The Infection Control Nurse is trained in hospital epidemiology principles and is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, and reporting of nosocomial infections. Educates employees about infection control and the development of hospital policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards that meet accreditation, OSHA, CMS, Health Department, and Center for Disease Control requirements. Assumes responsibilities as delegated in the absence of the Senior Infection Control Officer.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (*Essential Functions)

1. Conducts on-going surveillance using the center of disease control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation and investigation of healthcare-associated infections through the review of admission diagnoses, microbiology culture results, isolation orders, patient records, referrals and post-discharge surveillance.  Collects data in support of epidemiological studies of specific problems or problems areas to determine the source of the problem and makes appropriate recommendations.

2. Obtains and accurately reports required information on all reportable disease in compliance with state reporting requirements.

3. Plans, organizes, develops and implements educational programs for all hospital employees that convey specialized knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of existence of healthcare-associated infections, techniques for avoidance, and preventive measures to provide a safe environment for hospital employees and patients.  Monitors and educates staff in correct infection control technique during rounds’, and makes recommendations as indicated and appropriate.

4. Participate in research and performance improvement by reviewing infection control procedures and conduct necessary studies to support changes in policies and procedures. Assist with the implementation of such changes. Lead process improvement efforts related to infection control using Methodist’s process improvement methods.

5. Integrate evidence-based practices into polices, guidelines, protocols and educational strategies.

6. Participates in or coordinates committee activities as necessary and appropriate.

7. Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS(Minimum Requirements)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide infection prevention information for care appropriate to infant, child, adolescent, young adult, middle adult, and geriatric patient receiving hospital services.

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  Current knowledge of the epidemiology of infectious diseases and methods to effectively control their spread.

   

• Demonstrates analysis and interpretation of collected infection control data.

   

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and critical thinking skills.

   

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment both as a team leader, and as a team member on internal and external committees.

   

• Ability to model expected behaviors in infection prevention.

   

• Knowledge of the investigation and surveillance of suspected outbreaks of infection and at least three of the following:

   

• The planning, implementation and evaluation of infection prevention measures; The education of individuals about infection risk, prevention and control; The development and revision of infection control policies and procedures;

• The management of infection prevention and control activities.

   

• The provision of consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention and control strategies.

 

EDUCATION

 

All post high school education must have been obtained from a recognized College or University.  Additional education may be substituted for experience requirements should the substitution not conflict with State or Board certification/license requirements.

• Masters Nursing, CNS, or a closely related field Required

 

EXPERIENCE

 

Other types of work experience will be considered as meeting these experience requirements, as long as they are closely related to the essential functions of the position.

• 6 years Infection Control experience Required

 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

• IN Licensed Registered Nurse Required
• Certification-Infection Control and Epidemiology Required within two years employment
• Certification Clinical Nurse Specialist Preferred

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
Meets the Standards of Behavior as outlined in Personnel Policy and Procedure #1, Employee Relations Code.

CONFIDENTIALITY/HIPAA/CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Demonstrates knowledge of procedures for protecting and maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of employee, patient, family, organizational and other medical information. Understands and supports the commitment of Methodist Hospitals in adhering to federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations governing ethical business practices for healthcare providers.

DISCLAIMER - The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.