RN - Infection Control

Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare-associated infections. The IP collaborates with teams and individuals to develop and implement infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and ensure the sustainability of these strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support and promote the mission and values of the organization.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.
• Create an annual surveillance plan based on the population served and services provided, informed by an analysis of surveillance data.
• Conduct an annual risk assessment and set goals based on prior year's activities.
• Regularly review and modify the surveillance plan as necessary.
• Formulate and implement infection surveillance, prevention, and control policies and procedures that align with nationally recognized guidelines.
• Interpret and assist with the rollout of infection prevention and control policies and protocols.
• Evaluate financial, safety implications, and clinical outcomes when making recommendations and developing policies.
• Communicate infection prevention and control information to various committees and healthcare workers as assigned.
• Utilize epidemiological principles to conduct surveillance and investigations.
• Apply performance improvement methodologies to enact change.
• Employ NHSN criteria to ascertain hospital-acquired infections.
• Conduct audits to assess adherence to infection prevention and control policies by staff.
• Engage with providers and clinicians regarding patients exposed to infections during hospitalization.
• Participate in the Infection Control Risk Assessment process for construction and renovation projects, ensuring compliance with applicable standards.
• Conduct environmental rounds and ensure compliance with national standards.
• Collaborate with physicians and nurses to develop practice standards that reflect best practices in infection prevention.
• Work with educational teams to develop training and education programs for hospital personnel on infection prevention guidelines and procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to vet changes with all stakeholders.
• Work with quality team members to integrate infection prevention issues into the quality assurance and performance improvement program.
• Collaborate with the antibiotic stewardship program leader and team.
• Team up with the Safety Manager to ensure effective rounds in the Environment of Care.
• Serve as the organization's expert for infection prevention and control accreditation requirements.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate the Infection Prevention and Control Committee.
• Enforce compliance with OSHA, CDC, CMS, and other regulatory agencies.
• Adhere to regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at local, state, and federal levels.
• Consult with local, state, and federal public health officials and community health organizations as required.

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration and effective communication abilities.
• Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Program and project management capabilities.
• Proficient in data collection and analysis, with skills in report writing and data presentation.
• Leadership experience.
• Familiarity with software technologies.

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related field preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (i.e., CIC preferred) or attainment within two years of hire required.