Infection Control Practitioner (40 Hour)

About the position

The Infection Control Practitioner plays a vital role in coordinating infection control measures within the Department of Veterans Affairs in Connecticut. This position involves monitoring infection rates, implementing prevention policies, educating staff, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. The practitioner will work closely with various departments and the Infection Control Committee to enhance the well-being of veterans and staff at the healthcare facility.

Responsibilities

• Conducts surveillance of infections in patients/clients and employees.
• Prepares monthly reports, statistical summaries, and analyses of infections for the Infection Control Committee.
• Writes policies and procedures for infection prevention and control.
• Develops and conducts in-service education programs for all facility personnel to improve knowledge and practices of infection control and epidemiology of infectious diseases.
• Maintains records of all patients/clients with infections.
• Consults with Epidemiologists in the Department of Public Health when clusters of infection occur and/or unusual pathogens are isolated.
• Reports and provides information required by the Department of Public Health or other official bodies.
• Consults in infection control aspects of the employee health program including immunization and other similar activities.
• Develops and updates isolation techniques according to current standards of practice which provide optimum care for patients/clients with infections.
• Monitors patient/client care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies, new products and/or specific policies or procedures which may constitute a risk of originating or transmitting infections.
• Reviews sterilization and disinfection methods practiced in all areas of the facility and makes recommendations for changes.
• May attend educational conferences related to specialty.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in nursing and three (3) years of professional experience in direct patient/client care services.
• Licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience as a Registered Nurse
• Certification as an Infection Control Practitioner
• Experience as an Infection Control Practitioner in a Skilled Nursing Facility
• Experience with regulations from the Centers for Disease Control, Centers for Medicare Services, Department of Public Health, and Skilled Nursing Facility standards
• Experience with wound management in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Benefits

• Comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Healthy work/life balance