Infection Control Nurse

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Infection Control, the Infection Control Nurse conducts surveillance activities and assists with daily activities of the Infection Control Program. He/she demonstrates leadership/management skills and a commitment to professional accountability and growth

Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
Interprets and applies infection prevention and control definitions and practices to the overall infection prevention and control program.
Conduct surveillance activities.
Collects, reviews and analyze infection surveillance data.
Investigates outbreaks when indicated and participates in action plans and follow up.
Utilizes and monitors methods of Infection Prevention and Control
Keeps currents with infection prevention and control guidelines, recommendation, and practices.
Develop and implement infection prevention and control policies.
Interprets infection control policies/procedure to the medical, nursing, administrative, and support staff; and monitors the implementation of appropriate protocols.
Conducts orientation and infection control educational in-services
Acts as consultant to the Admitting and Nursing Departments in determining if patients should be placed on or taken off isolation/precautions.
Participates in infection control and environmental rounds and makes recommendations as necessary.
Collaborates and communicates with the health care team
Provide input on Infection Control related Occupational Health Issues
Reports all reportable diseases to appropriate internal and Public Health Departments.
Acts as a liaison between the hospital and the Public Health Department in the areas of communicable diseases.

Participates in the Performance Improvement initiatives

Attends all meetings of the Infection Control Committee and other Departmental Committees as directed.
Completes competency requirements
Utilizes cost containment practices
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

Registered Nurse with minimum of three years clinical experience and current NYS license.
Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current New York RN license/registration.
BSN Required for RNs hired after 1/1/18.
All RNs hired before 1/1/18 will be required to have their BSN (or MSN) by 12/31/21.
Proof of BSN (or MSN) must be received by Human Resources by 12/31/21 for verification.
Reasonable working knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infectious disease
Preferred completion of the basic principles of infection prevention and control course for Infection Control Practitioners conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) or State Health Departments.

Core Competencies

Teamwork & Adaptability
Acts as a Professional Role Model
Assessment Skills
Excellent Communication Skills (both verbal and written)
Attention to Detail
Planning & Organizing
Sound Problem-Solving, Judgment and Decision-Making Skills
Stress Tolerance

Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
Position requires ability to move about freely at least 85 per cent of the time.
Must be able to remain stationary for extended/prolonged periods
Frequently moves/transports objects up to fifty (50) pounds and must be able to move patients of all weights with a minimum of one (1) assist or assistive device/equipment
Must be able to work in environment with continuous interruptions
Must be able to assess and respond to rapidly changing situational needs of patients, department and hospital
Must be able to adapt in a high stress and fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions
Must be able to detect sounds and respond to emergency sounds/signals at all times
Must be able to constantly operate computer, equipment and other devices
Position requires ability to concentrate on fine detail with interruptions and attend to tasks for more than sixty (60) minutes at a time.
Individual must be able to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given during the course of a day.

Must be able to travel to and from multiple offsite locations as needed