Job Description

The Infection Control Practitioner is a qualified individual with knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), JCAHO /DNV standards, federal and state regulations. She/he is responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients/residents and personnel. By authority of the Infection Control Committee, she/he may institute collection of cultures and initiate appropriate isolation precautions. She/he is responsible for assisting with service programs related to infection prevention and control. This position is highly visible within the hospital site and across the organization. The goal is to support the Infection Prevention vision to prevent infection and proactively manage infection risk across the care continuum.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Demonstrates comprehensive, evidenced-based knowledge of infection prevention and control processes in the healthcare setting, including isolation precautions, microbiology, modes of transmission of disease entities, epidemiology, and aseptic technique.
• Demonstrates knowledge of risk stratified statistics as applicable to trending healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
• Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of infection control including changing infection control practices and designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the infection control program in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection control to all levels of healthcare personnel and presents in-service education related to infection prevention and control house wide as needed.
• Can be asked to consult on issues regarding infection prevention and best practice principles for all levels of personnel, patients and visitors.
• Works collaboratively with the medical staff and nursing in development and implementation of a system of identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients and residents of all ages and healthcare personnel, from an evidenced based perspective. Contributes to product innovation and evaluation.
• Makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds based on state or professional standards.
• Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology laboratory of patients, residents and personnel to determine if infection is healthcare associated in origin and initiates appropriate isolation precautions when indicated.
• Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established thresholds, and/or in cluster by patient/resident care units, among personnel and volunteers. With consultation when necessary, with local, state health departments and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Identifies exposures to communicable diseases and works with Employee Health, Department Leaders, and Medical Providers, implement, monitor and evaluation post-exposure follow-up.
• Communicates appropriate reports to Quality Council regarding Infection Prevention and Control, and cooperates with other departments in the performance of Quality Assurance activities.
• Maintains accurate records of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients, residents and personnel.
• Implements and conducts special studies when appropriate or requested by the infection Control committee Chairperson.
• Develops and/or reviews site or system policies and procedures using evidence-based practices with appropriate references.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• A degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health Epidemiology, Medical Technology or Biology required. (Nursing applicants must maintain WI licensure as a registered nurse; Medical Technology applicants must be ASCP registered).
• CIC or IPC certification required within 2 years of hire.
• Has a minimum of 3 years of infection prevention and control experience in a hospital-based setting.
• Maintain a membership in APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology).
• Able to be competent with EPIC, NHSN, and other software within 30 days of hire.

Professional Skills & Expectations:

• Demonstrates self-directed, results-oriented and creative approach to organizational change.
• Demonstrates high level of tact, diplomacy and integrity.
• Ability to provide education that demonstrates an understanding of the principles of adult learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of healthcare epidemiology and infectious diseases.
• Demonstrates competence in investigation, documentation and mitigation of outbreaks.
• Ability to assist in gathering and organizing data, drawing conclusions, and presenting scientific-based recommendations to a diverse audience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Exceptional communication in English sufficient to interact with key stakeholders verbally and in writing.
• Able to handle managing multiple priorities, and the ability to change course when unanticipated events arise.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

• Occasional Ascending or descending of ladder, stairs, or ramps.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Ability to wear personal protective gear correctly as required.
• Candidate must be able to perform various physical tasks with a high degree of proficiency, such as articulating, hearing, viewing and walking throughout the hospital.

Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job. This job description is subject to change at any time with or without notice.