Infection Prevention Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS

Education –  A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Biology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology, or Master of Public Health (MPH) is preferred. Associates degree in nursing or relevant medical field required.

Experience – Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in hospital or similar setting required.  One year of Infection Prevention experience, preferred.  Infection Prevention specialized training course, preferred, required after 1 year employment.  Certification in Infection Control completed after 2 years employment, if not Certified on hire. 

Licenses & Certification – Driver’s license, State of Oklahoma Nursing License, if applicable. Documentation of Infection Prevention classes and/or certifications must be provided.

Due to the specialty training and nature of this position, classification of levels of responsibility and experience are defined as but not limited to as listed below. As the industry standards change, the classifications will be evaluated and updated as appropriate.

Levels

Infection Prevention Experience

1

0- 3 years: Limited

2

3 -5 years, Basic (APIC) IP Class, CIC or other certification related to Infection Prevention

3 & 4

5-10 years, Advanced (APIC) Class, CIC or other certification related to Infection Prevention

Knowledge & Skills –

Identifying, investigating, reporting, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases within the organization, including both healthcare associated infections and community-acquired infections

Knowledge of the Privacy Act in regard to confidentiality and the release of medical information.

Knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations and national guidelines.

Skill and ability to organize and multi-task – ability to prioritize tasks by importance and accomplish highest priority tasks each day.

1. Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with co-workers, medical care providers, management personnel, tribal leaders and the general public both orally and in writing.
2. Skill in the use of a personal computer in a Windows environment, and other office equipment.
3. Ability to work with others on an individual basis utilizing high interpersonal skills.
4. Completes annual education requirements.
5. Maintains regulatory requirements.
6. Attends committee meetings as required.
7. Professional knowledge of nursing care principles, ethics, intervention, practices and processes required to assess nursing needs.
8. Skills in recognizing and determining possible causes for infectious diseases.
9. Ability to develop, implement and evaluate a nursing education/infection control program.
10. Knowledge of federal, tribal and state regulations regarding healthcare facilities.
11. Skill in teaching and the ability to learn from others.
12. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in human relations, public speaking, organization and presentation to groups large and small.

JOB  SUMMARY

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, direction, and management in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Ambulatory and/or Inpatient infection prevention program; safe & effective system for the maintenance of a sanitary environment, as well as, the surveillance, prevention, control & reporting of infections. 

 WORK  ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a ambulatory, hospital and business office setting. There is moderate risk of exposure to infectious communicable disease, potentially hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials. Occasional travel may be required in the performance of duties.

PHYSICAL  DEMANDS

Work is mostly sedentary requiring filing, operating office equipment, lifting boxes of files or forms, etc.  Must be able to cope with constant changes in a sometimes stressful environment.  May require some occasional driving.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Satisfactory job performance will be determined by successful execution of the following:

Collaborates with facility Leadership and healthcare providers responsible for inpatient and outpatient departments and services, as well as non-patient care support staff, i.e., Maintenance and Environmental Services staff. Assists with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control.  Participates in the organization performance improvement program.

Assists with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control.

Participates in the organization’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program.

Report infection control and risk issues found during record reviews as appropriate and required.

Serves as a principal member of the Infection Control Committee, responsible for influencing, coordinating, implementing, supervising and evaluating standards of care developed by the committee.

Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients of all ages and healthcare staff.

Confers with staff nurses in all ambulatory care units on a regular basis to determine occurrence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs).

Compiles and analyzes surveillance of infections in patients and personnel through the use of data collection, line listing and health care acquired infection report form to identify epidemiological variations in levels of disease and to develop appropriate measures for prevention and control.

Initiates culture and sensitivity and/or appropriate Transmission-Based Precautions (isolation precautions) when indicated.

Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology laboratory of patients and staff to determine if infection is healthcare associated in origin.

Confers with medical and nursing staff to determine appropriate implementation of Transmission-Based Precautions (isolation precautions).

Notifies physicians of patients exposed to an infection or communicable disease during hospitalization.

Monitors patient care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies or new products which may constitute a risk of originating or transmitting infection.

Develops and revises techniques according to accepted current standards which provide optimum care to patients with infections.

Incorporates infection control principles, policies and procedures throughout MCNDH Ambulatory clinics &/or Inpatient facilities in order to provide a safe environment for patients and personnel.

Designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the Infection Prevention and Control Program.

Demonstrates knowledge of microbiology and modes of transmission of disease entities.

Demonstrates understanding of Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions as set forth by the CDC.

Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection prevention and control to all levels of healthcare staff.

Is a consultant to nursing and medical staff.

Collaborates with representatives of community health agencies and other institutions to provide coordinated service for prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases.

Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Has input into the Employee Health Program and assists with follow-up of accidental exposure incidents as needed.

Maintains, updates, and monitors incidents related to infections and communicable diseases, including healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and infections.

Monitors proper use (manufacturers’ instructions) of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics and disinfectants in use throughout the facility.

Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization and disinfection employed throughout the organization.

This serves as the designation of the Infection Prevention Specialist of the Muscogee Creek Nation and will remain in effect until vacated.