To provide surveillance, communication and overall coordinator of the Infection Prevention and Control Program of the hospital and act in accordance with the Infection Prevention and Control Plan. Evaluates quality of patient care and patient outcomes as they relate to healthcare-associated infections. Collects, prepares and analyzes healthcare-associated infection data. Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions. Monitors employee compliance in use of barriers and infection prevention measures. Prepares and presents educational offerings for the staff. Serves as a resource to all departments and personnel. This position also serves as the Employee Health Nurse/Coordinator to ensure compliance with employee health screening, testing, reporting and vaccination programs.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Demonstrates on-going monitoring of healthcare-associated infections and community-associated infections
• Demonstrates ability to identify and respond to infection control problems within the organization and makes recommendations for corrective action.
• Demonstrates ability to prepare the monthly IC Report and can present data and findings to the Infection Prevention and Control/Safety Committee and monthly Performance Improvement Committee meeting.
• Demonstrates ability to monitor infection control practices and employee compliance and can verbalize these practices to the CNO and other patient care employees.
• Demonstrates ability to serves as a resource for all departments and personnel via education initiatives, IC communications and updates as well as ability to provide feedback as needed regarding treatment plans and general infection prevention and control practices as it relates to patient care.
• Demonstrates ability to conduct outbreak investigations and initiates containment and control measures
• Demonstrates ability to report communicable diseases to the state and/or CDC as required by law.
• Consults with department heads and physicians as needed to improve care.
• Demonstrates ability to initiates follow-up on employee/patient exposures to communicable diseases.
• Demonstrates ability to participate in short and long-range planning for the infection prevention and control department which includes developing and maintaining the hospital infection prevention and control plan, risk assessment and annual review.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain a close liaison with the public health department.
• Demonstrates ability to assist with or preform verification of any required reporting to public health authorities.
• Maintains APIC membership and completes educational requirements as assigned.
• Maintains employee health files and ensures compliance with employee required testing, screening and vaccinations requirements.
• Primary contact for employees to receive healthcare required vaccinations
• Monitors inventory of healthcare required vaccinations to ensure timely administration to staff and patients.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
• Corrects minor safety hazards.
• Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
• Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

• Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
• Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
• Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
• Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

• Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
• Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
• Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
• Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
• Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
• Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
• Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

• Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
• Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
• Desire to go above and beyond for others
• Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Education

• Required: Associates of Science degree in a healthcare related field. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification. APIC membership received within one (1) month of hire.
• Preferred: Graduate from an accredited nursing program with an Associates degree in nursing, or greater. A current RN license in the state of employment.
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience

• Required: Previous experience as a LVN, RN or in an Infection Prevention and Control role
• Preferred: Two (2) years of experience as an LVN, RN or Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator in an acute behavioral healthcare setting.