Summary:

With only minimal day-to-day guidance from the System Director of Quality and Clinical Standardization, assumes a primary leadership role at her/his respective campus in administering an active, effective hospital-wide Infection Prevention Program that consists of: policy creation and maintenance; education; healthcare associated infection (HAI) surveillance, data collection and analysis; detection and management of patients admitted with community acquired infections; safety and environment of care audits. Is responsible for developing collaborative relationships with other professional disciplines and facility leaders at her/his respective campus to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery that incorporates evidence-based prevention strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Works independently to statistically analyze and interpret surveillance findings and researches evidence-based interventional strategies to address areas needing improvement. Is able to synthesize and present findings and recommendations to leadership and staff in a concise and influential manner. Independently develops and presents educational programs designed to change caregiver practices based on surveillance findings, current regulatory guidelines and evidence-based protocols. Stays current with evolving infection prevention strategies and is able to adapt or implement those strategies to meet LMHS needs. Represents Epidemiology/Infection Prevention on selected hospital and/or System committees or task forces and provides effective infection prevention-related input for policy and procedure development or practice improvement. Provides meaningful input into the annual Infection Prevention Plan and provides substantial input in the development of departmental priorities as they relate to his/her assigned campus. Under the aegis of the System Investigational Review Board (IRB), and working with the System Director of Quality and Clinical Standardization, designs and carries out original research to add to the body of knowledge of evidence-based prevention strategies. Is able to prepare IRB submissions and subsequently analyze and interpret research data and author/co-author abstracts and other submissions for presentation or publication. Supports the organization vision and mission. Uses knowledge of patients age and cultural diversity in the provision of patient care. Contributes to the provision of quality patient care through excellence in customer service and performance improvement techniques that promote positive outcomes in patient care. Independently takes off-hours call for LMHS concerning Epidemiology/Infection Prevention. Identifies clusters or outbreaks of infections as they are developing and is able to review the relevant literature to identify scientifically valid control measures. Is able to work directly with the System Director and Medical Director of Epidemiology and key facility leadership to effectively implement control strategies. Monitors the effectiveness of control measures and suggests revisions as needed.

Responsibilities:

Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing with a BSN or alternatively, must have B.S or M.S in a related health care field such as Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology/Public Health, etc..

Has a minimum of three (3) years direct experience in infection prevention at LMHS or at a similar facility and demonstrates increasing competence and leadership over the course of those three years. Prior to this, must have had at least three (3) years of staff nursing experience or three (3) years previous experience in the medical professional field appropriate to his/her education. Has the proven ability to assume supervisory/leadership responsibilities. Incumbent must be knowledgeable in patient care practices and/or adult education principles. Has the proven ability to work with persons of varying education and cultural backgrounds.

Holds current RN licensure or professional license or certification as appropriate for his/her educational background.

Must have attended a recognized training course (CDC/APIC) in Infection Prevention/Hospital Epidemiology or alternatively, must have and maintain current Certification in Infection Control (CIC). Holds a current Certification in Infection Control (CIC). Is expected to attend State or National infection prevention conferences as System resources permit.

Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills, excellent customer service skills, and computer and statistical skills necessary for data analysis. Has expertise in EPIC Icon to identify and alert the department in the cases of clusters or concerns of potential outbreaks. Is an expert in NHSN and the reporting and development of infections and guidelines.

US:FL:Fort Myers