Infection Preventionist

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary:
Infection Preventionists are healthcare professionals responsible for development and implementation of strategies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Management/Consultant:

* Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.

* Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data. Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary. Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports.

* Perform unit surveillance, monitor patient isolation precautions and medical records to determine healthcare associated infections. Establish baseline infection rates, detect changing patterns or problems requiring action, and communicate pertinent observations to department leaders. Identify epidemics, clusters of infections, infections due to unusual pathogens.

* Serve as consultant/liaison with hospital departments, hospital committees (e.g., Infection Prevention and Control Committee, nursing services committees, Environment of Care, Emergency management Committee, etc.) to develop, interpret and assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols.

* Communicate infection prevention and control information and data across the organization as assigned.

* Consult and collaborate, as needed, with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations

* Develop and maintain departmental budgets.

2. Education

* Serve as an educator by developing educational programs and materials for hospital employees regarding infection control policies.

* Pursuing professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills. Maintain certification and licensure requirements. Participate in continuing education activities at the department, hospital, state, and national level.

3. Regulatory Requirements

* Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels. Facilitate compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

* Stay current on infection prevention and control regulatory and accreditation standards.

4. Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (PI)

* Identify gaps between current and best evidence-based practice. Utilize PI methodologies and ensure that customer needs and expectations are considered in the development of and continuous improvement of processes, products, and services.

* Monitor and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of evidence-based interventions. Participate in PI committees, teams and initiatives as indicated.

* Evaluate new equipment and products to support safe and evidence-based practice, ensure all stakeholders are involved in approving changes. Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy.

5. Occupational Health, exposure, and outbreak investigations

* Participate in the development/review of occupational health policies and procedures related to IPC. Apply work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following exposure.

* Assess the risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease, propose and implement prevention and control measures. This includes new construction, renovations, and repairs in the Environment of Care.

* Assist with rates and trends of occupational exposures, immunization and screening programs.

Other information:

• Education: A master's degree in nursing, microbiology, public health, or a related field is required.
• Experience: Proven experience in infection prevention or a similar role in a healthcare setting is essential.
• Certification: Certification in infection control (CIC) is highly desirable and required within one year of full-time employment.
• Additionally, AL-CIP preferred

Legal Employer: Pardee - HCHC

Entity: Pardee UNC Health Care

Organization Unit: Infection Control

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: PARDEEHOSP

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: Yes

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.