Epidemiologist

Open Until Filled Overview

The Infection Preventionist will conduct onsite Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) throughout the state of Wyoming, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and working collaboratively with healthcare staff to minimize the risk of HAIs. The Infection Preventionist will work with the Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Coordinator to assist with epidemiologic investigations and surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant organisms. The Infection Preventionist supports the HAI workgroup and state plan, processing all information using sound epidemiologic methods.

The role involves surveillance, data analysis, education, and collaboration with healthcare professionals to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Support the Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) program with data analysis of data reported to the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN).

Human Resource Contact: wdhrecruit

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• ICAR Report Development:

  • Conduct Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) surveys in various healthcare settings
  • Analyze data from ICAR assessments to identify gaps in infection control practices.
  • Prepare detailed ICAR reports, including findings, recommendations, and action plans for improvement.

• Infection Prevention and Control:

  • Serve as a resource for Infection Preventionists and other healthcare workers in affiliated healthcare settings.
  • Stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and advancements in infection prevention.

• Surveillance and Data Analysis:

  • Assist with ongoing surveillance of HAIs and other infectious diseases throughout healthcare facilities and the state of Wyoming
  • Analyze infection data to identify trends, outbreaks, and areas for improvement.

• Staff Education and Training:

  • Develop educational materials and conduct infection control training sessions for healthcare workers on topics including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and environmental cleaning.

• Outbreak Management:

  • Assist with the investigation and management of infection outbreaks within healthcare facilities
  • Collaborate with public health authorities during outbreak investigations and reportable disease events.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Work closely with healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, and environmental services, to promote infection prevention and control practices.

• NHSN Lead:

  • External data validation for reportable HAI pathogens
  • Preparing reports
  • Providing consultation to NHSN users
  • Leads NHSN office hours during WIP meeting
  • Supports the publication and distribution of the HAI Annual Report.

• Participate in the Wyoming Infection Prevention Committee

Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s degree and a Certification in Infection Control (CIC).

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Microbiology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Certification:
  Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred but not required.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in infection control within a healthcare setting. Experience with ICAR assessments and report writing is highly desirable.
• Knowledge:
  Strong understanding of infection control practices, regulations, and guidelines, including those from the CDC, OSHA, and The Joint Commission.
• Skills:
  
  Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write detailed reports and present findings.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and effectively communicate with healthcare professionals at all levels.
• Technical Proficiency:
  Proficiency in using infection surveillance software and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Work Environment:
  The Infection Preventionist will work remotely and on-site in healthcare facilities throughout the state of Wyoming. The role requires travel to different healthcare facilities for assessments and inspections.