Infection Prevention Specialist

Completes the day-to-day Infection Prevention activities for any designated healthcare facility, clinic and healthcare service throughout the continuum of care.

Essential Functions

• Abstracts data from patient charts for surveillance and focus studies to generate healthcare associated infection statistics. Utilizes standardized definitions and case finding methodology. Develops and pilots data collection tools. Utilizes several electronic systems to collect data.
• Reports routine and significant epidemiological findings from surveillance activities to department leadership.
• Maintains accurate records of infections; compiles, analyzes and disseminates surveillance data. Enters data into department databases. Collaborates with leadership to make recommendations for improvement based on data analysis, review of current literature, comparison of observed practices to professional standards or results of multidisciplinary conferences.
• Prepares and presents written and verbal reports describing studies, outcomes, and plan of action.
• Conducts routine and focus audits for the department as requested by leadership.
• Collaborates to identify infection prevention strategies, assist in revising policies and procedures to be consistent with current regulatory agencies, research, and standards of care. Assists to develop, implement and evaluate action plans for decreasing risk and incidence of healthcare associated infections.
• Collaborates with team in developing and achieving yearly goals/objectives for the infection prevention program.
• Assists with providing education on infection control preventive measures and risk reduction strategies to healthcare workers.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement on the basis of indicators, process and outcome measures. Participates in quality/performance improvement activities as requested by leadership.
• Assists with investigation and follow-up of healthcare workers exposed to communicable diseases, and occupational exposures. Assists with evaluation of exposures to non-teammates and consults with Risk Management with recommendations for follow-up to patients and visitors as requested.
• Assists with investigation, and recommendations for corrective action related to healthcare facility construction and moisture management activities.
  
  

Physical Requirements
Works in an office and/or boardroom type setting. Surveillance work requires walking throughout the facility. Possible travel/driving to facilities as required. May be prolonged periods of sitting at desk reviewing medical records, updating policies, planning educational program or utilizing a PC. Must have the ability to clearly communicate verbally, in person, and in writing with patients, families/agencies and the health care team; must possess a strong sense of urgency and make sound decisions.

Education, Experience and Certifications

Bachelor's Degree in medical field required. Master's degree preferred. RN or other clinical or professional licensure preferred. At least 2 years' experience, preferably acute care required. Certification in Infection Control within 3 years of employment required. Ability to identify and research problems required. Critical thinking skills with attention to detail required. Ability to analyze and interpret data and problem solve, required. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Intermediate to advanced computer skills with demonstration of skill and competence in use of all Microsoft Office applications required. Knowledge of Microbiology, biostatistics, and basic principles of hospital epidemiology preferred. Ability to produce epidemiological studies, preferred. Ability to interpret fundamental bio statistical information and computer generated materials, preferred.