INFECTION PREVENTION SPECIALIS

Job Summary
Responsible for oversight, planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating the infection prevention program.Provides management overview governing planning and development, implementation, and evaluation of prevention program and activities. Collaborates and coordinates with teams and individuals in strategic application and sustainment of policies, procedures and protocols. Job Responsibilities

• Coordinates activities and projects to meet organizational and regulatory agency goals and monitors local, state, and federal regulations.
• Develops, implements and evaluates the organizations infection prevention program.
• Conducts surveillance and investigations in accordance with epidemiologic principles.
• Collects, performs statistical analysis, interprets, monitors, and maintains records and data pertinent to surveillance.
• Reports surveillance, investigations, trends, and projects to appropriate committees.
• Conducts regular rounds of assigned units/areas for discussing, monitoring, and following the practices of infection prevention with team members.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates educational plans/programs and utilizes methods, measurements, and tools to evaluate achievement of learning goals.
• Provides expertise and consultant for team members in areas of program development and clinical practice.
• Meets regularly with Infectious Disease physician and pharmacist to review antimicrobial stewardship practices.
• Identifies and reports communicable diseases and required by the state and local health department.
• Maintains, develops, and implements infection prevention policies that are evidence-based and meet regulatory requirements.
• Conducts and maintains an Infection Prevention Risk Assessment annually or more frequently as needed and/or required in their area of responsibility.
• Facilitates compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Stays current on infection prevention and control regulatory and accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Nursing required upon hire OR
• Master's degree or higher in healthcare related field required upon hire
• A combination of education, training and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• A minimum of 3 years' relevant experience required
• RN - If Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Nursing, Licensed as a Registered Nurse. Eligible to practice nursing in the State of Kentucky required upon hire AND
• CIC - Certified Infection Control required within 39 months of employment in this position

Skills and Attributes

• Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
• Works under minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Program and project management.
• Ability to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines.
• Requires analytical and problem solving skills.
• Expertise in analytical data collection, report analysis and data presentation.
• Requires a strong understanding of concepts, practices, and procedures related to process improvement, human factors, safety principles, and change management.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Occasionally
• Walking: Occasionally
• Sitting: Frequently
• Lifting 0-25 lbs: Rarely
• Lifting 25-75 lbs: Never
• Lifting over 75 lbs: Never
• Carrying 0-25 lbs: Rarely
• Carrying 25-75 lbs: Never
• Carrying over 75 lbs: Never
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Rarely
• Pushing/Pulling 25-75 lbs: Never
• Pushing/Pulling over 75 lbs: Never
• Climbing: Rarely
• Bending/Stooping: Rarely
• Kneeling: Rarely
• Crouching/Crawling: Rarely
• Reaching: Occasionally
• Talking: Frequently
• Hearing: Occasionally
• Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements: Never
• Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements: Frequently
• Keyboard Data Entry: Frequently
• Running: Never
• Vision: Depth Perception: Frequently
• Vision: Distinguish Color: Frequently
• Vision: Seeing Far: Frequently
• Vision: Seeing Near: Frequently

Owensboro Health Core Commitments
INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with a high level of responsibility, reliability and honesty because we take seriously the trust of our patients and coworkers.

RESPECT - We value and accept the unique talents and contributions of every patient, customer and team member in the Owensboro Health community.

TEAMWORK - We build a spirit of connectivity and fellowship by striving together to overcome obstacles, surpass goals, celebrate accomplishments and plan the future.

INNOVATION - We foster original ideas and creative solutions that improve our daily work and promote the mission of Owensboro Health.

SERVICE - We focus on service to patients, customers and team members by anticipating their needs, thoughtfully meeting those needs and continually improving the quality of everything we do.

EXCELLENCE - We reach beyond basic expectations to expand our knowledge and awareness, produce exceptional work and provide outstanding service.