Coord Epidemiology-RN

Major Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform surveillance for infections utilizing approved definitions/methods and provide analysis/feedback using principles of continuous quality improvement (CQI), as determined by the ICC, incorporating the latest standards according to evidence-based literature, and practice.

• Collects,
  * enters and analyzes data of infections from various sources: patients medical record, computers (mainframe, MIDAS, and laboratory), admission lists, communication with associates, microbiology data, etc., while maintaining H.I.P.P.A. regulations.
• Physical rounding in assigned areas Surgical Services to detect compliance of infection control measures and identify potentially unsafe practices.
• Monitors patient care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies or products which present a risk of infection.
• Develops and/or reviews departmental policies and procedures related to infection control.

The incumbent will provide infection control education to associates within Surgical Services and the community utilizing current media resources.

• Reviews and disseminates current infection control information to appropriate individuals and departments.
• Provides formal and informal education on infection control topics to associates based on identified needs, specifically related to environmental issues.
• Provides formal and informal education control topics to the community based on identified needs.

The incumbent will give infection control input to committees as needed.

• Provides infection control expertise for policy and procedure development.
• Provides infection control expertise in Product Evaluation including the assessment of a product’s ability to prevent infection through the review of published literature and communication with other users.
• Participates in other committees as requested.

The incumbent assists the Occupational Health Center with infection control concerns as required by law.

• Acts as a resource to the Occupational Health Center in infection control matters by answering questions/concerns and providing appropriate literature as needed.
• Reports communicable diseases as required by law to the health department through either the phone, fax or mail as required by the current statute in the state of Illinois.
• Assisting in policy formation.

The incumbent conducts and monitors clinical Epidemiology research programs for nursing, medical staff, and ancillary departments.

• Conducts comprehensive research on infection control topics and act as a resource person for those wishing to conduct research.
• Participates in clinical CQI projects associated with Infection Control and Performance Improvement.
• Completed required contact hours based on FTE status, within timeframe.

The incumbent is held accountable for exhibiting the highest degree of customer service as outlined in the Behaviors of Excellence to all customers during their daily work.

• Demonstrates excellent service performance at all times.
• Beware of an concerned about how his/her behavior affect patients and other individuals.
• Ensures that his/her behavior is consistent with the standards as contained within the Service First Expectations.
• Remind co-workers when his/her behavior is inconsistent with these standards.
• Call instances of excellence or non-compliance to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or department head.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives as required.
• Licensure:
  Nurse, Registered (RN) Education/Experience
  
  Required:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Health Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology and/or Biostatistics.

5 years clinical experience in an acute care setting or lab setting without infection control experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required:

Basic computer skills to include spread sheets, Word processing and graphics.

Ability to document occurrences in charts and to communicate with large audiences, associates patients and families.

Basic clinical knowledge of CQI, research design, data collection and biostatistics.

Current RN license in State of Illinois.

Certification in infection control within five years.

Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations.

Must possess flexibility to be on 24-hour call in emergencies.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.