Infection Control Practitioner

Job Requirements

Under the general supervision of the Director of Infection Prevention, conducts healthcare associated infection (HAI) infection surveillance, investigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections to determine the source and minimize the risk of exposure. Plans and coordinates activities related to infection prevention & control. Provides related education to staff and maintains relevant policies. Compiles data and prepares periodic reports concerning infections within the institution.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Reviews culture and sensitivity reports on patients with possible infections to set priorities for surveillance activities.
• Performs prevalence rounds and focused review regarding infection rates.
• Prepares reports on infection rates and identifies trends/patterns.
• Follows up with department or committee regarding infection control issues, works to resolve any negative trend.
• Identifies and reports HAI monthly data in the NHSN database as required by the State of Maryland or as prioritized per the infection prevention & control plan.
• Completes necessary data collection and prepares & presents HAI data to Infection Control Committee and other hospital committees.
• Identifies reportable conditions such as tuberculosis and reports to local Health Department.
• Communicates significant infections (e.g., MDRO) to the units/departments involved and to outside facilities as needed.
• Provides infection prevention & control education to nursing, medical staff, and various allied health care staff on a regular basis and when needs arise.
• Assist clinical staff in developing departmental infection control policies & procedures.
• Collaborates with Employee Health regarding healthcare worker vaccination program and post-exposure management for infectious disease exposures.
• Participates in collaboratives and performance improvement initiatives and committees as needed to reduce HAI and risk of infection transmission.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Education & Experience - Required

• Degree from an accredited School of Nursing, Medical Technology, or a related field or equivalent.
• Current license in the State of Maryland as a Registered Nurse or certification as a Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
• At least two (2) years of clinical experience

Education & Experience - Preferred

• Experience in Infection Prevention and Control (preferred)
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) or taken within two (2) years of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation of a personal computer system.
• Knowledge of computer applications as it applies to database management, specifically, Excel or ACCESS.
• Knowledge of statistics, research design, adult and pediatric infectious diseases, nosocomial infection surveillance, interpretation of microbiology lab data.
• Ability to respond, investigate, identify and problem-solve infection control issues requiring immediate and decisive action.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients and clinical staff regarding infection control issues.