Infection Preventionist-RN

TITLE: Infection Preventionist

JOB OVERVIEW: Responsible for monitoring and coordinating the organization-wide infection prevention program; providing support to the Infection Control Committee and acting as a resource to staff for infection prevention information.

Prepares statistical reports and develops formal education programs as needed.

The position also entails quality improvement responsibilities including studies and facilitation or improvement teams.

AREA OF ASSIGNMENT: Outcomes Management

HOURS OF WORK: May vary to meet department needs.

RESPONSIBLE TO: VP, Quality Services

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Microbiology or other science relating to the field of epidemiology and/or infection prevention and control; Master’s preferred;

Certification in Infection Control preferred;

Minimum of three years’ recent clinical experience in an acute care setting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of TJC, OSHA/DOSH, EPA, FDA and applicable WACs related to infection prevention and control and quality improvement standards.

Teaching skills that can be utilized in counseling the public.

Ability to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional development of all age groups.

Proficiency in use of data mining tools such as Safety Surveillor.

Knowledge of regulatory standards and interpretation including CMS, DOSH, DOH and TJC.

Ability to prepare effective oral and written reports and presentations to various groups including physicians, hospital leaders and staff.

Proficiency in use of Windows® and MS Office Suites® applications particularly Word and Excel.

Experience in use of infection prevention software (e.g.

Safety Surveillor) preferred.

Aptitude for navigating quality-related Internet sites and those of various data management vendors and support agencies.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Review lab cultures for evidence of health care associated infections, outbreaks, or microbial trends.

Review inpatient admissions for evidence of patients readmitted with health care associated infections.

Establish and maintain a record of patients with health care associated infections.

Participate in special investigations related to infection prevention.

Review medical records to determine the presence of health care associated infections.

Assist in the development of staff education programs for annual infection control and prevention review, new employee orientation, and requested training programs related to infection prevention and control.

Report required inpatient communicable diseases to the King County Public Health Department or Washington Department of Health.

Make periodic rounds to direct and indirect care areas to identify infection prevention issues.

Contact appropriate leaders whenever necessary concerning infections which have patient care implications.

Participate in the evaluation of new products and equipment with infection prevention and control implications.

Communicate pertinent information to risk management and the Safety Council and Worker Safety committees.

Review/revise infection prevention and control policies and procedures periodically.

Collaborate in the review of sterilization and disinfection methods and makes recommendations as indicated.

Assist the medical center by incorporating infection control principles into construction and renovation and assess that proper barriers are maintained and procedures followed during projects.

Serve as a resource to employees, patients and families, the medical staff and the community concerning infection prevention and control issues.

Notify Public Relations of any occurrence that may impact the medical center’s public image.

Participate with the Infection Control Committee Chair in developing and implementing appropriate management of special problems related to infection prevention and control.

Meet regularly with the Chairman of the Infection Control Committee; support meetings of the Committee: schedule meetings/presenters; prepare meeting materials and minutes, etc.

Participate on PI teams related to infection prevention and control issues.

Participates in regulatory survey preparation and corrective action for deficiencies.

Collaborate with employee health services to identify communicable disease transmission risks and to implement risk reduction strategies.

Collect, analyze, and interpret data and information to support decision-making toward performance improvement in prevention and control of infections.

Network with peers in other organizations.

Attend at least one relevant continuing education course annually.

Perform other duties as assigned.