Under varying levels of supervision, responsible for infection prevention and control components including conducting , facilitating, developing and monitoring activities and functions relating to clinical and environmental surveillance, investigation, analysis, interpretation, reporting, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases. Demonstrates expert-level understanding of surveillance data gathering, use of surveillance software, definition application, and reporting. Continuously assesses, implements, and maintains a culture of safety across the continuum of care by performing a wide range of prevention and control functions. Provides education and consultation for healthcare providers to deliver safe patient-centered, quality care and collaborates with various departments across the healthcare setting to facilitate improved outcomes and ensure patient experience is the primary focus. Acts in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal rules and regulations and infection control standards.
Job Specific Duties
Reviews patient charts and microbiology and virology reports for evidence of HAIs and applies National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) definitions to identify and report HAIs through the use of an electronic surveillance system. Documents appropriate information in patient electronic record.
Conducts ongoing infection control surveillance, prevention, and control program activities within a healthcare setting to identify early and/or suspected outbreaks of infections and communicable diseases, and to control and reduce the risk of exposure and avoid transmission by using epidemiologic principles.
Leads investigations of clusters of infections, outbreaks, unusual infections or exposures as these events arise and participates in performance improvement initiatives to prevent healthcare associated infections.
Identifies opportunities for improvements based on tabulation, analysis, and interpretation of infection data and records, and prepares and reviews reports; utilizes appropriate reporting programs; accurately reports "reportable diseases" to the appropriate public health departments and responds to public health department inquiries, as needed.
Leads apparent cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement based on observations, process and outcome indicators and other findings and utilizes performance improvement methodology to create and implement interventions using current scientific literature.
Follows-up on patients, personnel, and visitors who have communicable disease(s) and/or blood exposure within the healthcare system.
Independently reviews construction plans and designs and with completion of Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRAs), as needed.
Serves as a member of, and assists with preparation for, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee.
Conducts environment of care rounding, identifying modifiable risks, and makes suggestions for improvements.
Effectively creates and maintains strong relationships with colleagues to answer infection prevention and control questions or concerns from staff, patients, and/or families.
Collaborates in the development and delivery of educational programs that relate to infection prevention, control and epidemiology, while evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and learner objectives.
Assists with the reviews and edits of basic infection prevention and control policies and procedures, protocols, and standard work.
Maintains compliance with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels, facilitates compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, and stays current on infection prevention and control regulatory and accreditation standards. Participates in DNV, Department of Health, and other regulatory readiness.
Represents the Infection Prevention and Control Department on various committees.
Functions as a super-user for surveillance applications, and actively participates in Information Technology meetings and related sub-groups when necessary.
Mentors and audits the work of junior infection preventionists.
Performs related duties, as assigned, which may include periodic responsibility for responding to urgent infection prevention questions after hours or on weekends.
Minimum Job Requirements
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Epidemiology, Microbiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Nursing, Public Health, Business or a related discipline
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) required.
RN Licensure within the State of Florida or Multi-State Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
American Heart Association BLS - maintain active and in good standing
Minimum of four (4) years of satisfactory experience working in a clinical infection prevention and control program. If master's degree, a minimum of two (2) years of experience is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Master's degree preferred.
Applies analytical thinking.
Ability to identify, analyze and solve problems.
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines.
Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation.
Demonstrates a systematic approach in carrying out projects.
Effectively handles conflicts constructively.
Demonstrates informal leadership abilities.
Good working knowledge of MS-Office and software technologies.
