Job Description

Job Title: Infection Control Nurse

Position Summary:

The Infection Control Nurse plays a key role in preventing and controlling the spread of infections within the healthcare facility. This position involves implementing and monitoring infection prevention policies, conducting surveillance, providing education to staff, and ensuring compliance with infection control standards and regulations. The Infection Control Nurse works collaboratively with healthcare providers, patients, and staff to ensure a safe, hygienic, and effective environment for patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Infection Prevention and Control:
• Develop, implement, and monitor infection control policies and procedures to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• Conduct regular surveillance of infection rates and outbreaks, and provide detailed reports to the Infection Control Committee.
• Ensure that infection control protocols align with federal, state, and local regulations as well as best practice guidelines (e.g., CDC, WHO, AAP, etc.).
• Assess and investigate suspected infection outbreaks, determining sources and recommending corrective actions.
• Surveillance and Data Management:
• Collect, analyze, and interpret infection-related data, including trends, rates, and patient outcomes.
• Perform periodic infection risk assessments and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date infection control documentation, reports, and statistical records.
• Education and Training:
• Develop and conduct training sessions for healthcare staff on infection prevention, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization procedures, and isolation techniques.
• Provide ongoing education on infection control measures to new hires and during staff meetings.
• Advise staff on infection prevention strategies in clinical settings and during high-risk procedures.
• Consultation and Collaboration:
• Serve as a consultant to the medical and nursing staff on infection prevention and control issues.
• Work with other healthcare departments (e.g., Environmental Services, Pharmacy, Laboratory) to ensure comprehensive infection control practices.
• Collaborate with public health agencies during infection outbreaks or surveillance reporting.
• Compliance and Auditing:
• Conduct regular audits of infection control practices and provide feedback to healthcare staff to ensure adherence to protocols.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with infection control standards, accrediting body requirements, and legal regulations.
• Assist with accreditation surveys and inspections related to infection control.
• Policy and Procedure Development:
• Review and update infection control policies based on emerging infection risks, regulatory changes, or new evidence-based practices.
• Participate in developing protocols for new infection control strategies (e.g., antibiotic stewardship, antimicrobial resistance prevention).
• Patient Safety:
• Advocate for infection control practices to ensure patient safety across the healthcare continuum.
• Work to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and ensure effective isolation practices when necessary.
• Assist in discharge planning, ensuring that infection control measures are followed during home care or transitions to other facilities.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred or must be obtained within 2 years of hire.
• Licensure/Certifications:
• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) is highly preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience in a healthcare setting.
• At least 1-2 years of experience in infection control or epidemiology, preferably in a hospital or healthcare facility.
• Skills & Knowledge:
• Strong understanding of infection prevention and control practices.
• Familiarity with national and international infection control guidelines, such as CDC, WHO, OSHA, and local public health standards.
• Ability to analyze infection data, conduct surveillance, and identify infection control trends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to educate and work with diverse healthcare teams.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions in high-pressure environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and supplies as required.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and gowns, in accordance with infection control standards.

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically performed in a healthcare facility, which may involve exposure to infectious diseases, chemicals, and other environmental factors.
• On-call duties may be required during outbreaks or high-risk situations.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Retirement benefits, and other employee benefits.
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Provident Fund

Schedule:

• Rotational shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Yearly bonus

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Nursing: 3 years (Required)
• total work: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Nursing License (Required)

Work Location: In person