Infection Prevention and Control Nurse

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Coordinates a comprehensive organization wide infection prevention and control program in accordance with current requirements of regulatory, government, and accrediting/licensing agencies and organizational policies and procedures. Duties include surveillance for health care–associated infections (HAIs); collection, analysis, and interpretation of surveillance data; outbreak investigation; staff education and program evaluation. Responsible for the day-to-day administration and development of the infection prevention and control program.  Requires the independent application of an extensive level of experienced judgment and skills.  Attend training to obtain and maintain certifications required. 

POSITION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and maintains an infection surveillance, prevention, and control program based on the organization’s risk assessment and other needs and in accordance with state, federal, CDHC policies and procedures, and other reporting requirements
• Assesses reported incidents related to infection control standards in order to assess trends, identify needs for staff education and to ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Will collaborate with the Human Resource Department regarding employee vaccination processes, annual N95/Influenza/Covid-19 testing and/or vaccinations, and the management of potential blood exposures, employee illnesses and disease outbreaks.
• Conduct Infection prevention risk assessments at least annually and as needed with consideration of served populations, regional vulnerabilities, relevant statistical data, and new and emerging infectious diseases.
• Notify the County and/or State Health Department of any reportable diseases, adhering to all internal county and state procedures.
• Develop and implement continuously improved patient care procedures and control mechanisms relating to quality, compliance, and infectious diseases.
• Deliver infection prevention and control education to all employees during orientation and annually thereafter, including classes in infection prevention and control practices and employee health. Partner with clinical areas to develop staff competencies related to infection control.
• Ensure the infection prevention and control procedures meet CMS, county, and state, APIC and CDC regulations, standards or guidelines.
• Lead Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings and maintain all meeting minutes.
• Coordinate with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee to determine the direction of surveillance activities and actively evaluate effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Plan annually.
• Participate in activities of Omaha Metropolitan Medial Responds System (OMMRS)
• Assist Director of Facilities with rounds at main and Satellite clinics to direct and monitor the work of employees, in regard to adherence to infection control and prevention standards and compliance with Joint Commission Standards, ensuring services are delivered to patients consistent with the vision and standards of the employer.
• Reports surveillance data, findings, and analyses to the appropriate committees, patient care units, personnel, and externalagencies
• Assists the organization to evaluate and maintain readiness for state and accrediting agency surveys
• Maintains confidentiality of patients, personnel, and related information
• Provides consultation services relating to infection prevention and control to the various departments in the organization
• Maintains departmental records to be in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies
• Communicates with local and state health departments
• Works with facilities management and other personnel to evaluate infection risks associated with renovation and construction projects and to identify control measures
• Is an active member of the following committees: Infection Prevention and Control,  Joint Commission, Quality and Performance Improvement.
• Coordinate and actively participate in CDHC outreach activities (health fairs, screenings, etc.)
• Assist in the clinic(s) as needed with direct patient care.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of B.S. Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health, or related field required. Related license or certification.
• Completion of Principals of Epidemiology SS3030 and Applied Epidemiology course; or ability to complete within the first year of hire date.
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) is not required, but strongly encouraged.  Recertification is recommended every 5 years.
• Engage in continuing professional development by keeping up to date with nursing literature, recent nursing research and new developments in infection prevention and control practices.  A minimum of 10 hours or 4 CEU’s of professional development in the area of Infection Prevention and Control will be completed annually.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and competency with quality improvement, outcomes/performance monitoring, process development, epidemiology and/or regulatory compliance in the healthcare industry required.
• Demonstrated mastery of critical thinking, analytics, and problem solving skills required.
• Familiarity with relevant state, federal, and accrediting agency requirements
• Knowledge and experience in areas of patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, disinfection and sterilization, adult education, infectious diseases, epidemiology, statistics, communication, and program administration
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report data
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), familiarity with an Electronic Practice Management (EPM) and/ or Electronic Health Record (EHR)  and ability to obtain, enter, and manage data using a computer
• Able to organize and manage time and multiple tasks
• Adheres to the principles and to the mission of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals at various levels both inside and outside of the organization, often in sensitive situations.
• Language: English fluency (Spanish, Burmese, Mai Mai and Sudanese language fluency a plus)
• Hours of Work: Expect to work 40 hour a week minimum.
• Travel: Some travel required
• Physical: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with special challenges to perform these essential functions.