The Infection Control Nurse participates in conducting and coordinating the infection control activities within the hospital. Acts as a resource to and a liaison between patient care units, support services, medical staff, Infection Control Committee, Microbiology Lab, Hospital Administration, Network hospitals, and Public Health Departments
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conducts house wide surveillance, analysis and reporting of Hospital Acquired infections as established by the annual Infection Control Departmental goals and objectives. Reports communicable diseases to the appropriate public health departments as required by statutes.
Acts as a resource/liaison to all customers on matters of Infection Control and epidemiology.
Functions as a professional role model, including, but not limited to proper handwashing technique and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Implements appropriate infection control measures, prevention activities, and isolation precautions as necessary, directed toward preventing the spread of infection.
Institutes appropriate infection control measures deemed necessary when it is reasonably felt there is a danger to any patient, staff member, visitor, or the environment.
Participates in collecting, reporting, and benchmarking infections to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) .
Assists Employee Health Services in follow-up of employee exposures.
Enhances knowledge and professional development through participation in in-services and continuing education programs, reviewing current literature, and membership in the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Participates in identifying departmental needs and supporting annual goals and objectives.
Develops and conducts infection control educational programs as needed.
Serves on appropriate committees, including, but not limited to, Infection Control Committee.
Maintains confidentiality of all material handled within the Network/Entity as well as the proper release of information.
Utilizes evidence based research to support and advance the practice of infection control and epidemiology.
Participates in Performance Improvement activities.
Maintains awareness of departmental budget.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Sit up to 2 hours per day; 1 hour at a time. Stand for up to 8 hours per day, 2 hours at a time. Walk 6 hours per day; 10 minutes at a time. Occasionally lift, carry, push or pull objects up to 25 lbs. Occasionally stoop or bend. Must be able to perceive attributes of an object through touch. Must be able to hear at it relates to normal conversation, high and low frequencies. Must be able to see as it relates to general, near, far, color and peripheral vision.
EDUCATION:
Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Technologist (MT) (ASCP) with current license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania or NJ based on work location required. Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or Medical Technology preferred. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred upon hire. New ICPs must proceed with certification after two years of full time employment or equivalent. Minimum of two years in acute care clinical nursing or two years in the microbiology setting required.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Two years of nursing experience in acute care clinical nursing or two years in the microbiology setting required.
Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!