Infection Preventionist

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

• Education
  :
  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.
• Experience
  :
  Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting. Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred.
• Licenses & Certifications
  :
  • CIC - Certified in Infection Control (CBIC) – Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. – must be obtained within 3 years and
  • If Bachelor degree in Nursing, must have RN - Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure;
    Compact Licensure – obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency)
  • If Bachelor degree in Medical Technology, must have: 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)
• Knowledge and Abilities
  :
  • 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 English 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.

People Essential Functions

• 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.)

Service Essential Functions

• 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.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• 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 of interventions to prevent future infections. Supports facility construction planning and collaborates with construction through Infection Control Risk Assessment activities. Escalates safety and infection control issues in a timely fashion.
• Contributes to the evaluation (at least annually) and documents the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program Plan. Facilitates (at least annually) the revision of the Infection Control Program Plan to include new goals and measures as deemed appropriate based on a concurrent risk assessment. Develops and revises policies and procedures to meet current practice standards.
• Communicates all pertinent information…