Infection Preventionist-RN

FT INFECTION PREVENTIONIST REGISTERED NURSE $51.00 - $66.30 per hour Responsible for the overall direction of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP). This includes planning, developing, directing, implementing and evaluating infection prevention within the healthcare district, and it's associated facilities. The IP is responsible for the effective direction, management and operation of the infection prevention and control department, including education of hospital personnel. Consults with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC), and the county and state health departments. The responsibilities encompass compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), OSHA and state regulations and outbreak investigations. QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS Qualifications Registered Nurse currently licensed in the State of California. Two to five years of experience in a variety of nursing areas. A certificate in Infection Prevention is required within one year. Antimicrobial Stewardship experience preferred. One year of Infection Control experience is preferred. Member of Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) and National Healthcare Safety Network participants. Working knowledge of principles of epidemiology and microbiology and medical technology. Skills Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages are preferred. Mid-level computer knowledge. ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES Develops and maintains the facilities infection control plan, keeping up to date with current/new federal and state requirements. Conducts "environment of care rounds" and reports to Chief of Nursing Officer and appropriate department managers. Facilitates the operation of the hospital infection prevention/control program and supports continuous quality improvement. Participates with pharmacy, laboratory and medical staff in development of the facility's antibiotic stewardship program. Serves as a member and resources on various committees including but not limited to: Infection Control, CAHPS, PandT, Skilled Nursing CQI, new products committees and antimicrobial stewardship committee. Identifies, investigates, tracks and reports HAI data from hospital and skilled nursing center and provides reports to appropriate committees. Calculates infection rates using the APICs recommended denominator data, prepares and presents reports to appropriate committees. Develops and reviews policies and procedures that support key infection prevention and control functions. Maintains knowledge of current CDC guidelines and recommendations for infection prevention/control and NHSN definitions of healthcare associated infections. Collaborates with the education department in providing infection prevention orientation and in-service programs related to infection prevention district wide. Evaluates infection prevention related materials for appropriateness and accuracy prior to being used for training and assist in preparing testing materials, competency checklists, and provide training when necessary. Collaborates with human resources and employee health practitioner to provide direction regarding employee health issues such as exposures, vaccines or vaccines preventable diseases, communicable diseases and other infection prevention related issues. Collaborates with appropriate agencies and state regulatory organizations. Makes recommendations regarding real or potential problems/improvement opportunities, including desirable approaches toward resolving them. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.