Infection Control Coordinator monitors and investigates known or suspected sources of infections in order to determine the source and contain outbreak. Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques and recommends changes as needed. Being an Infection Control Coordinator provides related education to staff. Prepares simple cultures as needed for environmental and individual studies. Additionally, Infection Control Coordinator evaluates sterilization and disinfection methods and recommends changes as necessary. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. The Infection Control Coordinator contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. To be an Infection Control Coordinator typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Infection Control Coordinator assists and supports the translation of the nursing philosophy of the facility into nursing practice by participating in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing care delivery system. In addition, he/she provides residents and personnel with established guidelines to follow in prevention and spread of contagious, infectious or communicable disease.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1 Establishes guidelines for prevention and spread of contagious, infectious or communicable disease;
2 Assists with monitoring for a sanitary environment for facility personnel, residents, and visitors;
3 Ensures that all infection control policies and procedures are implemented and followed;
4 Coordinates regular in-services on infection control practice at least quarterly;
5 Assumes responsibility for detecting and reworking nosocomial infections on a systematic and current basis;
6 Conducts surveillance of all departments pertinent to infection control practices;
7 Performs epistemological investigation of all significant clusters of infection;
8 Recommends changes to corporate policies and procedures for the Infection Control Manual;
9 Conducts rounds throughout nursing facility to assure compliance with State, Federal and Care Facility guidelines; a report on findings will be submitted to the director of nursing and to the Administrator;
10 Arranges physicals for all new employees and schedules follow up medical reviews/PPD’s in accordance with state/federal regulations;
11 Maintains active involvement in facility Quality Improvement Policy;
12 Concerns his/herself with the safety of all facility residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents. Also, ensures that the facility adheres to the legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes, by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facility’s fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;
13 Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals’ needs and rights;
14 Performs other duties as requested.
SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1 The Infection Control Coordinator must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with current registered nurse licensure by the NJ State Board of Nursing.
2 A minimum of three years full-time or equivalent clinical experience is required and a minimum of two years of clinical experience in long-term care nursing with one year in a management/administrative or supervisory capacity is preferred.
3 Annual attendance of an Infection Control Seminar and comprehension of the Facility Infection Control Manual are also required.