What is an Infection Control Coordinator Job?
An Infection Control Coordinator is a healthcare professional who is responsible for preventing, controlling, and managing infections in healthcare facilities. They work to ensure that patients, staff, and visitors are protected from the spread of infectious diseases. This is a critical role in healthcare, as the prevention and control of infections are crucial in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients and healthcare workers.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Infection Control Coordinators perform a wide range of duties to ensure that healthcare facilities are safe and free from infections. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing infection control policies and procedures
- Educating healthcare staff on infection control practices
- Conducting surveillance to identify and investigate outbreaks of infectious diseases
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to develop treatment and prevention strategies
- Collecting and analyzing data on infection rates and trends
- Ensuring that healthcare facilities are compliant with local, state, and federal infection control regulations
Top 5 Skills for Position
To be successful as an Infection Control Coordinator, there are certain skills that are essential. These include:
- Strong communication skills: Infection Control Coordinators must be able to effectively communicate with healthcare staff, patients, and families about infection control practices and procedures.
- Attention to detail: This position requires an eye for detail, as Infection Control Coordinators must be able to identify potential risks and develop strategies to prevent the spread of infections.
- Analytical skills: Infection Control Coordinators must be able to collect and analyze data to identify trends and patterns in infection rates.
- Leadership skills: This position requires strong leadership skills, as Infection Control Coordinators must be able to lead and direct healthcare staff in infection control measures.
- Knowledge of infection control regulations: Infection Control Coordinators must have a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal regulations related to infection control in healthcare facilities.
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become an Infection Control Coordinator, you generally need a bachelor's degree in nursing, public health, or a related field. Some employers may require a master's degree in infection control or a healthcare-related field. In addition to education, certification is also available through organizations such as the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
To become certified, you must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass an exam. Continuing education is also important in this field, as infection control practices and regulations are constantly evolving.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical and Health Services Managers, which includes Infection Control Coordinators, was $104,280 as of May 2020. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and education level.
Roles and Types
Infection Control Coordinators can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and public health departments. Some common roles in this field include:
- Infection Control Nurse
- Infection Preventionist
- Epidemiologist
- Public Health Specialist
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
Some of the top locations for Infection Control Coordinator jobs in the United States include:
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Philadelphia, PA
What Are the Typical Tools?
Infection Control Coordinators use a variety of tools to perform their job duties, including:
- Electronic health records (EHRs)
- Infection control software
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Environmental cleaning supplies
- Lab testing equipment
- Communication devices (such as phones and email)
In Conclusion
Infection Control Coordinators play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare facilities are safe and free from infections. They are responsible for developing and implementing infection control policies and procedures, educating healthcare staff, conducting surveillance, and ensuring compliance with regulations. A career in this field requires strong communication, analytical, and leadership skills, as well as a thorough understanding of infection control regulations and practices.