Infection Control Nurse (RN)

Description

Responsible for maintaining an effective Infection Control Program, in compliance with regulatory agencies, to decrease the risk of patients, visitors and employees from developing nosocomial infections.  Monitors and investigates known and suspected sources of infections.  Reports to the Chief Medical Officer & the Director of Clinical Services or designee. 

Key Accountabilities

• Identifies patients, visitors or employees with nosocomial and other epidemiologically significant infections by utilizing comprehensive surveillance procedures to monitor report and control the spread of infection to reduce the opportunity for ongoing infections and potential epidemics.
• Maintains a database of infections acquired in the facility by obtaining microbiologic cultures and information from patient charts to ensure regulatory standards are met and to assist in the reduction of hospital infections.
• Provides in-service education to personnel by presenting formal didactic lectures, individual consultations and presentations as needed to ensure hospital personnel are given up to date information consistent with national, regulatory and professional guidelines.  Identifies infection control policies needing writing or revision.
• Evaluates new products from an infection control perspective by conducting product trials and evaluations at various times to ensure cost is measured against effectiveness of product in its use in infection control.
• Conducts environmental rounds by assessing whether regulatory standards are being adhered to on units to ensure patient and employee safety.
• Serves as a key member of the Infection Control Committee by attending mandatory meetings to meet JCO requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in health related field required.  Master’s Degree preferred.  Current CT Registered Nurse License certification required. 
• Minimum 3 years Registered Nurse or Medical Technologist experience required.  Prior experience in Epidemiology and/or Infection Control preferred.
• Broad knowledge base in Epidemiology, statistics and microbiology preferred.