Infection Control Nurse, Per Diem

The Nurse Epidemiologist is directly accountable to the Director of Quality, with a dotted line to the CNO, with a dotted line to the CNOand has a collaborative relationship with the Director of the Infectious Disease Department. The Nurse Epidemiologist has the authority, in collaboration with the Chief of Infectious Disease and Infection Control Committee, to define the medical center's infection control program and policies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITES/DUTIES:

• Collects infection surveillance data, analyzes trends and proposes corrective action in conjunction with the Chief of Infectious Diseases, and reports to the Infection Control Committee, Department heads, and public health agencies.
• Contacts hospital department heads whenever the reason to believe an epidemic, infection, or hazardous situation exists.
• Initiates, coordinates, and completes investigation of infectious disease outbreaks in the hospital and implements control measures as directed by the Chairman of the Infection Control Committee.
• Coordinates and/or provides consultation in medical center epidemiological studies or projects in a consultative, coordinating, liaison role.
• Acts as a consultant to other disciplines relative to Infection Control.
• Plans and participates in in-service training and other teaching programs on hospital epidemiology and infection control and new employees, nurses, nursing students, medical students, house officers, medical technologists, environmental services personnel, and all nursing assistive personnel.
• Participates in JCAHO and regulatory agencies accreditation processes.
• Maintains hospital isolation manual.
• Provides statistics and surveillance data as requested to department heads and physicians.
• Completes surveillance reports and any special forms for public health agencies.
• Reports all serious breaches in infection control practices, any infectious disease outbreaks, or epidemics to Chief/Chairman of Infectious Diseases and to appropriate hospital personnel.
• Shall be accountable for implementing the Infection Control program in collaboration with the Chief/Chairman of Infectious Diseases.
• Shall be accountable for in-services and educational activities provided concerning infection control policies and practices.
• Shall be accountable for maintaining the confidentiality and security of all medical center related staff and patient data.
• Shall submit written performance improvement projects to the Quality Review Board quarterly.

REQUIRED Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Required or a minimum of 15 years' experience in the Infection Control field in an acute care setting and a Nursing degree: Diploma, ASN or BSN, Ability to obtain BSN within 4 years and
• Master's degree in nursing or public health or microbiology (preferred)

REQUIRED Experience:

• 2-3 years in infection control/epidemiology required
• (Teaching experience preferred)
  

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Licensed to practice professional nursing as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• BLS certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge and use of patient safety science and quality improvement methodologies / tools.
• Must have interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with a administrative and clinical leadership, staff, Clinical Chairpersons, and other healthcare professionals
• Ability to effectively interview individuals and groups from diverse professional backgrounds
• Maintain strictness confidentiality of information
• Ability to collect event information and organize into a coherent narrative
• Highly self-motivated. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to work deadlines.
• Ability to inspire trust and be seen as someone who provides support and assistance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skill including ability to speak before large audiences and prepare and provide Power Point presentations.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office; ability to learn new computer applications such as adverse event reporting software.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans