Infection Control Practitioner

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

• Directs and coordinates the Hospital's infection control/prevention program. Maintains and implements infection control activities/standards as outlined by CDC, APIC, TJC, OSHA, State of Louisiana and regulatory agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Maintains a high level of awareness of Infection Control/Prevention principles and regulations.
• Serves as a resource person for the Hospital.
• Advises Hospital on methods of compliance with state and federal infection control mandates and recommendations.
• Reviews policies and procedures for compliance.
• Advises and consults with physicians, nurses, and hospital personnel concerning precautions to be taken to protect patients, staff and others from infectious disease exposure.
• Maintains surveillance activities, systematically collects data and prepares statistical reports.
• Aggregates, tracks, trends and graphs infection control data.
• Investigates, evaluates, reports and assists in control of clusters or outbreaks of infections.
• Advise Employee Health on investigation, testing, follow-up for employees who have communicable disease.
• Conducts general orientation and on-going education in infection control and employee health issues.
• Serves a liaison with the state and local health departments.
• Monitors the health alert network, communicates with the Office of Public Health and participates in community drills and planning as related to Infection Control.
• Monitors isolation practices and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with infection control, safety and OSHA procedures and regulations.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 3 yrs. of experience as an RN or in a public health role preferred.
• Prefer at least 1 yr. in Infection Control or additional course work or certification in infection control.
• Certification by Association of Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC) preferred.
• Current CPR Certification.
• Computer skills to prepare reports.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Work requires a variety of physical activities such as standing, walking, bending, stooping or sitting for long periods of time. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.