Summary
The Infection control Coordinator is a Registered Nurse who is qualified through education, training, experience or certification in infection prevention and control. This position monitors lab cultures to identify, isolate and prevent hospital-acquired infections. The Infection Control Coordinator collaborates with the Quality Director, Medical Staff and clinical staff to improve patient outcomes and protect healthcare staff from work-related exposures. This nurse is approved by South Central’s Board of Trustees as the infection control nurse responsible for infection prevention and control activities at SCRMC. The position reports to the hospital Quality Director and supervises the Infection Control RN position.
Job Components
Professional Responsibilities:Adheres to regulatory standards and hospital policy Maintains professional and technical knowledge and pursues professional growth opportunities Serves as a positive role model for staff Keeps access to protected health information secure and confidential Contributes to a safe, supportive work environment that promotes teamwork Reflects the mission, vision and performance standards of South Central Regional Medical Center
Core Duties:
Coordinates infection prevention and control activities to reduce hospital acquired infections and prevent staff exposure to infectious disease. Coordinates the Tuberculosis Screening and Employee Vaccination program. Responsible for infection surveillance, prevention and control policies, isolation protocol, the Infection Prevention Control Program plan with risk assessment and Exposure Control Plan The annual risk assessment is based on surveillance data and findings from monitoring as outlined in the IPCP plan. Coordinates review of laboratory reports on C diff, MRSA, CAUTI, CLABSI and SSI for data collection and monitoring with timely communication of this information to clinical leaders and reported to Quality Council In collaboration with the Quality Director and the Infection Control, RN conducts rounds on inpatient units for monitoring isolation, device counts and observation of compliance with infection prevention practices and standards. Responsible for chart abstraction or delegation of chart abstraction for hospital acquired infections and reportable diseases and reporting data to CDC’s NationalHealth Safety Network portal. Serves as facility administrator for NHSN. Stays current on CDC’s, APIC, NHSN and DNV standards and regulations, and evidence-based practices related to control and treatment of infectious disease Analyzes internal data on HAIs, the success of various prevention strategies for performance improvement Investigates possible outbreaks and creates strategies for a response to prevent spread, reports to MS Dept of Health Serves as an Infectious disease resource for Medical Staff, hospital staff and Administration. Provides competency-based training and education to hospital staff, medical staff and contract personnel upon hire and annually on the practical applications of infection prevention and control principles Works closely with department leaders to maintain a hospital-wide sanitary physical environment Communicates and collaborates with the antibiotic stewardship program Leads South Central’s interdisciplinary Infection Control Committee. Creates reporting plan, meeting schedules and agendas. Support committee members who are responsible for all components of infection control at SCRMC. Participates in community projects to educate the public about infection and infection control Participate in the evaluation and selection of products related to cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the environment and/or devices and equipment. Assists with employee health activities and travels offsite to assist with administering employee vaccinations
Essential Skill Competencies
Obtain membership in the local APIC chapter
Knowledge of Infection Control and Employee Health program regulations
Computer skills with applications of word processing, excel, PowerPoint, web-based research
Reads and comprehends written instructions, able to interpret medical orders, correspondence
Effectively maneuvers the Electronic Health record to obtain infection information
Ability to prioritize, organize and carry out work assignments independently and efficiently, self-directed and flexible
Professional knowledge of health care services and complex hospital processes
Working well with groups and independently
Minimum Requirements: Active Mississippi RN license, nursing or similar professional healthcare degree. Certification in Infection Control is preferred but can be obtained after working in the position for a specified time. Requires access to CDC’s NHSN, which can be obtained after hire. Tuberculosis skin testing certification, BLS certification required. Performance of employee drug screen testing, when class is available. Must be able to read, write, and understand verbal and written communication.
Interaction Skills: Effectively communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to provide instructions and education
Physical Demands:
During a normal shift, the incumbent will:
Occasionally (1-33%)
Frequently (34-67%)
Continuously (68-100%)
Climbing Stairs
Walk
Seeing (Visual)
Stand
Reach
Listening
Lift
Carry
Simple Grasping
Squat
Distinguishing colors
Sit
Bend
Forearm Rotation
Kneel
Firm Grasping
Hazardous Materials
Lifting 10-50 lbs
Lifting > 50 lbs with assistance
Carrying 10 to 20 lbs.
Push on wheels 200-400 lbs.
Pulling Up to 350 lbs with assistance
Use of Computer Carts
Lifting Up to 10 lbs
Carrying Up to 10 lbs
Push on wheels Up to 200 lbs
Use of Wheelchair
Use of Stretcher
Use of Carts
Use of Dynamap (1 lb)
Exposure Classifications: Moderate exposure risk