Infection Prevention Practitioner

RML HEALTH PROVIDERS•Hinsdale, IL

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Prevention Practitioner (IPP) reports directly to the Director of Quality and Patient Safety. The IPP has accountability for the implementation of the Infection Prevention Programs at RML Specialty Hospital. The IPP is responsible for maintaining the system of identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases of patients and personnel. In addition, the IPP monitors the visitor protocol regarding potential infectious disease and is a liaison between all departments and the Director of Quality and Patient Safety with respect to issues of infection prevention.

Requirements

The interpersonal skills necessary to interact with staff, patients, families, medical staff, and other members of the healthcare team.
Ability to engage in logical, critical thinking to solve problems.
Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on an occasional basis, performing such activities as figuring, grasping, lifting, reaching, crouching and repetitive tasks.
Ability to walk briskly to all areas of the hospital.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Demonstrated knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to Infection Prevention.
Proficiency with computer applications (word processing, database, and graphics)
Minimum of 2 years experience in Infection Prevention in an acute care setting.
Illinois Registered Nurse preferred or degree in a healthcare related field.
National certification in Infection Prevention (i.e. CIC) or within 12 months

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare related field.

Responsibilities

Assists with the review and revision to the organizational Infection Prevention program to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and external regulatory requirements.
In collaboration with the Director of Quality and Patient Safety develops, revises, and implements site-specific Infection Prevention plans.
Assists in the development, revision, and implementation of policies and procedures regarding asepsis and infection prevention in accordance with accepted current standards of practice.
Maintains a system to reduce the spread of infection and communicable disease among patients, visitors, and staff.
In collaboration with Director of Quality and Patient Safety compiles and analyzes surveillance data to identify epidemiologically significant problems; develops appropriate measures for prevention and control of these problems. Identifies and assists with implementation of improved surveillance and reporting processes.
Prepares Infection Prevention reports to the Pharmacy, Nutrition, Therapeutics - Infection Prevention Committee and the Quality and Patient Safety Committee (QPSC).
Identifies, investigates, and reports infections and outbreaks of communicable disease among patients and hospital staff, especially those occurring in clusters.
Leads performance improvement teams and/or work groups related to infection prevention issues.
Monitors patient care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies or new products, which may constitute a risk of infection or those that may help reduce nosocomial infection.
Investigates patients, staff, and visitors’ exposure to communicable diseases, e.g., chickenpox and tuberculosis. Serves as facility liaison to the Employee Health Nurse related to employee infection prevention issues. Communicates findings with Director of Quality and Patient Safety
Investigates epidemiologically significant issues and develops appropriate measures for prevention and control of the problem identified. Reports findings and interventions to Director of Quality and Patient Safety Responsible for review of internal and external construction and issuing of Infection Prevention construction permits. Communicates all construction activity to Director of Quality and Patient Safety on a regular basis.
Interacts with regulatory agencies on reporting communicable diseases and conditions.
Responsible for communicating all Department of Public Health alerts to the organizational leaders as appropriate.
Ensures regulatory compliance in maintaining Infection Prevention environmental requirements and all other related compliance issues.
Reviews and disseminates current Infection Prevention information to appropriate individuals or departments within the facility.
In collaboration with the Director of Quality and Patient Safety develops and presents in-service education for the prevention and control of infection for all health care workers, patients, and families. Participates in orientation of new employees and annual employee training.
Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with all hospital departments and contracted services related to Infection Prevention issues.
Assists the Director of Quality and Patient Safety the development and on-going management of the department’s budget.
Responsible for self-education through current literature review, attending workshops, seminars, and formal courses relevant to Infection Prevention.
Exemplifies the RML REACH (Service Excellence) culture by demonstrating respect, excellence, appreciation, concern, and honor in all interactions with patients, families, and co-workers, and as identified in departmental and hospital wide behavioral expectations