Job Description

Overview

Under the supervision of the Epidemiology Director provides infection surveillance, control and prevention strategies to support the delivery of effective and efficient patient care in the inpatient, outpatient, home health and Emergency Department settings. Has the overall accountability for the surveillance and detection of infections in patients within

the assigned areas of responsibility. Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team to identify appropriate patient placement and isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Utilizes CDC guidelines to determine the presence of a healthcare-associated infections and best patient care practices. Communicates surveillance findings to the Infection Prevention and Control team and committee, and shares pertinent information with applicable Healthcare Workers (HCWs). Makes recommendations to improve patient outcomes based on findings, research, evidence-based guidelines, and conclusions. Consults with patients, families, employees, administrators and risk management as needed regarding system infection prevention and control policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Maintains confidentiality of all information

Attends mandatory in-service programs; maintains CEUs for licensure renewal

Is knowledgeable of hospital mission, vision, and values and performs in a manner that supports them

Identifies and reports safety and risk management concerns

Completes and maintains assigned surveillance and data analysis reports in a timely manner

Prepares infection surveillance reports and provides statistical and observational analysis

Seeks opportunities to decrease waste and promote cost-effective procedures to contribute to better patient outcomes

Educates HCWs on identifying high risk patient populations for MRSA, VRE, and other multidrug-resistant organisms

Collaborates with physicians and other HCWs when needed to determine the best infection prevention options for patients

Promotes the integration of infection prevention and control practices into every aspect of patient care

Reviews and revises Infection Prevention and Control related policies and procedures to ensure incorporation of most recent CDC and OSHA recommendations

Monitors compliance with established policy/procedure, and communicates opportunities for improvement to unit/department managers throughout facilities

Evaluates appropriateness of bed assignments for patients requiring isolation precautions, utilizing a combination of clinical information, screening criteria, and third party information if available

Addresses infection prevention patient care needs through appropriate referrals to promote continuum of care (i.e. reporting notifiable diseases to the ADPH)

Communicates clinical information in a clear, concise, and timely manner at weekly epidemiology team meetings

Develops strategies with the Epidemiology Team to address situations in which the risk of infection can be reduced for the patients, families, visitors, HCWs, and the community

Monitors and analyzes data to determine if change in surveillance plan is warranted or if valid pattern requires intervention

Educates staff and physicians on an ongoing basis about infection prevention and control principles and practice, to insure best possible patient outcomes

Committee/workgroup memberships, with active participation, as assigned

Participates in quality improvement and product evaluation processes related to epidemiology

Makes environmental rounds with designated environment of care (EOC) team per schedule made by EOC chairperson

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide advice appropriate to the age of patients served

Makes rounds on assigned units and areas, assessing patient and healthcare worker (HCW) safety and HCW compliance with policies, e.g. hand hygiene

Assists the hospital in meeting and exceeding goals of continuous quality improvement including but not limited to CMS infection measure, The Joint Commission, ADPH, OSHA standards, and CDC guidelines

Becomes active member of APIC and attends monthly meetings as schedule allows

Initiates and participates in departmental studies and projects

Actively works toward Certification in Infection Control (CIC), sitting for exam after two years

Reports to Public Health as required by law

Researches, prepares and delivers educational sessions, both formally and informally as necessary.

Strives to achieve performance, patient/employee satisfaction, and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience, predominately in the acute care setting preferred

Able to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain proper productivity

Able to form positive, collaborative relationships with hospital staff, patients, families and post-acute providers

Able to problem solve in a proactive, creative manner, using sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge

Able to effectively negotiate with internal and external providers of patient care services

Strong leadership skills

Computer skills and statistical knowledge

Able to work independently and within a team structure

Must be able to communicate examples of situations where strong individual initiative was taken and outcomes were positively impacted

Excellent interpersonal skills

Able to deconstruct complex issues into understandable components

RN with current Alabama license

BSN preferred

Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English

Working Conditions:

WORK CONTEXT

• On call: Availability required 24/7 on a rotating basis, including holidays and weekends.
• Must be willing come to the hospital any time their presence is needed.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Able to lift at least 20 lbs.
• Able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting, or standing and/or walking; able to reach reasonable distances to handle equipment
• Good manual dexterity
• Physical presence onsite is essential
• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
• Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation