Infection Prevent Prac p/c

OhioHealth•Mansfield, OH

10d

About The Position

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities. Job Description Summary: The Infection Control Coordinator is responsible for the surveillance, detection, compiling and analyzing of nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections in patients and personnel on a systematic and current basis. He/She is responsible for the education of Infection Control policies and procedures to all staff and community as requested; risk reduction of nosocomial infections; and the initial epidemiological investigation of all significant clusters of infection above expected levels. Surveillance activities involve both inpatient and outpatient settings in order to measure outcomes over the continuum of care. Risk reduction activities include addressing infection control issues within the facilities and those in the community that have an impact on patients admitted to the hospital. The Infection Control Coordinator helps develop, implement, and monitor infection control policies. He/She acts as a consultant on regulatory agencies (JCAHO, CDC, ODH, etc. ) to administration, physicians, staff, and the community (health department, other institutions, etc. ) regarding infection control practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (Required)
Field of Study: Health
Field of Study: related field.
Years of Experience 2

Responsibilities

Actively participates in surveillance and control of nosocomial infections.
Detects, records, and analyzes nosocomial infections.
Monitors environmental concerns related to infection control and provides consultation of preventative or corrective measures.
Reviews daily culture results through utilization of laboratory computer system.
Assists with preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc statistical reports to medical center's Infection Control Committee, Performance Improvement Committee, other committees, departments and administration. Distributes as indicated.
Prepares and distributes Infection Control Committee minutes.
Conducts epidemiologic investigations of all significant clusters of infection above expected levels, as well as items identified as potential problems/concerns by Infection Control Committee.
Monitors infection in hospital personnel and maintains open communication with Employee Health Services to ensure adequate follow-up.
Acts as liaison with state and local health departments, community, and other healthcare facilities.
Assists in reporting infectious diseases to local health department. Monitors sterilization and sanitation procedures throughout their facilities.
Assists with environmental surveillance rounds pertinent to Infection Control.
Identifies and monitors environmental concerns related to infection control and takes corrective action when necessary.
Participates in construction projects during all phases of project.
Is an integral part of the Bioterrorism Call Team.
Assists in implementation of sharp safety devices.
Provides and/or assists with development, implementation, and evaluation of continuing educational programs regarding infection control procedures and theories.
Serves as resource for questions regarding infection control.
Advises on proper isolation procedures, placement of patients, policies and procedures to decrease infection transmission, appropriate follow-up to exposures of communicable diseases and supplemental control measures when infection problems arise.
Covers education pager 2 4 hrs./ 7 days per week.
Assists in review and revision of established infection control policies and in the development, implementation, and monitoring of new policies and procedures.
Reviews policies and procedures to ensure compliance with standards of regulatory agencies, i.e., , Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Care Organizations JCAH o , Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSH a , Environmental Protection Agencies EP a , State and Local Health Departments.
Reviews policies and procedures to ensure technological advances in infection control are incorporated in a safe but cost-effective manner.
Recommends changes in infection control policies and procedures to Infection Control Committee and ancillary departments.
Assists in revisions of Infection Control Manual to ensure all revisions reflect current practices related to infection control.
Provides consultation regarding infection control policies and procedures as needed/requested.
Maintains state of the art knowledge of infection control methods and trends through utilization of journals, seminars, workshops, in-services, regional, state or national conferences, professional meetings, etc.
Maintains membership in professional organization.