Position Objective:

Works with the Infection Control Director and other members of the Infection Control department in implementation of the multiple facets of the Medical Centers infection control program, in order to ensure high quality patient care and an environment that protects employees, patients, and visitors. Acts as an infection control liaison between all hospital departments, medical services, the Infections Committee, and the Infection Control Director.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

1. Monitors infection control practices through frequent case finding rounds, environmental rounds, and consultation with personnel; this includes participation in infection control risk assessments.
2. Reviews microbiological data according to established standard; advises appropriate personnel of findings; prepares reports as requested; participates in special surveillance projects as requested.
3. Compiles data, prepares and presents statistical graphs and reports as requested, and assures compliance with Infections Committee requirements, hospital policies, public health regulations, the Center for Disease Control and other standards/guidelines.
4. Assists hospital personnel in identifying carriers and tracing possible sources of infection, in maintaining accurate records of all epidemiological programs, surveys, and problems, and in notifying physicians of patients exposed to infection or communicable disease during hospitalization.
5. Reviews sterilization and disinfecting methods practiced in all areas of the hospitals; makes recommendations for change as needed and reports compliance issues to the Infections Committee.
6. Recommends emergency infection control measures, notifies the appropriate authorities, and ensures implementation of needed controls in the absence of the Infection Control Director and/or the Hospital Epidemiologist.
7. Collaborates with representatives of community health agencies and other agencies and other institutions to provide coordinated services for prevention and control of infection in the area.
8. Provides appropriate counseling /education to patients, their families, and employees in relation to communicable diseases, including assistance in nursing orientation and other educational programs.
9. Participates in planning and implementation of programs addressing improvements in infection prevention, including but not limited to statewide collaborative and hospital/system-wide initiatives.
10. Ensures and monitors compliance of staff with infection control policies and procedures and reports trends to the unit director and the Director of Infection control.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• This role requires strong interpersonal skills to facilitate daily interactions with patients, families/visitors, nurses, physicians, ancillary staff, and personnel from outside organizations.
• Must possess strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of preparing and interpreting basic statistical data is recommended.
• Prior experience as an Infection Control Practitioner/ Infection Preventionist preferred.

RequiredLicense/Certifications:

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred or certification eligible.
• Current license in good standing as a registered nurse (RN) with the Maryland Board of Nursing. Successful completion of infection control courses sponsored by Association for Professional in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), academic courses, or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) preferred.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands -

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.