Nurse Manager - Infection Control in Auburn, New York at Auburn Community Hospital

Job Overview:The Nurse Manager – Infection Control is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the hospital's Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program. This role ensures compliance with national healthcare standards, accreditation requirements, and evidence-based infection prevention practices to reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Nurse Manager collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to promote patient safety, staff education, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Infection Prevention and Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain the hospital's Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Conduct surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and analyze infection trends.
• Investigate infection outbreaks and implement appropriate control measures.
• Monitor compliance with infection prevention policies, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene, and isolation practices.
• Ensure proper sterilization, disinfection, and environmental cleaning processes.

Clinical Leadership

• Provide leadership and guidance to nursing and clinical staff on infection prevention practices.
• Serve as the infection prevention expert for all hospital departments.
• Participate in multidisciplinary committees related to infection control, quality improvement, and patient safety.
• Support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in collaboration with physicians and pharmacists.

Education and Training

• Develop and conduct orientation and ongoing infection control education programs for hospital staff.
• Educate patients, families, and visitors regarding infection prevention measures.
• Update staff on current evidence-based guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Quality Improvement

• Collect, analyze, and report infection surveillance data.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual infection control reports.
• Recommend and implement quality improvement initiatives to reduce infection rates.
• Conduct infection control audits and provide feedback to department managers.

Policy Development

• Develop, review, and update infection prevention policies and procedures.
• Ensure policies align with national guidelines, accreditation standards, and evidence-based practices.
• Monitor implementation and effectiveness of infection control protocols.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.
• Prepare for internal and external inspections, surveys, and accreditation visits.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records related to infection prevention activities.

Occupational Health

• Collaborate with Occupational Health to manage employee exposure incidents.
• Monitor staff immunization programs and post-exposure follow-up.
• Promote workplace safety initiatives related to infection prevention.

Risk Management

• Identify infection-related risks throughout the facility.
• Conduct risk assessments and recommend preventive measures.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and outbreak response planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master's degree in Nursing, Public Health, or Healthcare Administration preferred.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (e.g., CIC) preferred or obtained within a specified period of employment.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical nursing experience.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of infection prevention or leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of infection prevention principles and practices.
• Strong understanding of epidemiology, microbiology, and disease transmission.
• Knowledge of healthcare accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Ability to educate and influence multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk throughout the hospital for extended periods.
• Ability to perform audits and inspections in clinical areas.
• Occasional lifting of educational materials and equipment as needed.

Schedule & Compensation:

• Status: Exempt, Full-Time (37.5 hours/week)
• Salary Range: $115,000 annually
• Shifts: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; flexibility required based on departmental needs