Registered Nurse (RN/BSN) experience preferred for this position; or a background in Microbiology.

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

This position is responsible for infection prevention and control functions of surveillance for specific nosocomial infectious diseases, reporting of cases involving the possible spread of infection, outbreak investigation, analysis and interpretation of data concerning epidemiologic investigations, institution of control measures, and program evaluation.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

• Collects, records and analyzes data on nosocomial infections based on facility needs, devises target areas for nosocomial surveillance, and makes recommendations for control measures or interventions.
• Assists with infection control services for patient care areas by applying epidemiologic principles to decrease patient risk for infection in a cost efficient manner.
• Educates individuals or small groups on a daily basis regarding adherence to principles of Body Substance Precautions, and other specific infection control precautions as indicated to reduce nosocomial infection risk and initiation of special isolation protocols as needed for outbreaks.
• Conducts in-service education classes on aseptic techniques, infection control and prevention, antiseptics and disinfectants, specific infectious disease and other related health care issues.
• Initiates and conducts outbreak investigations.
• Reviews laboratory reports and communicates possible communicable disease issues/problems with affected areas of the hospital.
• Assists in development and administration of follow-up monitoring procedures for patients who are exposed to communicable diseases.
• Provides infection prevention and control services for the bone marrow transplant program and outpatient and outreach areas.
• Assists with the establishment of standards of infection control practice that is scientifically based and consistent with regulatory requirements.
• Assists with the review and recommendation of medical products and engineering control required for infection control safety standards.
• Conducts research to document information on infection prevention and control problems/issues.
• Assists with community infection control issues through outreach to and from other facilities and practitioners.
• Assists with HIV and TB infection control activities.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated potential ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.

• Ability to provide care to the population served.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.

• Ability to educate individuals at all levels of understanding.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement programs.

• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Health Care Science area, or equivalency.

Preferred

• Current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah.
• Two years of experience in hospital infection control.
• Certification in infection control from the Certification Board of Infection Control.
• Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card through American Heart Association.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) registration or registry eligibility.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving patients or objects. This position may stand for sustained periods of time and/or walk for long distances moving from one area to another. This position is subject to outside environmental conditions.