Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) oversees the development and day-to-day implementation of the annual infection prevention plan and goals, as approved by the Performance Improvement Committee. This position is responsible for the hospital-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program and ensures activities are directed toward preventing and decreasing healthcare associated infections and improving patient safety across the continuum of care.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and revise the policies and procedures governing the prevention and control of infection and communicable diseases every three years and as needed.

Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate systems and measures governing the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases within the hospital, including both healthcare–associated infections and community-acquired infections.

Prepare a monthly report summarizing key Quality and Infection Prevention indicators e.g., Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI), Catheter Associated Urinary Track Infection (CAUTI), Hospital Acquired -Pneumonia, Surgical Site Infections, Hand Hygiene etc., for review by designated committees e.g., Medicine, Surgery, Performance Improvement, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, and Safety. Report to the Board annually. Report to other committees at the request of the Chairperson.

Prepare an annual risk assessment report for review and approval of the Performance Improvement Committee, identifying the risks for transmission and acquisition of infectious agents throughout the hospital and establish annual goals based on the risk assessment.

Implement and audit procedures addressing universal precautions, transmission-based isolation precautions and other infection prevention measures in the patient care areas during rounds and as needed.

Provide new employee orientation monthly as well as annual training in prevention and control of healthcare associated infections and methods to prevent exposure to, and transmission of, infections and communicable diseases. Conduct educational and training activities for healthcare workers through instruction and dissemination of information on healthcare practices.

Monitor practices to prevent infection related to procedures, medical equipment, and medical devices related to appropriate storage, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, reuse and/or disposal of supplies and equipment, as well as use of personal protective equipment.

Monitor practices to prevent the transmission of infection introduced into the hospital due to community outbreaks e.g., influenza, flu immunization of staff and patients, and ensures that the hospital has an outbreak disaster plan for a surge in patients due to community outbreaks.

Review charts for patients diagnosed with Sepsis to ensure compliance with bundles (e.g., 3-hour and 6-hour bundles). Identify gaps in care and provide feedback to clinicians. Track sepsis-related metrics (e.g., mortality, length of stay, bundle compliance). Prepare reports for leadership, quality committees, and regulatory bodies. Analyze trends and outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement. Lead performance improvement projects aimed at reducing sepsis mortality and improving compliance. Work closely with physicians, nursing leadership, and quality teams. Participate in sepsis committees and hospital-wide initiatives.

Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure appropriate follow up subsequent to an infectious disease or bloodborne pathogen exposure. Confirm immunity to infectious diseases that licensed independent practitioners, staff, students, trainees, and volunteers may come in contact in their work (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis), as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Collaborates on policies articulating the authority and circumstances under which SVH screens hospital staff for infections likely to cause significant infectious disease or other risk to exposed individuals.

Qualifications

Education: Registered Nurse or possession of a bachelor's or master's degree in biological science from an approved college or university with specialization in bacteriology, microbiology, epidemiology, or related field. Experience: Two years of recent acute care hospital experience as an Infection Preventionist or related work experience in Public Health or Epidemiology. Licenses & Certifications: CIC preferred or obtained within two years of hire. Required Skills & Knowledge: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint. Midas and MedMined experience preferred. Understands local, state and federal infection prevention regulations. Works independently with excellent problem solving and communication skills. Has working knowledge of performance improvement methods. Enjoys sharing IP knowledge with staff, patients and families as needed. Has a working relationship with Sonoma Department of Public Health and attends Infectious Disease rounds quarterly. Maintains qualifications through ongoing education and training, which can be demonstrated by participation in infection prevention courses, or in local and national meetings organized by recognized professional societies e.g. APIC, SHEA or by certification i.e., CIC.

Compensation

Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

Minimum:

USD $137,457.15

Maximum:

USD $189,003.58