Infection Preventionist

At Houston Methodist, the Infection Preventionist position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Control Program. This position is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee, serving as a member of the Committee and promoting compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirements. FLSA Status: Exempt Qualifications Education Must possess one of the following: Bachelor and/or Master’s degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or Public Health Bachelor’s degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and CIC certification Experience Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred Licensing and Certifications Required: Certified In Infection Control (CBIC) – Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. within 3 years If Bachelor degree in Nursing, must have: RN – Registered Nurse – Texas State Licensure. Compact Licensure – Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency) If Bachelor degree in Medical Technology, must have one of the following: Medical Technologist (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP) If Bachelor degree in Microbiology, specialization in clinical microbiology and registry, must have: Technologist in Microbiology (ASCP) Knowledge and Abilities Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, hospital surveillance and construction projects Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision Essential Functions People Essential Functions Coordinates with others for the investigation, identification, and, as deemed appropriate, follow‑up of contacts who are suspected or confirmed to have been exposed to relevant communicable diseases. Includes notification of and follow‑through with the Employee Health Nurse when contacts involve hospital personnel. Service Essential Functions Uses nationally recognized definitions and best practice guidelines to maintain a practical surveillance program incorporating systematic review of healthcare‑associated infections, significant communicable diseases, and environmental events with potential impact to patient, visitor, and healthcare provider safety. Exercises sound clinical judgment, discretion, and initiative when performing medical record audits; communicates identified quality or risk issues through departmental and hospital chain of command. Presents instructional material for orientations and continuing education relevant to infection prevention and control throughout the hospital. Quality/Safety Essential Functions Routinely conducts infection prevention process surveillance to identify potential process deficiencies impacting patient safety and leading to HAIs. Recognizes and investigates clusters of infections, communicates results through appropriate channels, and facilitates implementation of interventions to prevent future infections. Supports facility construction planning and collaborates with construction through Infection Control Risk Assessment activities. Contributes to evaluation (at least annually) and documents effectiveness of the Infection Control Program Plan; facilitates annual revision of the Plan to include new goals and measures based on concurrent risk assessment. Develops and revises policies and procedures to meet current practice standards. Communicates all pertinent information at timely intervals to the Director of Quality & Outcomes and Medical Director of Infection Control, as appropriate. Responsible for reporting mandatory infection data to national databases, local health authorities, and other regulatory organizations, as necessary. Maintains patient and physician confidentiality. Participates in hospital survey preparation and onsite survey activity. Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention. Finance Essential Functions Collaborates with other departments to monitor use of resources related to infection prevention; participates in cost reduction efforts by making recommendations to mitigate risk of infection. Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks. Growth/Innovation Essential Functions Facilitates and coordinates efforts aimed at implementing new standards as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies; includes implementation of new or improved policies and procedures related to infection prevention. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention. Supplemental Requirements Work Attire Uniform: No Scrubs: No Business professional: Yes Other (department approved): No On‑Call *Note that employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. On Call: Yes Travel **Travel specifications may vary by department** May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: Yes May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: Yes Work Shift 1 – Day (United States of America) Job Category Non‑clinical Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr