Infection Preventionist

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job evaluates quality of patient care and patient outcomes related to healthcare-associated infections.

Collects, prepares and analyzes healthcare associated infection data, presents infection data, makes recommendations for action.

Monitors employee compliance in use of barrier precautions and infection prevention measures.

Prepares and presents educational offerings for staff and serves as a resource to all departments and personnel.

Implements programs to protect the healthcare workers, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment, and sets and recommends policies and procedures to prevent adverse events.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required - Bachelor's degree in microbiology, public health, medical technology, biology, or related health sciences field;

OR

Registered nurse with current RN license in state of practice.

Work Experience

Required - 2 years of nursing or healthcare experience.

Preferred - Infection control experience.

Certifications

Preferred - Certification in infection control within 2 year of hire or BSN.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout required job processes.

• Knowledge of infectious disease process, patient care practices, aseptic technique and other principles of infection transmission and prevention.

• Organizational skills and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities.

Job Duties

• Interprets and implements regulatory agencies laws, regulations and standards.

• Conducts surveillance activities to identify infections.

• Maintains accurate documentation.

• Provides ongoing infection control education to all healthcare workers.

• Ensures committee participation.

• Maintains performance improvement activities.

• Performs other duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid.

There is no occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io (select option 1) or View email address on click.appcast.io . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.