The RN (Registered Nurse) reports to the Director of Infection Prevention. Performs a variety of surveillance, administrative, and educational activities. Ensures compliance with infection control policies and procedures and external legal regulations. Identifies infection prevention problems, documents and recommends corrective actions.

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs a variety of surveillance, administrative and educational activities by:

• Making surveillance rounds to nursing units and assisting with Infection Prevention problems, identifying of healthcare associated infections and non-cultured infections and completing special studies.
• Collecting and preparing analytical data for the Infection Control Committee; making recommendations and carrying out re-evaluation of problems identified, as indicated.
• Communicating and providing feedback on data collected to all departments involving physicians, administration, nursing staff, the Infection Control Committee, and managers.
• Conferring with physicians, nurses, bacteriology laboratory, South Bend Medical Foundation, and others concerning implementation of infection control policies and procedures, identification and isolation of infections, etc.
• Assisting in the development of performance improvement initiatives and studies; monitoring their progress.
• Reviewing departmental policies and procedures relating to infection prevention with department heads and/or representatives, hospital-wide infection prevention policies and procedures and infection prevention plan on an annual or triennial basis.
• Referring employees exposed to communicable/reportable diseases to the Employee Health Nurse, providing Employee Health with a list of those exposed and providing input into the Employee Health Program.
• Conducting or contributing content to formal and informal in-services for patient contact personnel, new employees, orientation and general hospital employees, as indicated.
• Developing aides and materials to be utilized in presentations to nursing staff, patients, and others.
• Actively participating in hospital and county-wide emergency preparedness.

Supports the management team by:

• Serving as a liaison and resource person to all departments in matters of Infection Prevention.
• Participating on Hospital committees as designated.
• Completing, submitting and maintaining a variety of records, reports and statistical summaries, as required or requested.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job related assignments and special projects as directed.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department-specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree or Professional Training. CIC certification required or will obtain within 3 years of hire. A minimum of 2 to 5 years of job-related experience is required. RN, BSN with Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred; minimum requirements include Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5 years job-related experience, supervisory, surveillance and investigation and reporting experience, RN, BSN desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires well-developed knowledge of clinical microbiology, general principles of asepsis, transmission methods of infectious disease, epidemiological process, and CDC Infection Control Guidelines.
• Requires high level of analytical skills necessary to plan, collect, analyze, and report data.
• Requires well developed communication skills, verbal and written, to effectively inform, instruct, and facilitate matters of infection prevention.
• Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with physicians and hospital staff.
• Requires proficiency with basic computer skills to navigate through electronic medical records and current surveillance system.
• Requires ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all information utilized within the department.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office and patient care environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.