Infection Prevention Specialist
About The Position
The Infection Prevention Specialist performs infection control activities, including surveillance, case finding, reporting, inspections, control measures, and education. The specialist provides employees with infection control information, consultation, and direction. The role supports the Infection Control Program by identifying infections and communicable diseases, monitoring environmental and patient hazards, maintaining data, preparing reports, and reporting communicable diseases to government agencies as required. The specialist helps plan, develop, and evaluate infection control activities and education, including staff in-service programs, New Employee Orientation, and Mandatory Education. The role collaborates with Employee Health Services, supports professional development, evaluates their own performance, and represents the Infection Control Program on assigned hospital committees.
Requirements
- Associate degree in Nursing required.
- A nursing diploma with an additional two years of nursing experience may substitute for the degree.
- RNs without a BSN or higher in nursing must meet New York State BSN in 10 educational requirements, unless exempt.
- Minimum of three years of nursing experience required.
- Current New York State RN license required.
- Computer skills.
- Critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to perform light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly.
- Ability to perform occasional crouching, grasping, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, and stooping.
- Ability to perform frequent typing and clerical work, dexterity and repetitive motions, computer and monitor use, talking, visual tasks, and walking.
- Occasional exposure to bodily fluids and bloodborne hazards.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred.
- Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Perform infection control surveillance, case finding, reporting, inspections, control measures, and education.
- Provide employees with infection control information, consultation, and direction.
- Conduct surveillance to identify nosocomial infections and communicable diseases according to the Infection Control Program plan.
- Review laboratory reports and clinical notes of epidemiological interest.
- Identify infection risk factors and clusters, and bring them to the direct supervisor's attention.
- Collect NHSN data in assigned areas according to guidelines and criteria.
- Participate in case finding and review admissions and round on inpatient units as assigned.
- Identify areas needing monitoring programs to document and reduce infection hazards and notify the Infection Control Coordinator within 24 hours.
- Contribute to infection control data management and reporting, and maintain required environmental and patient surveillance data.
- Prepare monthly focused surveillance reports and summaries of routine surveillance and special investigations for the Infection Control Committee and appropriate department managers.
- Report communicable diseases to government agencies as required by public health law.
- Conduct environmental monitoring programs and schedule and complete rounds in assigned areas according to established plans.
- Assist in planning, developing, and evaluating annual infection control activities.
- Collaborate with Employee Health Services on program recommendations and follow-up for employees with communicable diseases.
- Assist with planning and developing infection control education and in-service programs for staff.
- Teach infection control and isolation techniques during New Employee Orientation and Mandatory Education.
- Assist in the annual evaluation and revision of staff in-service programs.
- Maintain professional knowledge, establish an annual educational plan, and attend relevant educational programs.
- Evaluate own performance against the job description and performance standards semi-annually and annually.
- Represent the Infection Control Program on assigned hospital committees.
Benefits
- Paid time off, including company holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Life insurance and disability protection.
- Retirement benefits with an employer match.
- Sign-on bonus of up to USD $20,000.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
