Infection Preventionist

Primary Function: The Infection Preventionist (IP) helps to plan, coordinate and implement a hospital-wide program for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. The IP performs daily infection prevention and control surveillance activities. Monitors infection control practices in all hospital departments and collaborates with the frontline staff to enhance infection control practices. Develops policies and procedures to protect patients and staff from nosocomial infections.

Educates hospital staff at all levels concerning infection prevention and control. Works with Occupational Health to investigate cases of employee infection and exposures. Reports infectious disease cases to RI Department of Health. The IP functions under the supervision of the Infection Control Director.

• Reviews daily list of patient admissions for diagnoses indicative of infectious disease and/or nosocomial infection.
• Reviews all microbiology/lab reports daily and enters appropriate information in computer.
• Conducts patient surveillance rounds on nursing units.
• Performs retrospective chart review in the electronic medical record for documentation regarding nosocomial infections and for special studies.
• Consults with physicians and/or nursing staff regarding patient infections.
• Reports infectious disease cases to RI Department of Health.
• Collaborates with Occupational Health for investigation of Employee infections/exposures.
• Conducts outbreak investigations.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• On call rotation.

Job Qualifications and Specifications: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, medical technology, or other healthcare field required. Master’s Degree in healthcare field preferred. Must maintain professional licensure. Minimum of 5 years healthcare experience preferred. Experience in infection prevention or infection control related activities required. Must be proficient in the use of computers, Microsoft office programs, data collection and management. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) highly preferred and strongly encouraged to achieve within three years.

Commitment to continuing education and professional development.

American Disability Act Statement
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External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job‑specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case‑by‑case basis.

EEOC Statement
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Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Ethics Statement
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Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.