Infection Preventionist I

Infection Preventionist I

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Infection Preventionist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Performs clinical, educational and research responsibilities within the Infection Prevention Department, working in collaboration with and reporting to the Manager and the Medical Directors of Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention (HEIP) to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infection and to ensure the safety and health of all patients, visitors and personnel.

Responsibilities:

• Acts as a resource for problem solving issues related to infection prevention.
• Completes 24/7 on call assignments as scheduled.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), Illinois, Chicago and Cook County Departments of Public Health, and The Joint Commission, as well as recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Performs surveillance rounds on designated units and high risk areas.
• Collects and analyzes infection information for both patients and healthcare personnel.
• Serves as a leader/mentor and subject matter expert to staff in the areas related to infection prevention.
• Performs investigations on significant clusters of infections, infectious outbreaks, or significant incidents.
• Collaborates with managers and staff to implement and monitor corrective action plans related to infection prevention.
• Prepares reports from data gathered and analyzed using a variety of software packages.
• Presents the findings of surveillance data and special investigations/studies to the appropriate individuals and the Committee on Infection Control and Prevention (CIC).
• Collaborates with Corporate Health in all areas relating to staff issues involving infectious disease exposures.
• Completes and submits reportable data to local, state, and national agencies.
• Presents lectures, orientation and training related to infection prevention.
• Conducts compliance monitoring for hand hygiene and adherence to established policy to assure patient and staff safety.
• Participates in Environment of Care (EOC) rounds and provides recommendations for remediation when necessary.

Additional Functions

• Other responsibilities as designated in the support of organizational priorities.
• Surveillance indicators as outlined in the Risk Assessment and Infection Prevention Plan are reported as required to the appropriate agencies.
• Infection Preventionists participate in relevant quality committees.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (usually in Nursing, Medical Technology, Chemistry, Biology or Allied Health related field) and 2-3 years recent clinical experience in the acute care setting.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and working knowledge of statistical data analysis techniques.
• Experience may be as a RN, Medical Technologist, Epidemiologist, and/or have an advanced degree in Public Health or related healthcare field.

Preferred:

• Certification in Infection Control from the Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. If not certified, achieves certification within three years of appointment to the role.
• At least 1-2 years of infection control experience.
• Two years of post-graduate study in a healthcare related field, epidemiology and/or public health.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards as they relate to infection prevention.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• State Licensure or advanced degree depending on professional clinical background.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.