The Infection Prevention RN Specialist is a qualified individual who has knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare-associated infections, federal and state regulations. Responsibilities include collecting and analyzing clinical data, identifying and investigating trends or outbreaks; reporting, and restricting the transmission of infections and communicable diseases to patients and personnel. The Infection Prevention RN Specialist is responsible for the mandatory reporting to the national and state authorities via electronic databases. The individual may institute collection of cultures, employee lab work and initiate appropriate isolation precautions. Responsibilities also include assisting with in-service program development and employee education related to infection prevention and control; always promoting quality care and minimizing harm to patients; and continually performing follow-up evaluations of data and organizational performance to ensure continual improvement. In addition, the individual is responsible for assisting with policy updates and orientation all employees regarding infection prevention topics.

SHIFT AND SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
· Demonstrates effective collaboration with physicians and staff as a resource person, educator and problem solver in order to successfully meet the Hospital’s performance improvement/patient safety goals.
· Demonstrates support of the organization’s Patient Safety Program.

· Performs data analysis using a variety of performance improvement tools to identity when levels of performance indicate a pattern or trend that varies from those expected.

· Develops root cause analysis and implements corrective action plans for assigned  activities so that changes are made that improve performance, improve patient safety and/or reduce risks.

· Demonstrates critical thinking skills by making decisions that are congruent with the organization’s policies, procedures and guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Must have a current license as a Registered Professional Nurse in the state of Texas or equivalent degree in healthcare (i.e. microbiology or public health). A baccalaureate degree is preferred.

· Certification in Infection Control is preferred.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in a hospital setting or Infection Prevention and Control experience.

· Working knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, aseptic  technique and current practices. Able to apply basic principles and tools of performance improvement to a wide       range of Problems.

· Language Skills:

· Able to read and interpret medical record documentation and Hospital policies and procedures.

· Able to communicate effectively with patients, families, hospital staff, medical staff and the general public.

· Basic computer knowledge (data entry, word processing, e-mail, Excel).

· Mathematical Skills:

· Able to graph data collected to aid in performance improvement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be able to:

· Stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, lift, see, speak and hear. Lifting is limited to 35 lbs. for clinical staff and to 50 lbs. for non-clinical staff. The individual must use an assisted-lift device or get another individual(s) to assist with the lift that is over these maximum limits.