Infection Prevention Associate - Quality Management - Arnot Health : Job Details

DescriptionMAIN FUNCTION:The Infection Prevention Associate is a professional whose knowledge of nursing procedures, aseptic technique and good communication skills assists in the ability to educate physicians, nurses and other Arnot Health personnel in the prevention and transmission of infections. This position is an assistant to the Infection Prevention System Director and requires working closely with the daily implementation, surveillance, reporting of infections, evaluation of isolation guidelines and policies and participation in performance improvement and best practice compliance.Reports to the System Director Infection Prevention.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:INFECTION PREVENTION1.Conducts medical record reviews for quality care issues, referrals and verification of infections based on CDC definitions.2.Analyzes healthcare associated infections and nosocomial infection markers (NIMs) with the assistance of the System Director Infection Prevention in preparation of a monthly report to the Infections Prevention Committee.3.Utilizes the Infection surveillance computer software to aggregate reports and assist in tracking and trending of infections for monthly and NYSDOH mandatory reporting.4.Attends environment of care rounds as directed and observes for infection control issues and concerns within the Arnot Health Campuses.5.Utilizes the Surveillance program for microbiology laboratory data retrieval, assessment and reports, and then follows up with unit rounds when indicated.PROBLEM SOLVING/ DECISION MAKING5.Practices effective problem identification and resolution skills as a method of sound decision making.6.Acts as a consultant on placement of patients with an infectious process.7.Collaborates in researching, reviewing and implementing Infection Control policies and procedures.LEGAL ISSUES8.Demonstrates awareness of legal issues and strives to reduce risks to employees, patients and visitors.WORKING RELATIONSHIPS9.Formulates and uses effective working relationships with all healthcare team members, patients and families.SELF-VALIDATION10.Seeks validation of knowledge base, skill level, and decision making as necessary and assertively seeks guidance in area of question.SELF DEVELOPMENT11.Demonstrates self-directed learning and participates in continuing education to meet own professional development.TEACHING12.Assists in identifying educational needs for various departments and prepares and presents classes as well as maintains ongoing informal instruction on infection control in coordination with the Arnot Health Education system.13.Defines the duties and responsibilities of infection control program to personnel and department heads.14.Fills in for the System Director Infection Prevention in orienting new employees to the Infection Prevention Program.PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT15.Participates in performance improvement activities as designated by the various needs of the environment and regulating agencies.16.Participates in nursing, Arnot Health and physician committees as requested.PROFESSIONALISM17.Participates as a member of Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc (APIC).QUALITY IN ACTION18.Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.19.Provides age appropriate care to neonate, infant, children, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.20.Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.21.It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not considered inclusive of all duties to which may be assigned.EDUCATION:Current RN license in the State of New York .Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field of study (i.e. epidemiology, microbiology) is required. Certification in Infection Control is desirable.Certification in Infection Control is required within 6 months of entering the role.EXPERIENCE:Infection prevention experience preferred with a minimum 3 years clinical experience in a hospital setting. Excellent communication, computer and writing abilities are essential.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Light physical effort required.Moderate-heavy objects lifted, some reaching and stooping.Required to be on feet some of the time. The position requires occasional evening, night and weekend observation and education regarding adherence to infection prevention practices.INFECTION CONTROL:Performs all aspects of standard precautions when engaging in patient care.EXPOSURE CATEGORY:Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.