Infection Prevention, Infection Control Unit

Infection Prevention, Infection Control Unit $8,000 Sign-On Bonus

Full‑time, exempt position (72‑80 hours per pay period). Salary range DOE: $63.46 – $82.92 per hour.

Participate in the implementation of the hospital‑wide infection prevention program. Provide education to health‑care providers, serve as a consultant to leadership and staff, and communicate effective evidence‑based practices. Support improvement projects, collect, analyze, and report data on healthcare‑associated infections, and ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.

• At least two (2) years of experience in infection prevention in an acute‑care setting.
• Experience with electronic medical record systems (Paragon, Theradoc, Meditech, Epic, etc.) and data management reporting.
• Experience developing policies and procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and Windows/Google applications with analytics skills.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in a health‑related field (e.g., nursing, public health, epidemiology, biology, laboratory science, or health policy/management).
• Preferred:
  Master’s degree in a health‑related field.

• CIC Certification by the national Certification Board for Infection Prevention and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred; must obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Must complete the Basics of Infection Prevention for Acute Care Settings—2 Day Mini Course offered by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health within one (1) year of hire or any equivalent courses.
• Must complete proof of completion of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Patient Safety Module Training within six (6) months of hire.
• Must successfully complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

All required licensures, certifications, mandatory education, and annual occupational health screenings must be completed before the expiration date or by the end of the month in which they are due.

• Perform surveillance activities and apply an epidemiologic approach to problem solving.
• Assist in the development, revision, and evaluation of infection prevention and control hospital policies and procedures.
• Serve as the infection control consultant for multiple hospital departments and outpatient clinics.
• Role‑model infection prevention standards and patient‑advocacy behaviors.
• Coach, educate, and mentor nursing staff in the development of sound clinical judgment pertaining to the prevention of disease transmission and control.
• Communicate surveillance findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Develop and present educational programs effectively and communicate in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
• Communicate with all IP departmental staff and contribute to an amiable workplace environment.
• Serve as liaison with local public health departments for required reportable diseases.
• Participate as a member of assigned infection prevention related committees, including medical staff committees, EOC, and Infection and Control Committees.
• Monitor compliance with established infection prevention standards (CMS, DNV, APIC, DHS, CDPH, Cal‑OSHA, etc.).
• Coordinate exposure follow‑up for patients and healthcare workers in collaboration with Occupational Health.
• Participate in process improvement activities.
• Promote individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory continuing education and skills competency.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

• Primarily an inside building/office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and/or work sites.
• Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.
• Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances. Requires clear (in English) verbal and written communication for effective interaction with staff, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and families, employees, and applicants of all socio‑economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.
• Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and/or death.
• Handles emergency/crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.
• Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper/pager, and/or use a two‑way radio.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non‑toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with or without moving parts.