What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Control Specialist position at the Chickasaw Nation?
We are currently looking for a Full Time Infection Control Specialist to join our Infection Control Team team located at the Ada location.
Summary:
Facilitates the reduction of healthcare associated infections to the greatest extent possible in this role, which may be situated at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center (CNMO) or at one of the satellite clinics. Serves as the primary point of contact for community partners, such as health departments and other healthcare facilities.
Responsibilities:
- Assists the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager in the daily operations of the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH) Infection Control program. (e.g. promotion and presentation of educational programs)
- Serves as the first point of contact for infection control and prevention issues at the satellite clinics
- Travels to each satellite clinic at least weekly to observe infection control and prevention activities and conditions
- Assists with retrospective and concurrent review of medical records and analysis of data to report Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI), surgical site infections, and LabID events to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
- Develops and maintains systematic reports and records for the satellite clinics consistent with directions from the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager
- Assists with preparation of statistical data, graphs, trending & other information from the satellite clinics for presentation to the CNDH Infection Control Committee (ICC)
- Participates in epidemiological investigations and special studies by request of the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager, the ICC, or the medical staff
- Assists IC manager to collaborate with local and state health departments to solve problems related to outbreak and control of communicable diseases located within satellite clinic settings
- Ensures timely reporting of communicable diseases and conditions (including HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, rabies exposures, and tick-borne illnesses) in Oklahoma via the Public Health Investigation and Disease Detection of Oklahoma (PHIDDO) system, according to the OSDH & Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Ensures that regular rounds are made throughout the satellite clinics to: Monitor compliance with standard precautions and isolation procedures; Assure maintenance of infection control needs and concerns (e.g. hand hygiene activities); Identify potential hazards relating to infection control and employee health
- Serves as an active member of the Environment of Care Committee at each satellite clinic
- Collaborates with the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager, the Institutional Environmental Health Officer and the Healthcare Facilities Maintenance Manager to complete Contractor Safety Program applications and Infection Control Risk Assessments for the satellite clinics
- Assists with the monitoring of all demolition, renovation, modification and/or other construction projects within the satellite clinics from the Infection Control perspective
- Identifies and audit the surveillance necessary to prevent and control infections in patients, families, visitors, and the CNDH staff located within satellite clinics
- Recommends, with the concurrence of the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager, materials and equipment necessary to mitigate disease transmission within the satellite clinics
- Develops performance improvement initiatives based upon the previous years’ data for the satellite clinics with the Infection Control Practitioner/Manager
- Contributes to the annual Program Review and Evaluation that measures the effectiveness of the program over the previous year
- Differentiates medical laboratory tests and their significance as it applies to infection control in the satellite environment
- Monitors Hand hygiene compliance, surveillance and education
- Participates in influenza preparedness, information, tracking and reporting with regards to satellite clinic locations
- Interprets medical laboratory tests, their significance, and the classifications of organisms
- Communicates infection control activities to Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accreditation requirements
- Participates in performance improvement activities to measure, assess and improve the quality of assigned work area
- Provides first class customer service - courteous and helpful to all internal and external customer types
- Answers questions in a courteous and professional manner
- Greets and engages with a smile
- Determines needs, seeks positive experience and outcomes
- Completes all training and development requirements and participates in continuing education opportunities
- Works in a collaborative and supportive manner to support the productivity and safety of the work area, team members and customers of all types
- Maintains general upkeep of work area and maintains a safe environment
- Maintains and promotes professionalism
- Punctual and consistent in meeting start time, work schedule, attendance and other assigned work time metrics
- Adheres to Chickasaw Nation dress code standards
- Maintains knowledge of and follows all laws, rules, regulations, policies and SOPs for assigned area, e.g. MICS, TICS, hospital standards, health codes, food sanitation, accounting principles, etc.
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Competencies:
Essential:
Essential:
- Ability to interpret medical laboratory tests, their significance, and the classifications of organisms
- Able to follow instructions, both written and oral
- Able to adhere to all scheduling and attendance requirements
- Good driving record and be insurable by the Chickasaw Nation
- Honesty, truthfulness, reliability, accountability
- Able to read, understand, apply, and retain knowledge of Chickasaw Nation, departmental, divisional and all other rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
- Knowledge of infection control procedures
- Knowledge of environmental epidemiology and its application
- Knowledge of medical science and terminology as they relate to infection control activities to include symptoms, tests, diagnostic rationale and treatment
- Able to verbally communicate in a professional and positive manner with other team members, departments, guests and management
Skills:
Essential:
Essential:
- Intermediate computer skills
- Intermediate skill using Microsoft Office products
Experience:
Nonessential:
Nonessential:
- 2 years directly related experience
Education:
Essential:
Essential:
- Graduate from an accredited school of nursing required
Credentials:
Essential:
Essential:
Essential:
- Pass general background check
- Registered Nurse
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Standard Driver's License
Essential:
- Must maintain current BLS certification or obtain within one (1) month of hire, if not current
Working Conditions:
Essential:
Essential:
- Works in a hospital or clinic environment
- Potential exposure to contagious diseases
- Sometimes lift and or carry up to 25 lbs
- Standing up to 100% of shift
- Walking up to 75% of shift
- Subject to traveling and working at other locations or in other environments
- Pass pre-employment drug test