Overview:
Monitors and investigates known or suspected sources of infections in order to determine the sources and to implement measures to control the spread in patients and employees. Provides related education to staff. Responsible for overall infection surveillance activities for Infection Prevention and Control in the hospital and ambulatory settings.
Responsibilities:
Maintains surveillance to determine the incidence and prevalence of infections. Ensures precautionary steps are followed by employees and visitors. Conducts regular facility rounds to monitor and assess consistent implementation of Infection Prevention and Control policies. Assists in development of infection control policies, procedures and practices for the hospital and ambulatory milieu. Analyzes and trends data collected to assist in planning initiatives that are compatible with organizational needs. Review daily laboratory reports such as: multi drug resistant organisms, clusters, outbreaks, and exposures that require notification to the Department of Health; trains facility personnel in the prevention of transmission of infections; prepares, disseminates information and reports as needed. Assists Occupational Health activities, such as evaluating source of communicable diseases exposure to healthcare workers from blood and body fluids, influenza, varicella, and other exposure follow-up and in-service education on infection prevention and control. Reports any actual or suspected infection, and institutes any appropriate isolation procedures. Collects and compiles data for comparative statistics shared with the NYSDOH, NYCDOH, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), and CMS as required. Provide orientation/review classes for facility employees on the policies, standards and practices of infection control relative to their scope of responsibilities. Conducts ongoing surveillance to determine incidents of infections; reports to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and maintains line listing of all suspected infections. Maintains, develops, and implements infection prevention and control policies that are evidence-based and meet regulatory requirements and facility needs. Assists with Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Participates as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelors Degree required. Masters Degree preferred. Experience: Minimum two (2) years medical surgical nursing experience or two (2) years infection control related experience. Supervisory skills a plus. Licensure/Certifications: NYS RN License preferred and/or previous experience as an Infection Preventionist (IP) is preferred but not required. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within two (2) years of employment. Knowledge and Skills: Computer literate and experience with infection control procedures is desirable. Knowledge of DOH regulations and related agencies is essential. CDC, APIC and NIOSH literate preferred. Physical Requirements: Position requires prolonged periods of sitting and use of a computer and screen viewing throughout the working day. Position will be required to stoop, bend, lift, and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of The Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. BHMC is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.