Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist Responsibilities

The Infection Preventionist independently performs high risk population healthcare-associated infection surveillance; data collection, analysis and reporting; conducts infection control related education; reports required diseases to the local health department; identifies and investigates employee exposures in conjunction with the Employee Health Department; serves as an active member on the hospital Infection Control Committee; and conducts potential outbreak investigations. This position serves as facilitator for Infection Control RN Liaison program and is a respected resource to Health System, peers, health departments both local and state as well as community.

All activities are monitored or supervised by the Hospital Epidemiologist and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist. The Infection Preventionist (IP) is a clinically experienced Registered Nurse with additional education and training in infection control. Each IP has attended at least one approved course in basic infection control and serves as the expert in infection control related issues for the entire Health System.

• Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligible
• Certified in Infection Control by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred upon hire but must be obtained within five (5) years of date of employment in position

• Current RN Licensure in Virginia
• Current CIC (must be obtained within 5 years of date of employment in position)

• Minimum of two (2) years of acute care clinical experience

• Two (2) years of infection control related experience
• Academic healthcare experience

• Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing
• Completion of basic infection control course within one (1) year of hire date in position

• Completion of basic infection control course or higher prior to employment

• Has full authority and accountability for actions and decisions within the scope of the position description and hospital policies and procedures.
• Manages human, fiscal and other resources to ensure quality programs/processes/services with measurable positive outcomes.

N/A

Each Infection Preventionist (IP) will work weekdays, day shift, sharing the 24/7 coverage for the department with the other 3 IPs on a rotating basis. Additional time may be required in a very unusual situation. Some off‑site travel may be required to off‑site clinical areas.

Age Specific groups served:
All.

• Physical:
  Lifting 20‑50 lbs.
• Activities:
  
  Prolonged sitting, prolonged standing, walking (distance), climbing (steps, ladder, other).
• Mental/Sensory:
  Strong recall, reasoning, problem solving, hearing, speak clearly, write legibly, reading, logical thinking.
• Emotional:
  Fast pace environment, able to handle multiple priorities, able to adapt to frequent change, noisy environment, frequent and intense customer interactions.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran