Job Description

The Registered Nurse (RN) Infection Control Specialist (ICS) is responsible for implementing and administering organization-wide systems for the prevention and control of infection. The ICS is responsible for maintaining compliance with accrediting, licensing, and governing agency expectations, as well as organizational policies of infection prevention and control.

Essential Functions:

1. Actively engages as a member of the Quality Department, by chairing the Infection Control Committee, and participating in the implementation of Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Infection Control, and Environment of Care programs.

2. Conduct organization-wide infection control risk assessments; investigate infection control complaints.

3. In conjunction with the Infection Control Committee, develop evidence-based infection prevention and control policies, procedures and practices, all in accordance with accrediting agency (TJC) requirements, regulatory/licensing, governmental (CDC), and recommendations of relevant professional organizations. Responsible for regularly examining the organization’s practices to evaluate efficacy and maintaining a high level of compliance with all expectations.

4. Monitor infectious diseases and epidemiologically significant organisms occurring in the service area via epidemiological investigation of laboratory reports, public health records, and consultation with local, State and Federal agencies. Identify and evaluate clusters of infections and potential outbreaks; investigate exposure to communicable disease and initiate appropriate measures to prevent the transmission of disease.

5. Organize and maintain infection surveillance data and records. Compile and analyze complex data to evaluate problems and solutions.

6. Evaluate products, devices, and equipment related to infection prevention and control.

7. Advise Infection Control Committee and appropriate department heads of changes in laws and advances in medical knowledge related to infection control and communicable disease.

8. Provide organization-wide education (orientation, in-services, seminars, etc.) on all infection prevention and control strategies, including but not limited to hand hygiene, aseptic technique, antiseptics and disinfectants, and specific infectious diseases. Responsible for developing or obtaining educational materials and programs for employees, patients, and visitors.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in nursing (with valid license), microbiology, public health, medical technology, or related field required. ADN is also acceptable. Master’s degree preferred; two years of specialized experience may be substituted.

2. A minimum of two years of experience in clinical/patient care services in an acute or ambulatory care setting, with at least one year in infection control/epidemiology; or two years of experience in a generalized public health program.

3. CIC certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology; or ability to take certification examination within the first year of employment.

4. Knowledge and experience in areas of patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, cleaning/disinfection, sterilization, patient education, infectious diseases, epidemiology, statistics, communication, and program administration. Knowledge and understanding of use of technical measurement instruments.

5. Knowledge and understanding of TJC/NCQA accreditation standards and PCMH certification, principles of quality and performance improvement processes, and State/Federal regulations.

6. Demonstrated organizational, management, supervisory, and teaching skills. Ability to work well with others in a professional and team-oriented environment, and lead within the scope of responsibilities.

7. Effective verbal and written communication skills in English and demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex data and write concise narrative/statistical reports. Possess a high degree of computer literacy.

8. Possess a special cultural and linguistic sensitivity to the provision of health care services to under-served populations.

9. Valid California driver’s license with appropriate insurance; means to travel as needed in a timely manner within Kern and Fresno Counties; other travel out of the area as necessary (Sacramento, Washington DC, etc.).

10. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Bending/Twisting 3%

Walking 5%

Sitting 5%

Push/Pulling 5%

Reaching Overhead 2%

Driving 20%

Standing 10%

Repetitive Motion 50%

Must be able to lift up to 25lbs.