Infection Preventionist

Summary

Develops, maintains and evaluates the hospital-wide infection prevention program. Develops, maintains and reports results on programs for surveillance of community-acquired and health care associated infections. Provides in-house staff assistance and consultative services in areas related to infection prevention. Develops and conducts hospital infection prevention educational programs.

• 1.
  * Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
• 2.
  * Develops and implements a surveillance system to identify nosocomial infections to include the following:
  • a. Identifies and describes the event to be monitored.
  • b. Defines the population at risk.
  • c. Selects appropriate measurement methods, that includes statistical tools and risk stratification.
  • d. Identifies and describes the data sources and data collection methods.
  • e. Defines numerators and denominators.
  • f. Prepares and distributes reports to appropriate departments, teams, or committees.
  • g. Analyzes data; uses analysis to monitor and improve infection control and healthcare outcomes.
  • h. Compares the data with external comparative measurements as appropriate.
• 3.
  * Sets and recommends policies and procedures to prevent adverse events.
• 4.
  * Applies the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions of infections to actual situations, is familiar with the NHSN system, and can utilize the applications within that system.
• 5.
  * Monitors policies and procedures to ensure they are scientifically valid, practical and cost effective.
• 6.
  * Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, federal, state and local standards, regulations and laws, as they relate to infection control.
• 7.
  * Develops and implements a reporting system for communicable diseases.
• 8.
  * Works collaboratively with representatives of the employee health program to develop and monitor immunizations, communicable disease screenings, work restrictions for communicable diseases and post-exposure follow-ups.
• 9.
  * Intervenes to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in patients and healthcare personnel through:
  • a. Review of microbiology records to identify any unusual clusters.
  • b. Performance of routine environmental rounds.
  • c. Development of a hand hygiene monitoring program.
  • d. Leads or participates in teams to systemically reduce the risk of infection.
  • e. Advising and consulting with physicians, nurses, patients, families, medical center personnel and the community concerning any precautions needed to be taken to protect patients or healthcare personnel.
• 10. Accesses medication rooms/areas to assess for outdated medications, storage requirements and contamination of medications.
• 11.
  * Plans and implements an educational program for Medical Center personnel concerning infection control and prevention.
• 12.
  * Maintains a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking, internet access, published literature and/ or professional meetings.
• 13.
  * Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• 14.
  * Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.
• 15.
  * Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”).

• 1. Knowledge of Hospital Infection Control procedures including epidemiological principles and surveillance methods, which leads to development of interventions based on the data.
• 2. Knowledge of communicable and infectious diseases, including methods to prevent transmission.
• 3. Knowledge of related clinical applications including sterilization, sanitation, disinfection, asepsis, and immunization.
• 4. Knowledge of local, State, Federal and Joint Commission regulations as they relate to infection prevention and control.
• 5. Knowledge of quality improvement principles and practices.
• 6. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
• 7. Ability to plan and design methods and interpret data.
• 8. Ability to prepare written reports and make oral presentations on work-related subject matter.
• 9. Ability to develop and conduct instructional programs.
• 10. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• 11. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.
• 12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.
• 13. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.
• 14. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
• 15. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
• 16. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Allied Health or related discipline required. Prior epidemiological experience in a hospital environment…