Infection Prevention Specialist

ABOUT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is a progressive, state-of-the-art facility nestled beneath the Big Horn Mountains in beautiful Northeast Wyoming. Founded over 100 years ago, Sheridan Memorial is licensed for 88 beds with over 60 physicians who provide primary medical care and specialty care in more than 15 areas. We are proud of our more than 700 employees who provide personalized, patient-centered care in a healing environment. When people think of excellent healthcare, they think of Sheridan.

JOB SUMMARY

The Infection Prevention Specialist is responsible for the Infection Prevention program to include surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of hospital acquired infections (HAI); establish, implement and administer infection prevention goals, ensuring they reflect the hospital’s mission, values and strategic plan; institute performance improvement programs; provide oversight of Home Care/Hospice and Welch Cancer Center’s infection prevention and surveillance practices; provide employee education pertaining to infection prevention practices; serve as an infection prevention resource to hospital committees and departments; policies and procedures development to ensure infection prevention and control practices are in accordance with TJC, OSHA, CMS, CDC and other nationally recognized agencies/organizations’ recommendations and requirements; active involvement in professional development with nationally recognized infection prevention organizations for continuing education and practice improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct surveillance using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) infection criteria. Including a thorough review of admissions, microbiology and lab results, isolation requirements, consultation requests and concurrent and post-discharge surveillance.
• Notifies receiving facilities of patient with history or current infection involving an MDRO.
• Data collection and reporting of device utilization and infections, surgical site infections and Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and any other required data to NHSN.
• Participate in hospital infection outbreak investigations utilizing microbiology lab personnel, consulting with the Infection Prevention Medical Director, Wyoming Department of Health and if necessary the CDC.
• Develops and evaluates the Infection Prevention and Control Plan with stated goals and strategies based on annual risk assessment and prior year’s activities.
• Apply epidemiological principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, design, implement and evaluate prevention control strategies.
• Submit reports to Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) as required by State Statute(s).
• Compile and analyze surveillance data, reporting to Infection Prevention Committee, appropriate Medical Committees, Leadership and Quality Council.
• Drive quality/performance improvement activities by identifying, monitoring and measuring nosocomial infections and evaluating outcomes on a regular basis.
• Serve as a resource to Home Care/Hospice and Welch Cancer Center for infection prevention practices and surveillance data management. Assist as needed with reporting results to the Infection Prevention Committee and when appropriate to Quality Council.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures as related to infection prevention that complies with all county, state, federal and regulatory agencies.
• Conducts environmental and infection control rounds in all in-patient areas.
• Develop and update isolation techniques and procedures in accordance with current standards.
• Provides recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds and assures compliance with national and/or professional standards.
• Provides information to hospital committees and department managers to formulate changes in policies, procedures and/or processes which could reduce the risk of infection.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and available resource on infection prevention/control practices to patients, family, staff and employees.
• Plan, organize, develop and implement educational programs for all hospital employees including independent licensed practitioners, administrative and ancillary services which convey specialized knowledge and skills to increase employee awareness of HAIs and how to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Develop informational materials at appropriate level of knowledge.
• Liaison with the Employee Health Coordinator regarding relevant staff member health issues.
• Participate in the Community Health Emergency Management Planning Committee (CHEMP) monthly meetings facilitated by Sheridan County Public Health. Complete Incident Command System (ICS) training through FEMA and Homeland Security. Participate with Emergency Preparedness Drills and Table-top exercises.
• Participate in continuing education at state and national levels to promote an up-to-date knowledge base commensurate with latest research and scholarly knowledge. Maintain a knowledge base of accepted infection prevention and control information through peer networking, internet access, published literature and professional meetings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education / Experience / License and Certifications

• Associate's degree in Nursing required, BS in Nursing preferred.
• Current and unrestricted Wyoming Registered Nurse license, required.
• Certification in Infection Control preferred within 3 years of employment.
• Minimum two years' experience in a clinical setting required.
• Minimum two years' experience of HC Quality Improvement activities preferred.
• At least one year of experience or additional course work in infection control, preferred.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.

Specific demands not listed: Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products.

Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.