Location: UC Health Business Center
Department: Infection Prevention
Hours: Full Time, 40 Hours/Week
Shift: First

Infection Control Practitioner, Full Time, First Shift, Infection Prevention

UC Health is hiring a full- time Infection Control Practitioner for the first shift at our UC Health Business Center.

This position coordinates and conducts the hospital infection control program under the direction of the Medical Director of Infection Control. Assists in the prevention and control of diseases in patients and personnel through ongoing surveillance and interaction in the hospital, identifies and investigates clusters of infections. Responsible for knowledge of regulations relative to infection control (i.e., CMS, OSHA, state and local health departments, etc.) in order to assist the hospital in meeting these requirements, and to make recommendations for the hospital to maintain current standards of infection control practice. Provides Infection Control education to associates for the purpose of a safe working environment and to protect patients and visitors. Assist in the prevention and control of diseases in patients and personnel through ongoing surveillance and interaction in the hospital especially in units and identification and investigations of clusters of infections. Conduct environmental rounds to ensure a safe and sanitary environment. Serve as a subject matter expert to evaluate product efficacy and management of equipment.

• Responsible for knowledge of regulations relative to infection control (i.e., CMS, OSHA, state and local health departments, etc.) in order to assist the hospital in meeting these requirements, and to make recommendations for the hospital to maintain current standards of infection control practice.
• Provides Infection Control education to associates for the purpose of a safe working environment and to protect patients and visitors.
• Assist in the prevention and control of diseases in patients and personnel through ongoing surveillance and interaction in the hospital especially in units and identification and investigations of clusters of infections.
• Conduct environmental rounds to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to evaluate product efficacy and management of equipment.
• Engages in population appropriate communication.
• Has knowledge of growth and development milestones and tasks.
• Gives clear instructions to patients/family regarding treatment. Involves family/guardian in the assessment, initial treatment, and continuing care of the patient. Identifies any physical limitations of the patient and deploys intervention when necessary.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to patients/families with behavioral health problems.
• Interprets population related data and plans care appropriately.
• Identifies and responds appropriately to different needs resulting from unique psychological needs or those associated with religious / cultural norms.
• Performs treatments, administers medication, or operates equipment safely.
• Recognizes and responds to signs/symptoms of abuse or neglect.
• Works directly and collaboratively within the Infection Control Dept. with the Medical Director for Infection Control and Prevention/Hospital Epidemiologist, and the Infection Control Committee to manage infection prevention throughout the hospital.
• Works under the direction of Medical Director of Infection Control for all of the following.
• Conducts required surveillance that includes oversight of data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Utilizes collected data to establish and prioritize a list of actual and potential problems.
• Conducts analysis of data, prepares reports, and communicates findings to appropriate persons.
• Maintains relationship with laboratory and other departments involved with data management and monitoring.
• Aligns with external agencies and community activities related to infection control surveillance and follow up. Ensures that program meets all external requirements.
• Functionally provides oversight to any infection control personnel or designee (i.e. staff members performing infection control functions).
• Is responsible for investigating hospital epidemics, determining the causes, and instituting appropriate control measures under the direction of the hospital Medical Director for IC.
• Is responsible for designing and conducting infection control research necessary to the Infection Control program within the institution.
• Facilitates with the physician chair, the Infection Control Committee (within Medical Staff meeting structure) that provides oversight and direction for IC activities.
• Actively participates in the other corporate, medical staff and hospitals committees.
• Participate in the evaluation of new technology, equipment and/or practices.
• Directs and or assists with the implementation of new technology, equipment and/or practices.
• Provides educational content for staff that is current and valid. This includes providing education, providing materials and references that are disseminated and making referrals to other resources.
• Works closely with the education department to support this function.
• Maintains resources that are available for reference for healthcare workers.
• Utilizes principles of communication and change theory to enhance professional nursing practice.
• Participates in orientation of staff as appropriate.
• Maintains high level of expertise in specialty area.
• Consults with various departments and functional areas for work plan development and quality improvement related to infection control.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures related to infection control and monitors adherence to these practices. Ensure that policy and practice reflect external requirements, i.e. JOINT COMMISSION, CMS, and CDC.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree - Minimum Required - BSN or a bachelor’s degree in medical technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or other relevant field preferred

License & Certification:

• Acquisition and subsequent maintenance certification in infection control (CIC) within 3 years of hire is required

Years of Experience:

• 2-3 Years equivalent experience - Preferred

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of infection control principles and guidelines as set forth by CDC/WHO.
• Knowledge of quality principles / approaches related to the management and evaluation of clinical care.
• Must be able to lead and facilitate meetings.
• Must be able to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to establish working and collaborative relationships with clinical and business departments.
• Working knowledge of spreadsheet and word processing programs.
• Statistical and epidemiological analysis capabilities to evaluate data and information.

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About UC Health

UC Health is an integrated academic health system serving Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. In partnership with the University of Cincinnati, UC Health combines clinical expertise and compassion with research and teaching—a combination that provides patients with options for even the most complex situations. Members of UC Health include: UC Medical Center, West Chester Hospital, Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care, Bridgeway Pointe Assisted Living, University of Cincinnati Physicians and UC Health Ambulatory Services (with more than 900 board-certified clinicians and surgeons), Lindner Center of HOPE and several specialized institutes including: UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. Many UC Health locations have received national recognition for outstanding quality and patient satisfaction. Learn more at uchealth.com.

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