The infection control practitioner helps to prevent healthcare-acquired infections by isolating sources of infections and limiting their spread.
They systematically collect, analyze and interpret health data in order to plan, implement, evaluate and disseminate appropriate public health practices. They also train healthcare staff through instruction and dissemination of information on infection control practices.
Responsibilities:
- The infection control practitioner plans, develops, directs, implements and evaluates infection prevention within a hospital or health care facility.
- They instruct personnel in proper infection control procedure.
They investigate infection control problems and arrange follow-up care for patients exposed to infectious diseases. - They conduct rounds, discussing and monitoring infection control practices with staff.
- They collect infection data from departments, maintaining records for each case; trains staff on implementation of infection control practices.
- They investigate incidents of infection.
- They report incidents to the director of nursing.
- They ensure the availability of supplies required for infection control.
Skills:
- The infection control practitioner must be a very energetic individual with the desire to develop and implement infection control training programs.
- They should be able to plan and conduct training seminars and exercises with a working knowledge of nursing practice and theory.
- They must possess excellent written, interpersonal, time management and presentation skills with flexibility to meet a wide range of service needs.
Knowledge:
- The infection control practitioner holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a diploma in hospital infection control.
- They should have at least two to three years of experience in a hospital setting.
- Having a master’s degree in epidemiology, public health or a related field is preferred.
- Having previous experience in teaching, curriculum development and instruction design is also desired.