Public Health Jobs in Louisiana

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC), the Infection Control Manager is responsible for the facility's infection prevention and control program, which is designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. The infection control program includes but is not limited to the following elements:

• Preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all patients, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment and following accepted national standards
• A system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they can spread to other persons in the facility.
• Reporting possible incidents of communicable disease or infections.
• Ensuring standard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infections.

The Infection Control Manager supports and executes Infection Prevention improvement projects across the continuum of care. The Infection Control Manager collects, analyzes and reports healthcare associated infections and financial data in relation to cost of infection, performance improvement and patient safety. The Infection Control Director attends Leadership meetings, other assigned committee meetings.

The Infection Control Manager will oversee the Employee Health Nurse and assist with immunization campaigns, respiratory protection campaigns, and other duties as needed including by not limited to annual influenza vaccinations, annual TB screenings, annual N-95 fit testing, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Developing and implementing infection control policies, procedures, and protocols for the organization
• Maintaining communication with healthcare professionals to keep abreast of new developments in infection control practices
• Monitoring infection rates in hospitals or other health care facilities to identify potential issues, including antibiotic resistance
• Working with teams of health care professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists) to establish guidelines for implementing programs that are safe for patients and staff
• Developing educational materials about infection control procedures for patients, families, and staff members as needed
• Conducting audits of infection control practices in hospitals or other health care facilities to identify potential risks and areas for improvement
• Implementing infection control policies in accordance with state and federal regulations, including standards for cleanliness and sterilization techniques
• Ensuring compliance with all OSHA regulations to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
• All other duties as assigned
• Concurrently and retrospectively reviews all necessary data from patient medical records including laboratory data.
• Investigates incidences of hospital acquired infections, outbreaks, and exposure prevention.
• Performs timely surveillance and reports diseases/conditions to the Louisiana Office of Public Health as required by the Louisiana Sanitary Code.
• Timely reports required HAIs and hospital data to NSHN
• Prepares statistical reports and other studies. Communicates findings to Chief Medical Officer, Hospital Infection Control Committee, and other appropriate entities such as Safety Committee, Medical Executive Committee, Surgery Department, Medical Staff, Quality Council, Environment of Care, etc.
• Provides consultation and acts as a resource for hospital personnel and the community concerning basic epidemiology and infection control issues
• Provides reports as necessary and assists in the facility's compliance with standards and regulations within the scope of infection control. Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations; understand and comply with infection control, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations.
• New employee orientation program and employee education programs related to infection control issues such as TB control, OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control standard, handwashing, etc., as needed. Provides departmental in-services based upon needs identified by individual departments.
• Attends assigned meetings; able to attend in the absence of the Director if needed.
• Performs annual Infection Control Program evaluations, risk assessments, and plans.
• Maintains and updates hospital infection control policies/procedures as needed in accordance with regulatory agencies such as CMS, DNV, Louisiana Public Health, OSHA, etc.
• Works with other hospital departments in QA/QI studies, policy/procedure development, and education needs.
• QA/QI studies as surveillance indicates need or as opportunity is identified; continuously assesses and improves department's performance; maintains appropriate quality control programs.
• Helps to maintain a safe and clean hospital environment.
• All other duties as assigned

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Licensed Nurse, Medical Technologist or degree in microbiology, public health or hospital epidemiology required. A related clinical health degree may be considered.
• Minimum 2 yrs. direct experience in hospital laboratory, nursing, public health, or epidemiology required.
• 2 years Infection control experience required
• Certification in Infection Control (APIC or CIC) required. If applicant is not certified:
• Applicant must actively pursue certification upon hire with anticipation of becoming certified within 2 years of hire into the position; and Applicant must consult on an ongoing basis as defined by the organization with individual(s) identified by the organization as having expertise in infection prevention and control.
• Identifies own learning needs, attends minimum 12 hours continuing education annually, keeps up with current literature.