Director Infection Prevention

SUMMARY:

Directs and monitors the Infection Prevention Program in accordance with Infection Prevention regulations and plan.  Develops policies governing control of infections and communicable diseases. Implements policies governing prevention of infections and communicable diseases. Develops a system for identifying, reporting, investigating, and preventing infections and communicable diseases. Oversees adherence to standards of practice, protocols, and procedures, maintenance of and coordination of services with other units and agencies related to infection prevention.  Advises leadership by interpreting changes in county, state or federal regulations relating to infection prevention requirements.  Assumes other responsibilities delegated by Chief Nursing Officer 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervises staff involving interviewing and hiring, training, and performance evaluation; establishes specific performance standards and measures for work; confronts others directly and respectfully when performance does not meet expectations

Oversees assigned budgets, including projections and reconciliation; understands implications of TMC business decisions on bottom line and manages activities to produce results to support business decisions.

Identifies areas where costs per unit can be optimized, prioritizes which projects will have greatest returns, and ensures quality results are realized in a timely manner; anticipates resources that will be needed to complete a project and avoid over-committing resources.

Understands how assigned departments add value to TMC and its customers, and makes decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to TMC’s strategies and financial goals.

Applies business understanding to improve practices and processes of role; leverages inter-function linkages to raise performance levels; thinks in global, cross-boundary terms before setting out on a project or problem-solving initiative. 

Demonstrates and upholds established standards of behavior, safety, and confidentiality, as well as TMCH and department policies and standards. 

Adheres to and supports staff in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication.  Works collaboratively and supports efforts of other team members.

Develops contingency plans with appropriate tactics and responds to unforeseen circumstances and utilizes planned resources, putting patients at the center of planning and delivery of services.

Develops a coaching and mentoring relationship with others that is purposefully aimed at developing their independence; encourages others to consider creative or innovative approaches to changing goals, processes or environments; assigns specific projects to challenge others and stretch their abilities and self-confidence.

Manages and monitors Infection Prevention programs for TMCH to include surveillance programs, recordkeeping of hospital associated and community acquired infections, interpretation, analysis, and reporting of information, development of interventions and recommendations related and follow up on performance.

Interprets and applies state, county, and federal requirements and other appropriate guidelines related to IP and EOC issues; develops IP policies, guidelines and programs; informs authorities of reportable diseases. Educates, communicates and interfaces with hospital personnel (at all levels), patients, medical staff, and family members to ensure high-quality patient care.

Serves on hospital committees and assume responsibility for disseminating and communicating information to staff.

Performs related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred

EXPERIENCE:  Eight (8) years of infection control experience in an acute care setting.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION:  Certification by the National Board of Infection Control (CIC) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge of infectious diseases, OSHA, CDC, and CMS requirements, microbiology and surveillance practices for infection control.

• Skill in evaluating performance and recommending improvements.

• Skill in managing and training staff.

• Skill in strategic planning and developing staffing plans to meet not only current needs but future needs.

• Skill in coordinating risk assessments and communicating protocol to follow.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquiries or complaints from employees, patients and/or their representatives, and the general public.

• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of statistical theory.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Ability to interpret and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.