Miami, FL Full-Time Nursing AdministrationSummaryThe Infection Prevention Specialist investigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections in order to determine source and ensure control. Knows standard methods and criteria for identifying nosocomial infections. Provides related education to staff. May prepare simple cultures as required for environmental and individual studies. Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques and recommends changes as necessary.ResponsibilitiesInvestigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections in order to determine source and ensure control.Maintains current knowledge of the regulatory agencies requirements (JCAHO, OSHA, AHCA) and the recommending agencies guidelines(CDC) for Infection Control, and plans and implements changes as necessary.Conducts surveillance concurrently, as assigned, in order to identify infectious diseases, healthcare acquired infections and opportunities to control infections and communicable diseases.Analyzes data which has been collected, evaluates current practices, draws conclusions, makes recommendations for changes as appropriate, and monitors the status of identified issues.Applies knowledge base of microbiology, epidemiology, and communicable diseases to analyze and interpret data in order to identify significant prevalence of nosocomial infections or possible identifiable trends or clusters of infections.Collaborates with the medical team to provide interpretation of microbiological data to assess patient progress and to evaluate prescribed treatment as related to infection control.Identifies and reports reportable diseases to the Public Health Department, assures follow-up and provides support to Public Health Department procedures.Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills through the development and maintenance of productive working relationships with medical staff, nursing staff, ancillary departmental personnel, administrative personnel, and peers.Provides education to appropriate personnel regarding infection control techniques and infectious diseases. This includes mandatory Infection Control in-service education for PHT employees as required by regulatory agencies and other in-service education guidelines.Maintains accurate data, logs, statistics and/or files as required regarding work activity, completes them in a timely manner, and enters data in the computer as required.Assures the reliability and accuracy of all data collected.Maintains strict confidentiality of all information discovered in the review process.Participates in appropriate orientation and training courses, in community seminars and continuing education programs in order to maintain competency in job, enhance own knowledge base and to exchange appropriate information with peers.Maintains current knowledge of communicable diseases and the impact on patients, employees and visitors.Acts as the Infection Control liaison with Employee Health Office.Prepares and/or presents information to appropriate committees/forums as required.Actively participates on committees and quality improvement project teams as related to infection control as assigned.Performs walking rounds and reviews various hospital policies and procedures related to infection control practices, in order to assess compliance and to identify opportunities for improvement.Provides Jackson Health System-wide on -call coverage for Infection Control during non-working hours as assigned (including weekends/holidays).Assists in Continuous Quality Improvement Program to ensure continuous improvement of services provided.May prepare simple cultures as required for environmental and individual studies.Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques and recommends changes as necessary.Performs all other related job duties as assigned.ExperienceGenerally requires 3 to 5 years of related experience.EducationBachelor's degree in related field is preferred.SkillAbility to analyze, organize and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure. Ability to understand and follow instructions. Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment Knowledge and skill in use of job appropriate technology and software applications.CredentialsCertification by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) is strongly preferred. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) and any additional applicable life support certification for Healthcare Providers is required upon hire with at least 6 months validity and maintenance at JHS for the duration of employment.Unit Specific CredentialWorking ConditionsPhysical Requirements - Job function requires extended standing or walking. Must be able to carry objects weighing 21 to 50 pounds. Able to lift or move objects weighing 51 to 100 pounds with the use of appropriate devices. Jobs in this group require frequent visual acuity to perform activities related to extended use of computers. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit/department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC).Environmental Conditions - Jobs in this group are required to function in a fast paced environment with occasional high pressure or emergent and stressful situations. Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients, insurance companies and other members of the public. Function is subject to inside environmental conditions, with occasional outdoor exposures. Exposure to various environments such as: communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a hospital and medical office environment. May also be exposed to needle sticks, airborne infections, medical gases, X-Ray, chemical exposures and other potential hazards. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to infectious/clinical hospital environment. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. Additional information and provision requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by the home unit/department in collaboration with the Reasonable Accommodations Committee (RAC).
