Infection Control Practitioner

Position Summary Monitors and implements the health system's Infection Control Program that is aimed at improving the quality of patient care/outcomes and patient/personnel safety by: conducting surveillance activities, providing education, analyzing and reporting data, recommending actions for and assisting in maintaining regulatory requirements/recommendations. Education Associates of Nursing

• Required Bachelors of Nursing
• Preferred Experience 3-5 Years clinical or epidemiology
• Required License & Certification Professional License with State of Practice
• Required National Certification
• Required Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Georgia Certification in Infection Control within 3 years of eligibility and maintain certification Core Job Functions Monitors adherence to existing infection control policies during rounds (during EOC and just in time rounds) and provides immediate counsel and/or takes corrective action when breaks in technique are observed, discussing opportunities for improvement to the appropriate Manager.

Participates in performance improvement activities and infection control plan development, governance councils and interdisciplinary committees. Prioritizes unit rounds based on patient risk, culture data, and the potential for nosocomial transmission of disease. Collaborates with Physician Advisors to Infection Control, and/or Attending Physician and staff on isolation/infection control issues. Using standard NHSN definitions, reviews microbiological lab data, specific patient clinical presentation and "reason for visit" issues to determine if a hospital acquired infection is present. Prepares and presents educational offerings for staff, patients, community based on needs assessment and observation, and as requested. Peruses literature to keep abreast of current information in a rapidly changing field. Maintains current knowledge of regulations, requirements and recommendations (JC, CDC, OSHA, etc.) Maintains current knowledge regarding the types of communicable diseases that require reporting and their appropriate timeframes. Conducts patient interviews as required. Recognizes the potential for transmission of disease in the community and reports in a timely manner. Enters hospital acquired infection data into the NHSN database for CMS upload. Employee, visitor, family, or other exposures to infectious disease is reported promptly to Occupational Health Services as appropriate. Investigation and follow up activities for exposed persons is conducted promptly. Participates with facilities, construction committee and staff regarding infection related concerns. Participates in committees regarding product review and evaluation