RN - Registered Nurse - Infection Control Specialist

Geisinger • Jersey Shore, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse - Infection Control Specialist supports organizational goals for safe, high-quality patient care, patient satisfaction, infection prevention and control, and successful Joint Commission and Department of Health surveys. The role assists with coordinating inpatient infection prevention and control activities across the system in collaboration with medical staff, infection prevention and control leadership, team members, and the System Medical Director for Infection Control.

The specialist coordinates implementation and education related to the Infection Control Plan, helps carry out hospital-wide infection control activities, and develops and implements programs in assigned areas. The position identifies and recommends improvements to infection prevention practices, provides education, conducts rounds in patient care areas, and serves as a campus resource for infection control initiatives. It also supports surveillance and reporting of hospital-acquired infections, reviews medical records to identify potential infections, and helps maintain compliance with applicable governing-body requirements.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. The position requires a bachelor's degree, at least two years of nursing experience, and a Pennsylvania Registered Nurse license. Infection Prevention experience and knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease principles are preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least two years of nursing experience in a hospital setting.
• Active Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania.
• Clinical skills, communication skills, and computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in Infection Prevention.
• Experience with Joint Commission and Department of Health surveys.
• Working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease principles.

Responsibilities

• Support organizational goals for safe, quality patient care, patient satisfaction, infection prevention and control, and successful Joint Commission and Department of Health surveys.
• Assist with coordinating inpatient infection prevention and control activities in collaboration with medical staff across system facilities.
• Assist with Infection Control Program processes and goals under the supervision of infection prevention and control leadership and team members, in collaboration with the System Medical Director for Infection Control.
• Coordinate implementation and education about the Infection Control Plan as assigned.
• Assist with implementation of hospital-wide infection control activities based on the Infection Control Plan.
• Coordinate and participate in the development and implementation of infection control programs and activities in assigned areas and departments.
• Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve infection prevention and control practices, and provide education to support program effectiveness.
• Coordinate rounds in patient care areas and recommend changes to patient care and department-specific infection control education based on observations and information collected.
• Serve as a resource for infection control initiatives at the assigned campus.
• Identify and record hospital-acquired infections in accordance with Act 52 requirements.
• Understand and communicate Joint Commission and other governing-body requirements related to infection control and the organization's compliance; actively participate in surveys.
• Develop, review, and revise infection control policies and procedures in consultation with leadership.
• Participate in surveillance to identify unusual epidemic situations and evaluate new procedures, equipment, and the impact of the infection prevention and control program on patient care.
• Collaborate with community health agencies and other institutions to coordinate infection prevention and control services; assist public health authorities with investigations of reportable infections as required.
• Participate in continuing education and health-related associations to maintain professional expertise and promote the health system's interests.
• Develop and maintain expertise in CDC National Healthcare Safety Network reporting criteria and requirements.
• Perform concurrent and retrospective medical record reviews, including physician and nursing notes, laboratory culture data, radiology and imaging reports, and surgery reports, to identify potential hospital-acquired infections.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision benefits starting on day one.
• Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents.
• Pre-tax healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts and a health savings account.
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with automatic Geisinger contributions.
• Paid time off plan with accrual described as generous.
• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program with a financial incentive.
• Adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, and military leave pay.
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care.
• Employee Assistance Program with referrals for childcare, eldercare, and pet care; free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, and digital self-help tools.
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, universal life, pet, and legal insurance.
• Well-being resources, education, and support through Geisinger's Center for Well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level