitals. The position is supervised by the Director of Quality, or designee. The role of the Infection Control Coordinator is to provide education, consultation, surveillance of infection control and prevention activities under the guidance of the ScionHealth Certified Infection Preventionists. The Infection Control Coordinator will follow the Centers for Disease Control infection prevention and control guidelines. In addition, the Infection Control Coordinator will use references from National Healthcare Safety Network, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and The Joint Commission. The Infection Control Coordinator assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures designed to improve patient care and safety through infection prevention and control. The Infection Control Coordinator will demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate and develop process improvements that will reduce harm caused by the spread or development of health care acquired infections including, but not limited to, CAUTI/HAUTI, CLABSI, C difficile, MRSA, SSI, PNA, and Sepsis.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of nursing experience in one of the following areas: Perioperative Services, Critical Care Services, or Related Specialty, or two years of Infection Prevention experience.
• Bachelors of science in nursing (BSN).
• Knowledge in epidemiological principles, infectious diseases, and sterilization, sanitation and disinfection practices.
• Requires a knowledgebase in adult education principles.
• Infection Control Practitioner Certification (CIC) required within two years of hire date.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in nursing (MSN) or healthcare related field.

Responsibilities

• Performs infection control related surveillance duties in all patient care departments/clinics for the purpose of observation, consultation, and collaboration with the members of the health care team to determine presence of both nosocomial and community-related infections.
• Ensures surveillance data is submitted to all required agencies such as NHSN.
• Maintains accurate records of reported information to include location of patient, name and type of infection, related organisms, primary physician, and other key information.
• Facilitates the Infection Control Committee to review infection data, control measures, policies, and procedures, and to develop and implement Committee objectives.
• Provides direction and consultation with health care providers to develop specific plans for patients and families utilizing age-specific knowledge, for prevention or management of infections.
• Facilitates the implementation of appropriate isolation protocols to control and prevent infections.
• Participates in quality improvement monitoring and evaluation activities including frequent rounding (tracers) in patient care areas relating to infection control issues.
• Develops and updates the ongoing management plan in conjunction with the Infection Control Committee.
• Demonstrates a commitment to process improvement and expert knowledge of continuous improvement principles and tools to positively impact patient outcomes.
• Initiates and reports special studies and pertinent information relating to infection control to the Infection Control Committee for recommendations.
• Coordinates Infection Control Committee activities to promote a venue for collaboration and feedback.
• Verifies and completes required reporting to public health authorities.
• Uses surveillance data to prepare statistical reports for the Infection Control Committee, the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality (PSCQ)(s), appropriate medical committees and hospital administration.
• Facilitates the development and review of infection control policies and procedures for all hospital and clinic departments.
• Provides input in the budgeting process regarding the infection control program needs.
• Develops and maintains infection control processes according to CDC, public health, OSHA, CMS, and APIC standards.
• Oversees infection prevention/control education with the education department and other departments when necessary.
• Facilitates the development of educational and teaching information related to infection control issues for distribution to patients, families, and staff.
• Participates on assigned committees to provide relevant current infection control information including statistical data related to infection control monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Maintains knowledge base and principles for epidemiology and infection control through reading current literature, attending workshops and active memberships in local and national professional organizations.
• Coordinates with Human Resources and Occupational/Employee Health for identified employee health activities.
• Coordinates with Environment of Care team to ensure proper safeguards including Infection Control Risk Assessments are taken.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k w/ employer match
• Short & Long-term disabilities
• Life & AD&D insurances
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree