Infection Prevention Coordinator

The Infection Prevention Program Coordinator serves as the Infection Control Officer (ICO) for the entire organization. Responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, and control of infection and communicable disease within the organization, including healthcare associated infections and community-acquired infections. Collaborates with all staff (patient care and non-patient care), members of leadership, and the Director of Patient Safety and Ancillary Services as well as healthcare providers responsible for inpatient and outpatient departments and services. Provides education to employees, providers, patients, families, and the community related to infection prevention and control. Maintains performance improvement activities within the service, and participates in CQI initiatives.

• Communicates clearly and professionally with the mission, vision, and strategic goals of KRMC in mind.
• Maintains expert level knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations and national guidelines.
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the infection prevention process in the healthcare setting.
• Demonstrates knowledge of risk stratified statistics as applicable to trending healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
• Demonstrates knowledge of microbiology and modes of transmission of disease entities.
• Demonstrates understanding of Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions as set forth by the CDC.
• Implements standards of practice necessary to prevent and control infection, reviewing and revising as necessary to reflect changes in practice.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and improvement of infection prevention and control practices.
• Develops and implements policies governing the prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases.
• In collaboration with the Infection Prevention Committee, develops, reviews and/or revises and implements all department policies and procedures related to the control of infections and communicable diseases on a concurrent basis.
• In coordination with the Infection Prevention Committee, measures and evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention Program.
• Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients of all ages and healthcare staff.
• Initiates culture and sensitivity and/or appropriate Transmission-Based Precautions (isolation precautions) when indicated.
• Has input into the Employee Health Program and assists with follow-up of accidental exposure incidents. Ensures Employee Health records are maintained.
• Accountable for the efficient delivery of patient care with in the service through effective implementation, evaluation, and utilization of safe, cost effective, high quality infection prevention practices.
• Designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the Infection Prevention Program.
• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical Application of infection prevention and control to all levels of healthcare staff.
• Assures that clear, concise and current written policies and procedures are available to assist the staff and minimize risk factors.
• Builds and leads a culture of teamwork and respect throughout the department, engaging effectively with all stakeholders, e.g. physicians, staff, outside contractors, and the people served.
• Provides leadership and mentorship in the development of staff.
• Acts as a consultant to nursing and medical staff.
• Responsible for cost controls to insure effective use of funds expended from approved departmental budgets.
• Initiates and supports problem-solving groups that proactively resolve issues within nursing services.

Education/experience:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current license by the state of Nebraska as a registered nurse.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of acute care nursing experience is required.
• Specialized training in Infection Prevention and Control within last five (5) years; evidence of pertinent continuing education minimally every two (2) years.
• Completion of a surveillance course within six months of hire/assumption of the role, with regular refresher training thereafter.
• Member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC and/or The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.