Margaret Klammer
Sparks
Summary
Infection Control Coordinator with proven communication and analytical skills. Expertise in investigating outbreaks, ensuring compliance, and implementing CDC protocols. Committed to enhancing organizational health and safety through effective infection prevention strategies.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Infection Control Coordinator
Mammoth Hospital
Mammoth Lakes
01.2013 - 09.2021
- Developed infection control policies to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on best practices in infection prevention.
- Monitored infection rates and implemented corrective actions as needed.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to assess and improve infection control measures.
- Reviewed and updated infection control protocols based on current guidelines.
- Investigated infection outbreaks and recommended containment strategies to management.
- Maintained accurate records of infection data for reporting purposes.
- Provided guidance on the proper use of personal protective equipment in clinical settings.
- Recognized areas for improved performance to protect employees, patients and visitors from infectious and communicable conditions.
- Investigated clusters and outbreaks to identify source of infection, educating healthcare personnel regarding short and long term control measures.
- Implemented CDC and OSHA driven infection prevention and control policies to guide hospital departments.
- Consulted with local and state health departments to report infectious cases.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to control specific disease entities and support quality initiatives.
- Monitored procedures for hospital staff regarding sterilization, disinfection and decontamination of personnel, instruments and equipment.
- Identified trends for hospital infections, interpreting surveillance data to develop risk reduction strategies.
- Provided education and training programs on proper infection control techniques for staff members.
- Performed environmental surveillance activities such as microbial sampling in patient rooms, operating suites.
- Investigated new technologies or processes that could improve existing infection control procedures.
- Conducted inspections of healthcare facilities to identify potential sources of infection.
- Provided technical assistance to laboratories performing tests for diagnosis or monitoring infectious agents.
- Reported any incidents or violations related to infection control standards to the appropriate authorities.
- Collaborated with public health officials to investigate cases involving possible exposure to contagious diseases.
- Reviewed medical records for evidence of communicable disease transmission within hospital settings.
- Developed recommendations regarding appropriate use of antibiotics and other medications used to treat infections.
- Identified key findings for each case, including location, severity and clinical findings.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Mammoth Hospital
Mammoth Lakes
01.1983 - 01.2012
- Assisted surgical teams with patient positioning and preparation for procedures.
- Maintained sterile environment by adhering to infection control protocols.
- Prepared and organized surgical instruments and supplies for operations.
- Participated in staff training sessions to enhance team knowledge and skills.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care for patients.
- Assisted physicians with intraoperative procedures including specimen collection and tissue manipulation.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting out and verifying equipment and assessing for compliance with asepsis standards.
- Maintained a sterile environment in the operating room by adhering to aseptic techniques.
- Managed instrumentation during surgical cases, ensuring proper functioning of equipment at all times.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient's medical record throughout the perioperative process using electronic medical records
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes within the OR setting.
- Utilized effective communication strategies when interacting with family members or other health team members.
- Supervised processes and verified patient information to support patient care.
- Consulted medical sources to gain knowledge of emerging and updated procedures and select equipment for procedures or treatments.
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Provided mentorship to new nursing staff and students to foster a collaborative and educational working environment.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current with advancements in surgical nursing practices.
- Implemented infection control protocols to prevent post-operative infections.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Pacific Union College
Saint Helena, CA06-1973
Skills
- Infection surveillance
- Staff training
- Compliance monitoring
- Data analysis
- Quality improvement
- Effective communication
- CDC policies
- Infection risk assessment
- Sterilization
- Hand hygiene compliance
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- Decontamination procedures
- Infection monitoring
- Personal protective equipment
- Infectious diseases
Certification
CNOR Certificate for Perioperative Nursing Practice
Timeline
Infection Control Coordinator
Mammoth Hospital
01.2013 - 09.2021
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Mammoth Hospital
01.1983 - 01.2012
Associate of Science - Nursing
Pacific Union College