Infection Preventionist

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Develops, maintains and evaluates the hospital-wide infection prevention program. Develops, maintains and reports results on programs for surveillance of community-acquired and health care associated infections. Provides in-house staff assistance and consultative services in areas related to infection prevention. Develops and conducts hospital infection prevention educational programs.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Develops and implements a surveillance system to identify nosocomial infections to include the following:

a. Identifies and describes the event to be monitored.

b. Defines the population at risk.

c. Selects appropriate measurement methods, that includes statistical tools and risk stratification.

d. Identifies and describes the data sources and data collection methods.

e. Defines numerators and denominators.

f. Prepares and distributes reports to appropriate departments, teams, or committees.

g. Analyzes data; uses analysis to monitor and improve infection control and healthcare outcomes.

h. Compares the data with external comparative measurements as appropriate.

3. *Sets and recommends policies and procedures to prevent adverse events.

4. *Applies the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions of infections to actual situations, is familiar with the NHSN system, and can utilize the applications within that system.

5. *Monitors policies and procedures to ensure they are scientifically valid, practical and cost effective.

6. *Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, federal, state and local standards, regulations and laws, as they relate to infection control.

7. *Develops and implements a reporting system for communicable diseases.

8. *Works collaboratively with representatives of the employee health program to develop and monitor immunizations, communicable disease screenings, work restrictions for communicable diseases and post-exposure follow-ups.

9. *Intervenes to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in patients and healthcare personnel through:

a. Review of microbiology records to identify any unusual clusters.

b. Performance of routine environmental rounds.

c. Development of a hand hygiene monitoring program.

d. Leads or participates in teams to systemically reduce the risk of infection.

e. Advising and consulting with physicians, nurses, patients, families, medical center personnel and the community concerning any precautions needed to be taken to protect patients or healthcare personnel.

10. Accesses medication rooms/areas to assess for outdated medications, storage requirements and contamination of medications.

11. *Plans and implements an educational program for Medical Center personnel concerning infection control and prevention.

12. Maintains a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking, internet access, published literature and/ or professional meetings.

13. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

14. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

15. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk "*").

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of Hospital Infection Control procedures including epidemiological principles and surveillance methods, which leads to development of interventions based on the data.

2. Knowledge of communicable and infectious diseases, including methods to prevent transmission.

3. Knowledge of related clinical applications including sterilization, sanitation, disinfection, asepsis, and immunization.

4. Knowledge of local, State, Federal and Joint Commission regulations as they relate to infection prevention and control.

5. Knowledge of quality improvement principles and practices.

6. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

7. Ability to plan and design methods and interpret data.

8. Ability to prepare written reports and make oral presentations on work-related subject matter.

9. Ability to develop and conduct instructional programs.

10. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

11. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

13. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

14. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

15. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

16. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, Allied Health or related discipline required. Prior epidemiological experience in a hospital environment preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Infection Control (CIC) certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) required within 30 months of hire into role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) - Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

There is potential exposure to blood/body fluids or infectious diseases.