Infection Preventionist

At Houston Methodist, the Infection Preventionist position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Control Program. This position is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. The Infection Preventionist position maintains a routine surveillance program of patients, personnel, and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients, visitors, or personnel throughout the institution.

This position serves as member of the Infection Control Committee and promotes compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirement.

Exempt

• Must possess one of the following:
  Bachelor and/or Master's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or Public Health Bachelor's degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and CIC certification

• Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting
• Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred

• CIC
  - Certified in Infection Control (CBIC) - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc._PSV within 3 years and
• If Bachelor degree in Nursing, must have: RN
  - Registered Nurse
  - Texas State Licensure. Compact Licensure – Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency)
  If Bachelor degree in Medical Technology, must have one of the following: MT
  - Medical Technologist (ASCP) MLS(ASCP) - Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP)
  If Bachelor degree in Microbiology, specialization in clinical microbiology and registry, must have: M(ASCP) - Technologist in Microbiology (ASCP)

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, hospital surveillance and construction projects
• Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards
• Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision

• Coordinates with others for the investigation, identification, and, as deemed appropriate, follow-up of contacts who are suspected or confirmed to have been exposed to relevant communicable diseases at Houston Methodist. (This activity shall include the notification of and follow through with the Employee Health Nurse when such contacts have involved Hospital personnel.)

• Uses national recognized definitions and best practice guidelines to maintain a practical surveillance program which incorporates the systematic and current review of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), significant communicable diseases, and environmental events with potential impact to patient, visitor and healthcare provider safety.
• Exercises sound clinical judgment, discretion and initiative when performing medical record audits. Communicates identified quality or risk issues through departmental and hospital chain-of-command.
• Presents instructional material for orientations and continuing education relevant to infection prevention and control throughout the hospital.

• Routinely conducts infection prevention process surveillance to identify potential process deficiencies which may impact patient safety and lead to HAIs.
• Recognizes and investigates clusters of infections, communicates the investigation results through appropriate channels, and facilitates the implementation…