Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) works closely and collaboratively with the Director of Infection Prevention & Control, the Hospital Epidemiologist, members of the Infection Prevention team, staff and leaders throughout UVA Health. The IP is responsible for the development and implementation of evidence‑based clinical practices that focus on infection prevention and enhance the infection control program for UVA Health. This includes the implementation of healthcare‑associated infection reduction strategies and routine and focused surveillance, policy and procedure development, training and education program development, and collaboration with personnel in all job categories of the Health System. This is a training position based on the APIC Competency Model to develop proficiency with infection prevention. Leadership Demonstrates interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop positive working relationships with patients, families, employees, and outside personnel. Develops collaboration skills by assuming a role in a focused group project. Collaborates well with peer groups and can work well with diverse groups. With ongoing guidance, becomes more independent in collaborating with key stakeholders (management and staff across departments and to serve as an information resource). Works collaboratively with other HEIP team members to participate in analysis, reporting, interpretation, recommendations based upon surveillance, investigations, findings, observations and data. Reports issues of significance to the IPs, the Director, and Hospital Epidemiologist. Mentors IP I team members. Performs rounds on patients at risk for device‑related infections, educates bedside RN and reports findings to unit leadership. Professional Stewardship Becomes more independent in pursuing information, in collaboration with an experienced IP. Collaborates with peers to identify the cost of a product/service. Comfortable with speaking to product/equipment representatives and obtaining costs for a product/service. Quality Improvement / Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction Identifies the information necessary to conduct a basic risk assessment. Participates in a basic risk assessment and provides input into developing risk reduction strategies based on the risk. Conducts and organizes a basic literature search to review and analyze ideas to include in the risk reduction strategies. Progresses toward the ability to identify evidence‑based practices and conduct a gap analysis. Performs rounds on patients at risk for device‑related infections, educates bedside RN and reports findings to unit leadership. Operations / Epidemiology and Surveillance Detail oriented, with proven organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and see projects through to completion. Participates in epidemiological and communicable disease investigations and exposures and reports communicable diseases, and other reportable events to appropriate agencies. Investigates sentinel events, or unsafe medical devices and reports findings to local, state and federal agencies. Performs basic statistical techniques and formulas to analyze data. Assumes responsibility for assigned units. Develops current knowledge of emerging pathogens, regulatory and legislative and infection prevention related requirements. Maintains a working knowledge of Medical Center and HEIP policies and procedures. Implements established policies and procedures; acts upon incidents of noncompliance with policies and procedures through the incident reporting system. Provides environmental assessment and monitoring for Medical Center construction projects. Participates in environmental rounding of Medical Center departments/clinics and evaluates patient care environments. Participates in the development, completion and reporting of annual departmental goals and surveillance plan and ensures that timelines are met. Is available for rotation assignments for on‑call support duties and available while on call for emergencies that require on‑site assessment i.e. outbreak (per Director or Hospital Epidemiologist) or issues that affect the ability to provide patient care. Assists ICP III & IV in developing new policies based on accreditation standards, regulatory and legislative requirements, patient safety goals and medical literature. Demonstrates basic knowledge of disinfection and sterilization practices used in all settings. Research Identifies research findings and has a more developed understanding of how the findings apply to IPC programs. Begins to understand that research findings must be evaluated and interpreted appropriately to identify their significance and validity to practice. Develops confidence and recognize the need for data management and simple report generation that apply to assigned tasks. Surveillance Technology Becomes more confident in conducting surveillance using data mining software and medical records to identify trends and associates NHSN and/or outbreak definitions relevant to the practice setting and IPC program. Monitors microbiology reports for clustering of organisms, unusual pathogens, epidemiologic significant pathogens or infections that require isolation precautions, exposure workups or notification to public health and documents per SOP. Begins to develop confidence and recognize the need for data management and simple report generation that apply to assigned tasks. Other Functions and Responsibilities Other duties as directed by the Director. Technical Knowledge Competency in MS Office - Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point (create, edit and present PowerPoint slideshows). Ability to manipulate and extract database information, and basic descriptive statistics e.g., Chi square, frequency analysis; preferably knowledgeable about multi‑modal communications strategies (e.g., applications use, voicemail, text, social media). Prior experience with electronic health records systems; prefer experience with EPIC and the TheraDoc Infection Prevention module. Minimum Requirements Experience: 2 years of Infection Prevention experience. Education: One of the following programs required depending on specialty: Graduate of an accredited nursing program, Bachelor's of Sciences in Nursing preferred. Medical tech program (MT - ASCP); or Masters in Public Health (MPH). Required Clinical experience in critical care, emergency or perioperative fields. Completion of a hospital infection control course, e.g., APIC or SHEA fundamentals course. Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint (create, edit and present PowerPoint slideshows), enter, manipulate and extract database information, and basic descriptive statistics e.g., Chi square, frequency analysis). Licensure RN: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia. MT (ASCP). MPH or healthcare related Bachelor’s degree: None required. Certifications Required BLS certification (if working with patients). Must successfully obtain Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within two years of hire. Recommended National and local APIC membership. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is primarily sedentary in nature, but does require frequent walking throughout UVA Health. The job involves extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and clinic rounds. Benefits Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance. Paid Time Off, Long‑term and Short‑term Disability, Retirement Savings. Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts. Certification and education support. Generous Paid Time Off. UVA Health is a world‑class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr