Infection Control Nurse

Job Description:

Responsibilities

• Infection Prevention and Control:
• Develop, implement, and monitor infection control policies and procedures to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Conduct regular surveillance of infection rates and outbreaks, and provide detailed reports to the Infection Control Committee.
• Ensure that infection control protocols align with federal, state, and local regulations as well as best practice guidelines (e.g., CDC, WHO, AAP, etc.).
• Assess and investigate suspected infection outbreaks, determining sources and recommending corrective actions.
• Surveillance and Data Management:
• Collect, analyze, and interpret infection-related data, including trends, rates, and patient outcomes.
• Perform periodic infection risk assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date infection control documentation, reports, and statistical records.
• Education and Training:
• Develop and conduct training sessions for healthcare staff on infection prevention, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization procedures, and isolation techniques.
• Provide ongoing education on infection control measures to new hires and during staff meetings.
• Advise staff on infection prevention strategies in clinical settings and during high-risk procedures.
• Consultation and Collaboration:
• Serve as a consultant to the medical and nursing staff on infection prevention and control issues.
• Work with other healthcare departments (e.g., Environmental Services, Pharmacy, Laboratory) tensure comprehensive infection control practices.
• Collaborate with public health agencies during infection outbreaks or surveillance reporting.
• Compliance and Auditing:
• Conduct regular audits of infection control practices and provide feedback to healthcare staff to ensure adherence to protocols.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with infection control standards, accrediting body requirements, and legal regulations.
• Assist with accreditation surveys and inspections related to infection control.
• Review and update infection control policies based on emerging infection risks, regulatory changes, or new evidence-based practices.
• Participate in developing protocols for new infection control strategies (e.g., antibiotic stewardship, antimicrobial resistance prevention).
• Patient Safety:
• Advocate for infection control practices to ensure patient safety across the healthcare continuum.
• Work to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensure effective isolation practices when necessary.
• Assist in discharge planning, ensuring that infection control measures are followed during home care or transitions to other facilities.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred or must be obtained within 2 years of hire.
• Licensure/Certifications:
• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) is highly preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience in a healthcare setting.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in infection control or epidemiology, preferably in a hospital or healthcare facility.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of infection prevention and control practices.
• Familiarity with national and international infection control guidelines, such as CDC, WHO, OSHA, and local public health standards.
• Ability to analyze infection data, conduct surveillance, and identify infection control trends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to educate and work with diverse healthcare teams.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies as required.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and gowns, in accordance with infection control standards.