Emory Healthcare: Infection Control Coordinator

Job opportunity “Great for EPI alums interested in infectious diseases”

Infection Prevention Coordinator and would be based next door at Emory Healthcare. Position involves working with clinicians to prevent hospital associated infections, performing surveillance, communicating with the CDC and health departments, investigating outbreaks, and using that information for overall improvement. Looking for candidates with 2 years of healthcare experience (does not have to be nursing) and will be expected to become certified in Infection Control within 2 years of employment.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Assists in the continuing development, implementation, evaluation, and modification of the Emory Hospitals and The Emory Clinic Infection Control Programs. Consistent with Infection Control Department goals and objectives, coordinates activities to identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections in assigned focus area(s).

These activities include: problem identification and management, data and information collection, analysis and management, improvement processes, policy/procedure management, outcome evaluation and education.

• Communicates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and county health departments, other health agencies, medical facilities and practitioners for reporting and/or investigation of infectious disease cases/clusters, required agent and disease case reports.
• Participates as a principle member of the Infection Committee(s) and Clinical Pathway Teams and serves on other ongoing and ad hoc committees or task groups throughout the organization.
• Chairs Infection Control related working groups as required.
• Coordinates the development and periodic review of Infection
• Control related standards, policies, procedures, practices and guidelines for assigned focus area(s) including infection surveillance, isolation/precautions, prevention and control in accordance with state, federal, and organizational guidelines.
• Institutes disease/agent transmission control measures as necessary.
• Participates in patient/family counseling as necessary.
• Communicates with all personnel and medical staff regarding the interpretation and enforcement of and compliance with Infection
• Control Program policies, practices, and procedures.
• Analyzes data to recognize potentially important relationships or patterns of infection and to detect significant variations in processes or outcomes.
• Supports and/or assists in research and related activities.
• May coordinate, support or assist in the design and execution of special studies and projects.
• Works with manager to formulate plan for professional development.
• Attends educational in-services as appropriate. Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
• Collects patient, laboratory, process and performance data and information.
• Ensures confidentiality, security and integrity of data and information are maintained.
• Prepares reports on infection control activities and improvement processes to meet organization needs and comply with applicable regulations in assigned focus area(s).
• Recommends changes in information systems hardware and software to improve internal and external reporting and data storage capabilities.
• Reviews and makes recommendations regarding selection of products related to infection prevention and control and current professional, industry and community standards and practices.
• Routinely assesses and investigates clinical infection and infection risks in concert with department objectives and assigned focus area(s).
• Conducts patient care practice and environmental rounds and recommends corrective action to administrative and management staff.
• Collaborates with Employee Occupational Health Services to identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among health careworkers.
• Serves as the department liaison to individuals, programs, committees, functions, facilities, schools, industry, agencies and associations.
• Plans, conducts and documents formal and informal educational activities pertaining to infection control. Updates infection control materials used in the orientation of Nursing staff.
• Reviews,recommends and maintains infection control educational materials in the Learning Resource Center.
• Conducts patient and family teaching related to infection prevention.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing or have a Masters in Public Health. RNs must have a current licensure in the state of Georgia. Two years of recent health care experience (within the past five years) which includes one year of clinical infection control experience is required. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within 2 years of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks

https://nursing-emory.icims.com/jobs/33983/coordinator%2c-infection-control%2c-8a-4%3a30p/job

Contact Elizabeth Overton, Internal Data Analytics Manager, EHC Office of Quality and Risk with questions.