JOB TITLE/CLASSIFICATION …… INFECTION CONTROL SPECIALIST (760)
DEPARTMENT ………………………… INFECTION CONTROL
STATUS ………………………………….. EXEMPT
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to ……………………….. VICE PRESIDENT, PATIENT SERVICES
POSITION SUMMARY
The Infection Control Nurse possesses knowledge of hospital epidemiology principles and is
responsible for coordination of the hospital-wide Infection Control Program which includes surveillance,
analysis, and reporting of nosocomial infections; educating employees about infection control; and the
development of health system policies and procedures to insure rigorous infection control standards
that meet Joint Commission, OSHA, Public Health Department, and Center for Disease Control
requirements. In collaboration with the Infection Control Director, the Infection Control Nurse supports
and acts as a resource to Administration, Medical Staff, and all hospital services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
A. Surveillance:
- Identify and monitor specified nosocomial infections, performs targeted surveillance, outbreak
investigations, and ad hoc projects as defined by the Infection Control Committee, Hospital
Epidemiologist and the Board of Trustees. - Participates in performance improvement projects related in communicable diseases and
emerging pathogens within the facility - Collects, monitors, and maintains records and data pertinent to surveillance, via computer
support (utilizing Center for Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation and
investigation techniques.) - Reports surveillance, investigations, and projects as defined above to appropriate committees,
administrative staff, and supervisors/managers. - Makes rounds of hospital units for the purpose of case definition, monitoring of infection control
practices, and other related patient care issues - Assists the hospital epidemiologist as necessary, for example:
a. investigation of possible communicable disease exposures among health care workers,
patients, and/or visitors
b. tracing the possible sources of infection or transmission of microorganisms within the
hospital
c. investigation of clusters or outbreaks of infections or colonization
B. Problem Identification:
- Meets regularly with the hospital Epidemiologist regarding all relevant problems in the hospital
- Understand the transmission of infections and assists in the reduction of risk among patients,
facility staff, volunteers, students, and visitors. - Assists in identifying epidemiologically important issues for Infection Control Committee,
Hospital Epidemiologist, the Board of Trustees, and Administration so that appropriate plans for
action can be designed including Surveillance, Outbreak Investigations, and Performance
Improvement Projects. - Identify and report communicable diseases as required by the state and the local health
authority, for example, TB, AIDS, and other current public health issues. - Monitors for compliance with federal and state laws regarding Infection Control issues such as
medical wastes, chemicals in the workplace, infectious disease exposures, and OSHA, CalOsh,
and NIOSH standards related to blood borne pathogens and respiratory pathogens.
C. Policies and Procedures:
- Drafts, reviews, and evaluates Infection Control policies or practices associated with infection
control for appropriate manuals every two (2) years or more frequently as needed. - In collaboration with the Infection Control Medical Director, utilizes a risk assessment to draft
the hospital’s Infection Control Plan and annually reviews, evaluates, and updates plan based
upon surveillance data findings. - Makes recommendations utilizing professional guidelines (CDC, APIC, etc.) to comply with
regulatory and accrediting agencies such as federal, state, and local health agencies, and the
Joint Commission of Accreditation of Health Care Organization. Updates policies, practices and
the Infection Control Plan to reflect and meet any required changes. - Attends all meetings of the Infection Control Committee and participates in other committees as
assigned by the VP of Patient Services, for example Safety, P&T, Patient Care Services.
D. Coordination:
- Acts as department liaison for Infection Control and as consultant for the facility to integrate
Infection Control activities - Assists in planning with other departments and personnel to reduce the risk of disease
transmission and improved infection control practices. - Collaborates with appropriate representative of other disciplines and agencies concerned with
patient services to provide coordinated services to patients for the improvement of overall
patient care.
E. Education:
- In-services of all new employees during orientation programs and continuing education
programs regarding Infection Control techniques and Policies and Procedures. - Provide orientation and training to relief persons who will function as Infection Control Specialist.
OTHER DUTIES
Performs other job-related duties as assigned by Vice-President, Patient Services
QUALIFICATIONS
*License/Certifications
Current CA RN license
Maintains membership in the San Francisco Bay Area Association of Professions in Infection Control
and Epidemiology (APICE)
*Proof of required License(s) and/or Certification(s) due at time of hire
**Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Microbiology, preferred
Training course from Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
**Proof of required educational level(s) due at time of hire
Experience
Minimum of two (2) years experience as a Registered Nurse
Skills
Understanding of nosocomial infection definitions, chart review, functional understanding of sterilization,
disinfections and sanitation
Basic understanding and use of microbiology and epidemiology principles, statistical presentation,
outbreak investigation techniques, and computer use
Adult teaching techniques, clear oral and written communication skills, project management,
and policy management.
Working knowledge of OSHA Blood borne Pathogen Standards, OSHA Tuberculosis
Protection, Title 22, state and federal laws related to communicable diseases, and JCAHO
Standards
Ability to organize and work effectively and independently
