RN - Infection Control

Infection Preventionist

Shift Information: Day Shift

Minimum Years of Experience: 3 years

Guaranteed Hours: 40 hours

Job Description

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare-associated infections. The IP works collaboratively with teams and individuals to create and sustain infection prevention strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and promote the organization's mission and values.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.
• Establish an annual surveillance plan based on the populations served and services provided.
• Conduct an annual risk assessment and set goals based on previous activities.
• Modify the surveillance plan as necessary.
• Develop and implement organization-wide infection surveillance, prevention, and control policies that comply with nationally recognized guidelines.
• Interpret and assist in implementing infection prevention and control protocols.
• Evaluate the financial and safety implications of recommendations and new technologies.
• Communicate infection prevention and control information to various committees and healthcare workers.
• Utilize epidemiological principles in conducting surveillance and investigations.
• Apply healthcare-associated infection criteria for reporting.
• Perform audits to ensure adherence to infection prevention policies by personnel.
• Communicate with healthcare providers regarding patient exposures to infections during hospitalization.
• Engage in the infection control risk assessment process for construction and renovation projects.
• Collaborate with clinical teams to set practice standards in infection prevention.
• Work with education teams to develop training regarding infection prevention guidelines for staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure thorough vetting of changes.
• Coordinate with quality team members to integrate infection prevention within performance improvement initiatives.
• Consult with public health officials and community health organizations as needed.
• Complete additional duties as required by the role.

Job Requirements

Knowledge and Skills

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Capability to implement evidence-based guidelines.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Program and project management experience.
• Expertise in data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• Leadership capabilities.
• Familiarity with relevant software technologies.

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) is preferred or must be obtained within two years from the date of hire.