Position Summary:
The Infection Control RN is responsible for collection and accurate input of information into infection control databases. Understands and applies Federal, State, County and JCAHO standards related to infection control. Updates and distributes accurate infection control policies and communications. Identifies and responds to infection control issues in a timely manner. This position will contribute to improvements in hospital-wide processes related to Infection Control.

Major Position Responsibilities:
– Responsible for abstracting data from the medical record document for the infection control program’s targeted surveillance and epidemiologic investigations.
– Performs initial screening of microbiology reports, sorting for community vs. possible facility-acquired infections, and identifying pertinent ICD-9 codes for procedures and/or devices.
– Finds pertinent clinical information in inpatient, emergency department, and out-patient medical records using compass and paper formats.
– Able to correctly apply the CDC definitions of infection for an accurate comparison of TCMC rates with the National Nosocomial Infection Survey (NNIS).
– Surveillance is conducted in a timely manner so that potential infection control issues can be identified early.
– Maintains databases according to department need using Affinity, Excel and other spreadsheet programs. Double-checks all data elements for completeness and accuracy.
– Uses clinical expertise and knowledge to suggest changes to improve surveillance program.
– Understands basic concepts such as the transmission of infections and uses appropriate resources (internet, intranet, journals and textbooks) to correctly answer questions from patients, facility staff, volunteers, students, and visitors. Directs more difficult questions to appropriate hospital staff or public health services.
– Reports to internal staff and external agencies per policies, regulations and standards.
– Ensures confidentiality of protected patient information.
– Responsible for completing Communicable Disease Reports (CMR) per Title 17 and hospital policies.
– Assists with reporting of diseases to other facilities and outside agencies as required by JCAHO Standards and State and Federal laws.
– Ensures that Leadership has current information on JCAHO Standards and Federal, State, and County requirements pertaining to infection control.
– Responsible for tracking the Infection Control Manual policy revisions. Communicates with internal staff related to due dates and placement of current policies on the intranet.
– Completes special projects as assigned.

Safety and Infection Control Responsibilities:
Responsible to maintain a safe and clean work environment, including unit based specific safety and infection control requirements.

Qualifications:
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in Infection Prevention, preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology to read and abstract data, required.
Minimum of two years clinical experience as an RN required.
Knowledge of the principles and practice of hospital infection prevention and control/epidemiology, infectious diseases, required.
Knowledge and skill to independently and collaboratively plan, develop, implement and evaluate infection control policies and procedures, preferred.
Must be highly organized, accurate and meticulous.
Ability to work autonomously, set priorities and meet timely deadlines.
Computer proficiency required.

Education:
RN degree, required.
BSN, required.

Licenses:
Current California RN license, required

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work.

*Salary/Hourly Wage range based on experience.

ABOUT THE HOSPITAL:
Tri-City Healthcare District has been serving the North County region for almost 60 years and remains committed to providing high quality healthcare and community services for every individual we encounter regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status.

Our mission is to advance the health and wellness of the community we serve. In order to achieve our mission, we see, hear and listen to our front line healthcare workers, employees, medical staff and all community stakeholders in order to understand and meet our community’s needs.

To protect the health of patients and staff, and to comply with the new State of California mandates, all job offers are contingent on the successful engagement in the TCMC COVID-19 vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral.)