Infection Control Practitioner

Under the general direction of the Infection Control Coordinator and Medical Director this role is responsible to prevent and control the transmission of communicable disease and healthcare associated infections in patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment.  This role uses knowledge of authoritative infection control guidelines, regulatory and accreditation requirements and Infection Control policies and procedures to make recommendations, implement action plans and facilitate ongoing evaluations to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections and improve patient outcomes with the Allegiance Health System.  This key staff member will perform project work, specific tasks related to surveillance and data collection, rounds, educate staff at monthly orientation, may include interaction with physicians, committees and healthcare workers in order to provide information related to infection control practices for patient care. 

• Performs surveillance of health care associated infections and other infection control related adverse events.
• Collects critical data and information as identified and described in the Infection Control Plan.
• Utilizes multiple patient data sources across the continuum of care for population in assigned areas to determine whether a healthcare associated infection has occurred. 
• Utilizes appropriate methods of measurement, statistical tools and risk stratifications necessary to analyze infection data.
• Prepares and distributes surveillance data, including graphs and written infection control materials as required by the Infection Control Plan after approval by the Infection Control Coordinator. 
• Performs external reporting of communicable diseases to the public health department.
• Assist with the development, updating and implementation of policies and procedures for infection control.
• Serves as a resource for questions related to compliance with regulations, guidelines and accreditation requirements that pertain to the appropriate practice of Infection Control with the hospital and health system.
• Collaborates with Employee Health on policies and procedures for health care personnel to minimize or reduce the hazards of exposure to communicable or infectious disease.
• Implements action plans as necessary to prevent or control an outbreak and/or respond to an influx of infectious patients.
• Participates as Infection Control Practitioner member of committees and teams as determined by the Infection Control Coordinator. 
• Conducts organized infection control educational and training programs.
• Rounds, monitors, communicates and educates to ensure appropriate storage, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and/or disposal of supplies, patient care equipment and medical devices.
• Communicates with staff, managers and physicians to promote compliance with hand hygiene and other Infection Control policies.
• Documents infection control rounds as appropriate to support the infection control function throughout the health care system.
• Participates in infection control risk assessment, safety and performance improvement activities.
• Implements strategies to achieve Infection Control Plan goals.
• Maintains awareness of organizational priorities, infection control plan priorities and data reporting timelines related to infection control goals.

• Licensed as Registered Nurse (RN) or Microbiology Technologist.
• Bachelors degree required.
• Certification in Infection Control preferred and would be required within 2 years of experience in the position
• Experience working in microbiology, epidemiology, process improvement, and/or clinical education desirable.
• Analytical skills necessary in order to gather and analyze data, prepare infection control reports, and recommend appropriate action plans. 
• Demonstrated expertise in word processing, spreadsheets and other computer programs desirable
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of standing, walking, stooping, bending and lifting up to 25 pounds.
   

SCHEDULE:

2 days per week, approximately 10a-2p. This is not a benefit eligible position.  

• Let Allegiance Health  help you balance work and home
  
  • Concierge Service
  • Success Share Bonus Plan
  • On-site Wellness Center
  • Generous Paid-Time-Off Package
  • Competitive Salaries and Extensive Flex-Benefits
• Growing Together
  
  More than 3,300 staff currently work within the Allegiance Health ,which continues to experience tremendous growth, providing opportunities at every turn.
  
  
  • $34 million Surgical and Cardiovascular Center
  • $30 million newly renovated Emergency Department
  • $3 million Hospice Home
  
  Located in South Central Michigan, less than an hour away from Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing, Allegiance Health  is centered in the Jackson community. With more than 100 lakes, 20,000 acres of publicly owned recreational land, and 21 public golf courses, Jackson County offers one of the more desired settings in Southern Michigan.
  Allegiance Health  is an Equal Employment