Infection Preventionist

Plans and conducts a systematic method for identifying, reporting and evaluating infections. Conducts surveillance process and communicates results to appropriate committees/departments. Uses epidemiological method and surveillance data to evaluate current infection prevention practices and quality improvement action plans. Provides ongoing reviews and evaluation of isolation techniques, safety equipment and products, waste management procedures and makes appropriate recommendations based on current standards and knowledge.

Conducts investigation of clusters of healthcare associated infections as directed by the Hospital Epidemiologist and the Manager of Infection Prevention and Control. Liaisons with Public Health Department by reporting required communicable diseases, trends or outbreaks. Establishes, maintains and improves standards of infection prevention by collaborating with other advanced practice nurses and clinical nurse specialists. Enhances professional knowledge and practice by actively participating in professional organizations such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and by seeking out appropriate educational opportunities to improve and broaden knowledge of infection prevention and control.

Represents infection prevention principles and current knowledge in quality improvement process by participating in hospital committees and teams. Contributes to hospital accreditation and licensure by facilitating compliance with infection prevention and control standards as set forth by regulatory agencies. Collaborates with Employee Health on issues of exposures, immunization and other employee-related infection issues. Supports the hospital's risk management program by providing technical information regarding infection prevention issues and notifying Risk Management of potential issues.

Prepares Infection Surveillance Committee meetings and activities. Conducts infection surveillance activities at Palomar Medical Center. Collaborates with the infection prevention and control liaisons and acts as a resource at PCCC, Home Care and Escondido Surgery Center. Participates in infection prevention education by providing orientation, in-services or resources to staff, physicians, volunteers and the community based on identified needs. Maintains knowledge of safety and house-wide issues by completing hospital-wide mandatory classes.

Participates actively as a member of the Patient Safety Committee. Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job.

Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or health related field or combination of education and Infection Control certification

Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Minimum Experience: 3 years in an acute care Healthcare setting

Preferred Experience: 5+ years as an infection control practitioner with associated responsibilities

Required Certification: American Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider

Preferred Certification: Certified Infection Control Practitioner

Required License: Valid Driver's License

Preferred License: Current CA RN License or Current CA Medical Technologist

Current employees are not eligible for hiring incentives.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.