Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

Primary City/State: Mesa, Arizona

Department Name: Infection Control-Corp

Work Shift: Day

Job Category: Risk, Quality and Safety

Health care is constantly changing, and at Banner Health, we are at the front of that change. We are leading health care to make the experience the best it can be. We want to change the lives of those in our care – and the people who choose to take on this challenge. If changing health care for the better sounds like something you want to be part of, we want to hear from you.

As an Infection Preventionist you will be part of a strong team that works closely with clinical staff and hospital leaders to promote world class patient care. We actively support our employees as they study for their certification in infection prevention and continuing education. You will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of critical responsibilities, including rounding on the unit, working directly with frontline staff and involvement in construction and remodeling throughout the facility. You will collaborates with the Department leader in all infection prevention related activities associated with surveillance, performance improvement, and education which are intended to ensure that the facility's patients, personnel & visitors will be protected from transmission of diseases & infection within the facility's environment as identified in the core competency model by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

This position will support Women and Infant Services, NICU, Oncology and Pharmacy departments at both Banner Desert Medical Center Phoenix, Banner Baywood Medical Center and Banner Heart Hospital.

Monday – Friday schedule, On Call Rotation Required

Within Banner Health Corporate, you will have the opportunity to apply your unique experience and expertise in support of a nationally-recognized healthcare leader. We offer stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide array of disciplines. Whether your background is in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Managed Care Programs or Public Relations, you'll find many options for contributing to our award-winning patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists the supervisor in organizing and directing the activities of the infection control program for all departments throughout a facility or ambulatory setting, including surveillance, infection prevention and control measures, and education for employees.

CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts focused surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), detects and records HAIs on a systematic and current basis, analyzes HAIs and prepares reports for the Infection Control Committee of the facility or ambulatory setting. Reports communicable diseases as required by regulation.

2. Makes recommendations when problems are identified. Interprets department policies and procedures in conjunction with the supervisor.

3. Interacts with physicians, nurses, department managers, supervisors, and other professional and non-professional staff members as a consultant.

4. Enters data into computer, prepares reports, conducts analytical studies and summarizes surveillance data.

5. Initiates epidemiological investigations of significant clusters of infections and single cases of unusual infection.

6. Assists with continuing infection control education and inservice programs to departments, including orientation for new employees.

7. Reviews and assists with evaluation of hospital policies, procedures and guidelines as they relate to infection control. Assists in writing and revising infection control policies and procedures.

8. Makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds, and assures compliance with national and/or professional standards.

9. Department responsibility only, although is involved in system-wide infection control activities. Customers are internal: physicians, employees, managers, volunteers, students, patients and external: public health agencies, general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a current RN license with BSN preferred, OR Masters in Public Health (MPH), OR certified medical technologist, OR a bachelor's degree in healthcare related field.

After completing 2 years as a full-time FTE or 4 years as a part-time FTE or 4 years as a BSS in the position and attaining Infection Prevention work experience, the Staff Infection Preventionist will have 6 months to achieve the Certification of Infection Control (CIC).

Infection Prevention Team members working primarily in an acute or ambulatory job location will be expected to maintain an active Basic Life Skills certification.

Must have a minimum of two years clinical experience in a hospital setting or disease surveillance experience in a public health setting.

Employees working at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, BTMC Behavioral, and BUMG, BUMCT, or BUMCS in a Behavioral Health clinical setting that serves children must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Association for Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC) training course or equivalent desired. Computer skills, research and basic statistical knowledge is preferred.

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.