Infection Preventionist

Job Description Summary The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting health‑care infections. The IP collaborates with teams and individuals to create infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and sustain infection prevention strategies. Job Description Job Responsibilities Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program Surveillance Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data Utilizes epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary Assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols. Communicate infection prevention and control policies and protocols Communicate infection prevention and control information and data to various committees and healthcare workers across the organization as assigned Design and deliver education Assess and address learning needs of those served Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology Work with CPDS team to create education plans based on the learning needs assessment Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes Regulatory requirements Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels Facilitate and assist in auditing for compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards Stay current on infection prevention/control regulatory and accreditation standards Performance Improvement/Quality Management Utilize QM methodology as a means of enacting change Monitor, audit and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability Participate in QM committees, teams and initiatives as indicated Employee Health Services Review Employee Health policies and procedures related to IPC Assess risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease Understand work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure Professional accountability Pursue professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills Maintain certification and licensure requirements Establish at least one professional goal per year Advocate for patient safety, health care worker safety, and safe practices Participate in an infection prevention and control professional organization/association (APIC) Collaboration Consult and collaborate, as needed with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure all stakeholder groups vet changes Leadership and technology Utilize principles of influence, leadership and change management Bring enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to practice Work collaboratively with others, providing direction when necessary Readily share knowledge and expertise Contribute to the development of less‑experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations Research and implementation science Evaluate (critically) research and evidence-based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice Integrate evidence-based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols and educational strategies Identify barriers for implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback IPC informatics Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology Collaborate with IT to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives Fiscal responsibility Consider the financial/safety implication and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports Job Requirements Educational and Certification and Requirements Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science or related science BSN, MSN preferred with 5 years of clinical experience Current license in MA Completion of basic training program for infection prevention/control that may include on the job training. Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology or, attainment within 2.5 years after employment Essential Skills Analytical Problem Solving Collaboration Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines Conflict resolution Program and project management Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation Leadership Demonstrated proficiency in the use of pertinent computer software (EPIC preferred) #J-18808-Ljbffr