Infection Prevention Nurse
Chase Brexton Health Care
Baltimore, MD
Health / Beauty / Fitness
The Infection Prevention Nurse is trained in outpatient epidemiology principles and is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of community acquired infections and surgical/procedural site infections ; educating employees about infection prevention; and the development of health system policies and procedures to insure rigorous infection control standards that meet TJC, OSHA, Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other nationally organized agencies recommendations and requirements.
The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Quality and Clinical Services in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer/Director of Infectious Diseases
Major Duties And Responsibilities
Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Apply epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target population, analyze trends and risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
- Conduct on-going surveillance using Center of Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation, and investigation of infections through review of microbiology culture results, patient records, consultation requests and post-op visits.
- Participate in investigations of unusual infection outbreaks in conjunction with county/state public health departments, and when necessary in consultation with the Center for Disease Control. Report epidemiologically significant findings to appropriate customers.
- Interprets data to determine when patients/employees are at risk for infection and takes appropriate measures including notifying physician and/or Director of Operations
- Implements and coordinates the execution of the infection control plan.
- Report all patients with communicable disease to the county and/or state health department and maintain appropriate records. Compile and interpret surveillance reports to appropriate Senior Leadership on a regular basis.
- Collaborates with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases
- Collaborate with the Director, Quality to plan, organize, develop and implement educational programs for all employees including administrative and ancillary services which convey specialized knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of existence of nosocomial infections; techniques for avoidance and preventive measures to provide a safe environment for employees and patients.
- Demonstrates knowledge of specific conditions, diseases, and treatment therapies for the specific patient/health care worker population in the organization
- Serve as a knowledgeable and available resource on infection control practices and policies to patients, families, and employees.
- Develop appropriate informational materials at appropriate level of understanding and need.
- Participate in infectious disease research including monitoring and contacting study participants, consenting, and study visits as assigned
- Assist in the organization of regularly scheduled Infection Control trainings and dissemination of recommendation.
- Assess environmental control through surveillance of hand hygiene, water supply systems as needed, air pressure relationships for high risk environmental monitoring.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the surveillance plan and modifies as necessary.
- Collect data in support of epidemiological studies of specific problems or problem areas to determine the source of the problem and make appropriate recommendations.
- Participate in quality/performance improvement activities by assessing, monitoring, and measuring nosocomial infections and evaluating outcomes on a continuous basis.
- Assess/review and implement the infection control training program for staff and patients and keep practices current.
- Conduct environmental rounds in all patient care areas.
- Manages on-boarding of all new hires from an employee health perspective, assessing risk or need for preventive intervention (immunization, titer).
- Responsible for organizational compliance with disinfection/sterilization practices and standards
- Using professional guidelines (CDC, APIC) makes recommendations to comply with regulatory and accrediting agencies including federal, state and local health agencies along with the Joint Commission, CDC, OSHA, FDA and HCFA.
- Participate in continuing educational activities at the department, state, and national levels to promote personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base commensurate with latest research and scholarly knowledge.
- Must have very strong interpersonal skills
- Highly effective in establishing relationships with key constituents, both within and outside the institution, professionally representing the institution
- Excellent discretion, judgment, tact, initiative, organizational skills, and self-motivation.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- Ability to anticipate and asses situations accurately and recommend/implement effective courses of action required.
- Required: Graduate from an Accredited School of Nursing; BSN preferred
- Required: Active RN license
- Required: 5 years of applied clinical experience as an RN in a health related field
- Employee will complete Infection Preventionist Certification within three years of hire.
- Minimum 3 years experience in Infection Control/Prevention Nursing
- Demonstrated knowledge of legislation and policy requirements that govern nursing practice.
- Participate in infectious disease research including monitoring and contacting study participants, consenting, and study visits as assigned
About the company
Company website•Hospitals and Health Care
When you think about health care what comes to mind? Medical exams? Health insurance? Shots?
At Chase Brexton Health Care, we think about ‘care.’ When patients come to Chase Brexton for their health care, they receive more than medical attention. Patients receive personalized, collaborative care and superior quality treatment focused on them.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Joint Commission accredited, Federally Qualified Health Center, we provide a range of clinical services from pediatrics and adult medical care to behavioral health services and dental, among others, and welcome more than 50,000 patients annually. And, though we continue to grow, our patient-centered approach remains; we are passionate about providing personalized care to each of our patients.
At Chase Brexton, we seek to foster a culture that promotes staff development and satisfaction. We believe our talented team is key to achieving our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality, and integrated health care that respects the unique needs of each patient and advances wellness in the communities we serve.
Chase Brexton offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, long- and short-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, an Employee Assistance Program, and a tax-free retirement plan with company matching contributions. All in a professional, supportive environment.
Our work is not possible without a strong, devoted, and talented staff. Everyone is welcomed and affirmed. Minority applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Want to join our team? Visit our website for career opportunities.