The Infection Control Practitioner is a qualified individual with knowledge of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), JCAHO /DNV standards, federal and state regulations. She/he is responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patents/residents and personnel. By authority of the Infection Control Committee, she/he may institute collection of cultures and initiate appropriate isolation precautions. She/he is responsible for assisting with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control.

Requirements:

• Demonstrates comprehensive, evidenced-based knowledge of infection prevention and control processes in the healthcare setting, including isolation precautions, microbiology, modes of transmission of disease entities, epidemiology, and aseptic technique.
• Demonstrates knowledge of risk stratified statistics as applicable to trending healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
• Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of infection control including changing infection control practices and designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the infection control program in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection control to all levels of healthcare personnel and presents in-service education related to infection prevention and control house wide as needed.
• Works collaboratively with the medical staff and nursing in development and implementation of a system of identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients and residents of all ages and healthcare personnel.
• Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology laboratory of patients, residents and personnel to determine if infection is healthcare associated in origin and initiates appropriate isolation precautions when indicated.
• Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established thresholds, and/or in cluster by patient/resident care units, among personnel and volunteers.
• Communicates appropriate reports to Performance Improvement regarding Infection Prevention and Control, and cooperates with other departments in the performance of Quality Assurance activities.
• Maintains accurate records of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients, residents and personnel.
• Implements and conducts special studies when appropriate or requested by the infection Control committee Chairperson.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• A degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health Epidemiology, Medical Technology or Biology required. (Nursing applicants must maintain WI licensure as a registered nurse; Medical Technology applicants must be ASCP registered).
• CIC or IPC certification required within 2 years of hire.
• Has a minimum of 3 years of infection prevention and control experience in a hospital-based setting.
• Maintain a membership in APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology).
• Able to be competent with EPIC, NHSN, and other software within 30 days of hire.

Shift Time: 8-, 12- hour shifts

Benefits and Salary:

Comprehensive benefits package to include: medical, HSA, dental, 403(b) with employer match of 5%, PTO, wellness benefits, etc.

About Us:

AMC is a regional medical center that serves patients from 7 counties in northwest Wisconsin and Gogebic County in Michigan. We have more than 70 full-time physicians and specialists on-staff and over 600 employees who are dedicated to providing quality care. Our charming city of Ashland, WI is located on the shores of Lake Superior near Bayfield and the 21 Apostle Islands, and boasts a strong community, historic charm, modern conveniences and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our passion and driving force is to see the people of our community live healthy, productive lives.