Infection Preventionist; BHS

Reports to the Director of Infection Prevention. Performs a variety of surveillance, administrative and educational activities. Ensures compliance with infection control policies and procedures and external legal regulations. Identifies infection prevention problems, documents and recommends corrective actions.

• MISSION:
  We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES:
  Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS:
  Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

• Making surveillance rounds to nursing units and assisting with Infection Prevention problems, identifying healthcare associated infections and non-cultured infections and completing special studies.
• Collecting and preparing analytical data for the Infection Control Committee; making recommendations and carrying out re-evaluation of problems identified, as indicated.
• Communicating and providing feedback on data collected to all departments involving physicians, administration, nursing staff, the Infection Control Committee, and managers.
• Conferring with physicians, nurses, bacteriology laboratory, South Bend Medical Foundation, and others concerning implementation of infection control policies and procedures, identification and isolation of infections, etc.
• Assisting in the development of performance improvement initiatives and studies; monitoring their progress.
• Reviewing departmental policies and procedures relating to infection prevention with department heads and/or representatives, hospital‑wide infection prevention policies and procedures and infection prevention plan on an annual or triennial basis.
• Referring employees exposed to communicable/reportable diseases to the Employee Health Nurse, providing Employee Health with a list of those exposed and providing input into the Employee Health Program.
• Conducting or contributing content to formal and informal in‑services for patient contact personnel, new employees, orientation and general hospital employees, as indicated.
• Developing aides and materials to be utilized in presentations to nursing staff, patients, and others.
• Actively participating in hospital and county‑wide emergency preparedness.

• Serving as a liaison and resource person to all departments in matters of Infection Prevention.
• Participating on Hospital committees as designated.
• Completing, submitting and maintaining a variety of records, reports and statistical summaries, as required or requested.

• Completing other job related assignments and special projects as directed.

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established time frames.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established time frames.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree or Professional Training. CIC certification required or will obtain within 3 years of hire. A minimum of 2 to 5 years of job‑related experience is…