Infection Prevention Coordinator

Duties:



The Infection Prevention Coordinator (IPC) is a professional who works independently and collaboratively with the Infection Prevention Manager (IPM) and the Medical Director of Infectious Disease Medicine / Hospital Epidemiology to provide service line support to the organization. Acts as a resource for department, administration, medical staff, and hospital personnel in areas related to Infection Prevention. As an infection prevention expert this position will serve as an infection control officer, in partnership with the Epidemiologist/Medical Director of Infectious Disease, according to the CMS and TJC standards. Ensures that projects and activities of the hospital are in accordance with the Infection Prevention Plan, TJC Regulations, Title XXII, and Hospital Policy. Participates in all aspects of the Infection Prevention Program including surveillance, monitoring, prevention, and education on infection prevention processes within both client Hospitals, Health at Home and Cancer Center to facilitate opportunities to improve patient care. Submits reports and reviews in a complete, final and timely manner. Applies supervisory experience to recognize when to escalate problems to the IPM but otherwise uses excellent judgment in dealing with daily issues as they arise. The IPC is able work to work independently utilizing a high level of initiative, judgment and critical thinking skills and collaboratively using good team and communication skills.



Skills:



Collaborate with leadership for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the NBH Infection Prevention Program.

Develops prospective and retrospective surveillance strategies for hospital acquired and community acquired infections and performs such surveillance.

Develops forms and record keeping systems for surveillance activities and prepares appropriate statistical reports from collected data to identify and analyze trends of infections.

Utilizes computer-based programs for tracking or reporting and disseminates information as appropriate. Responsible for the submission of surveillance reports, directed studies and other pertinent infection prevention data to the appropriate committees and personnel.

Investigates potential infection hazards and deviations of hospital infection rates above the baseline; recommends and coordinates the implementation of appropriate changes; and evaluates the effectiveness of prevention and control measures.

Serves as the resource for infection prevention matters in partnership and collaboration with the hospital Epidemiologist/Medical Director for the organization.

Provides collaborative and consultative support with the local Air Force Base, civilian support agencies, and community, state, and national professional organizations regarding current infection prevention practice.

Provides consultation to all hospital departments and activities for the safe delivery of health care services. Provides expertise in planning patient care regarding infections and communicable diseases.

Monitors regulatory and accreditation agency standards as well as national professional organizations (WHO, APIC, IHI) and proposes necessary program changes to the Pharmacy &Therapeutics/Infection Control Committee.

Develops, maintains, and coordinates implementation of client infection prevention policies and regulations, including OSHA, TB, and blood borne pathogen standards.

Participates in the establishment of performance improvement criteria. Develops and manages monitoring tools to evaluate the effectiveness of infection prevention activities and conducts continuous monitoring of same.

Utilizing scientifically proven epidemiological principles and practices, the IPC observes, investigates and implements prevention measures throughout client when an outbreak or cluster of infections is noted among staff or patients and in consultation with the hospital Epidemiologist/Medical Director for client.

Influences the integration of infection prevention principles for inpatient care practices thorough such mechanisms as, recommending culture and sensitivity testing, and initiating appropriate isolation precaution when deemed necessary.

Participates in daily inpatients rounds for surveillance activities; coordinates infection prevention education of patients diagnosed with a communicable disease as necessary in conjunction with the hospital epidemiologist.

Collaborates with and provides support to Occupational/Employee Health. Such support includes communicable disease referrals and follow-up for client staff, policy revision, staff immunizations, aiding with health fairs and performing other projects as needed.

Develops and presents education activities including but not limited to community outreach. Provides support to Human Resources, Medical Staff Office, and Guild by ensuring that client personnel are provided with an orientation and annual infection prevention training. Target audiences include physicians, residents, nursing staff, paraprofessionals, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, volunteers, students, and all other clinical and administrative support personnel throughout client.





Schedule Notes:
ASAP Start 8 week initial duration Normally eight-hour days but hours will vary according to work demands and project requirements; will require on-call support. Occasional attendance at evening meetings. **please submit qualified candidates at the bill rate needed to confirm them**