Job Summary Partners within all areas of SRH (including Cascade Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley Hospital, Clinic, Outpatient Surgery Center) to further develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices. Provides expert clinical advice and leadership on infection control to ensure patients are protected from the risk of acquiring Health Care Associated Infections (HCAs) and Caregivers are practicing in a safe environment. In partnership with the Infection Disease team, coordinates surveillance and data collection/analysis of organization's infection-control program. Refinement of policies and procedures to promote rigorous infection control standards that meet DNV, OSHA, Public Health Department and Center for Disease Control Standards. Essential Functions Leads, develops, and maintains an effective and comprehensive infection prevention plan and program for the organization. Trains and develops the Infection Prevention team. Ensures that surveillance and data collection/analysis takes place and are appropriately reported out, including the incidence of infections related to device use, as part of the on-going surveillance using Center for Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria throughout the organization. Provides education regarding findings and directs and/or coordinates current infection prevention practices to all locations throughout SRH. Assists to lead the organization's Infection Prevention Committee and participates in other committees as assigned. Investigates nosocomial infections through review of admission diagnosis, microbiology culture results, orders, patient records, consultation request, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings. Reports epidemiologically significant findings as appropriate through the Quality Management System. Applies epidemiologic principals and statistical methods to identify target populations, analyze trends and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies. Leads the SRH environmental infection prevention surveillance rounds in inpatient and outpatient areas. Collects data on the incidence of infections related to device use. Participates in investigations of unusual infection outbreaks and high risk situations utilizing the microbiology reports, consultation with Medical staff, County Public Health Departments and when necessary the Center for Disease Control. Reports epidemiologically significant findings as appropriate. Evaluates the effectiveness of the surveillance plan and modify as necessary and at least annually. Coordinates reporting with the laboratory to the county and/or state health department and maintain appropriate records as required. Compiles, interprets and provides comprehensive surveillance reports to the Infection Prevention Committee and other Committees as appropriate. Participates in quality/performance improvement activities by assessing, monitoring and measuring nosocomial infections outcomes. Maintains compliance with national standards and regulating bodies such as DNV, CDC and OSHA. Coordinates construction review with Plant Services, assuring that infection control precautions are observed. Maintains plans, policies, and procedures for infection prevention. Develops and updates isolation techniques and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice, rules and regulations. Complies with all SRH policies and procedures. Education Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Laboratory Science, Public Health, or other health-related field required. Masters in Nursing, Laboratory Science, Public Health or other Health care related field is preferred. Experience/Training Minimum of five years of Infection Prevention experience required and minimum of three years of applicable leadership strongly preferred. Electronic Health Record experience required, Epic experience preferred. License/Certifications Current Registered Nurse licensure required, State of Washington Registered Nurse licensure preferred. Certification in Infection Control required.
