Position Summary

The individual in this position will conducts a surveillance program to assure that proper methods are used to prevent initial infection and/or spread of infection among patients and personnel at Crossing Rivers Health and implements necessary control measures as set forth by the Infection Control Committee. The Infection Control Practitioner will be expected to be knowledgeable of infection control principles for individuals across the lifespan (neonates to geriatrics).

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Organizes and directs a surveillance system for detecting and recording nosocomial infections on an ongoing basis.
• Investigates clusters of infections above expected levels, of single cases of unusual nosocomial infections or epidemics due to unusual pathogens, or any occurrence of nosocomial infection that exceeds the usual baseline levels.
• Collaborate with and assist the Employee Health Nurse with pre-employment screenings, vaccination programs, and health promotion programs as necessary to meet Crossing Rivers Health policies, as well as state and federal regulations.
• Assumes responsibility for ongoing collection and analysis of data concerned with nosocomial infections.
• Conducts research and assists in the development and/or implementation of new or improved infection control measures in areas such as new products or policy and procedure changes.
• Assists in the development and/or implementation of new or improved infection control measures in areas such as new products or policy and procedure changes.
• Participates in committee functions as an active member or consultant as necessary and/or as required by the regulatory agencies, professional services, or administration.
• Assists in the development and/or implementation of the hazardous and infectious waste management program. Serves as a member of the Safety/Risk Management Committee, Quality Committee, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee.
• Leads and facilitates Infection Control Committee and implementation of Infection Control Risk Assessment and Infection Control Plan.
• Reviews provider order sheets for determination of potential infections requiring surveillance.
• Reviews bacterial reports and cultures in progress for the presence of infections.
• Develops mechanisms for the initiation, the approval, and the review of the results of all special studies that relate to infection control.
• Conducts concurrent review of isolation procedures and techniques.
• Reports necessary cases to the Public Health Officer (County of patient’s residency) and/or State Officer.
• Participates in activities associated with the public health department that would be beneficial to the facility, such as the county or state AIDS task force.
• Conducts a review of each department’s policies/procedures in cooperation with the Infection Control Committee and their guidelines.
• Maintains a file on all cases reviewed for future reference and research.
• Presents a report to the Infection Control Committee meeting, which includes a summary for the previous month(s) and status of cases currently being reviewed.
• Assists with in-service education program for all personnel as it relates to infection control.
• Acts as consultant and coordinator to Department Heads in matters of Infection Control.
• Conducts community education on infection control related topics as needed.
• Has a reasonable working knowledge of statistics and research techniques.
• Regularly attends and actively participates in staff development and committee meetings.
• Utilizes current literature and professional development to improve performance.
• Participates in programs and activities of the nursing service for the purpose of promoting its continuous improvements. Strives for continuous self-improvement through workshops, institutes, continuing education (formal and self-directed).
• Coordinates and integrates services with his/her department, other departments, and the plan for patient care.
• Ensures infection control processes and activities are planned, measured, assessed, and improved systematically throughout the organization.
• Supports and contributes to the performance improvement program by performing statistical analysis of nosocomial infections and trending other indicators that measure quality of care associated with infection control.
• Collaborates on decision-making and fosters communication and coordination among individuals and departments.
• Operates department services within budget.
• Participates in local, regional, and national professional organizations for infection control, and special medical wastes (infectious waste).
• Other job duties and responsibilities as assigned to effectively meet the needs of the patients, the department, and the organization as a whole.

Competency Statement(s)

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication – The ability to get one’s ideas across through oral or written means and to understand the ideas of others through effective listening skills.
• Deductive Reasoning – Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Initiative – Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
• Organized – Possessing the trait of being organized of following a systematic method of performing a task.
• Research Skills – Ability to design and conduct a systematic, objective, and critical investigation.
• Technical Aptitude – Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Associate’s Degree (two-year college or technical school) Required, Field of Study: Nursing
• Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college) Preferred, Field of Study: Nursing

Experience

• Reasonable working knowledge of job experience or both of the principles of epidemiology and infectious diseases; sterilization, sanitation and disinfection practices; microbiology; public health; adult education principles and/or patient care practices.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Certifications & Licenses

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse eligible to practice in the state of Wisconsin Required.
• Board Certification In Infection Prevention and Control (CIC): Preferred
• Membership with Association for Professional in Infection Control and Epidemiology: Preferred

Other Requirements

• Proficient in Federal, State and local laws and regulations as they pertain to and affect Crossing Rivers Health policy