JOB TITLE: Infection Preventionist

DEPARTMENT: Infection Control

REPORTS TO: Quality Management Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the development, direction, implementation, management and operation of all Infection Prevention and surveillance activities for the entire organization. The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the effective direction, management, and operation of the infection prevention program, including education of hospital and the Long Term Care Center (LTCC) personnel and consultation with the organization, CDC, and the county and state health department. The responsibilities encompass compliance with CMS standards, OSHA and state regulations, outbreak investigation, and overall direction of the infection prevention and control program. Additional responsibilities include data analysis and chart review to identify patterns or trends that may be indicative of undesirable performance or variation. The Infection Preventionist serves as a source expert to the Medical Staff, leadership and employees for all infection prevention and control activities. The Infection Preventionist will oversee the work that the Infection Control Coordinator assigned to LTCC is performing and will provide guidance and assistance to this individual on an on-going basis. The Infection Preventionist participates in and assists the Quality Management Director with performance improvement activities and other quality initiatives as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed. A highly successful Infection Preventionist has the following education background:

• Registered Nurse with current Wyoming RN license or ability to obtain required.
• BSN preferred or a bachelor’s degree in applied clinical science (Medical Technology, Microbiology, or Public Health).
• Master’s degree in nursing, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related field is desirable.
• Certification in Infection Control preferred. If not certified, certification must be achieved within 3 years of hire.

EXPERIENCE

Three years of recent clinical experience in an acute care facility. Prior experience in infection prevention preferred. Supervision and/or teaching experience helpful. Prior experience with medical record review, data abstraction and analysis preferred.

SKILLS

• Possess the ability to read, write and verbally communicate effectively in English.
• Excellent communication skills required with individuals with varying levels of education and authority both internal and external.
• Demonstrate leadership, creativity, and management skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to set priorities and adjust work as required to meet the needs of the organization.
• Ability to write reports and other forms of correspondence. Ability to effectively present verbal and/or written information. Ability to respond to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Mathematical – Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, rates, and proportions to practical solutions. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical tools for analysis and problem solving. Ability to create and interpret various charts and graphs to present data in an understandable format.
• Reasoning – ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule format. Ability to apply principles of logic or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
• Information Management and Systems – this job requires computer and system competencies in the following areas: entering data, retrieval of data, assembling and organizing data, using, and analyzing data. Knowledge and skill of applying quality improvement tools and techniques including statistical process control.
• Requires minimal supervision but seeks clarification and input as appropriate.
• Must be able to translate standards and regulations to implement appropriate and effective infection prevention and control activities. Computer skills required including experience with Microsoft Office Excel and Word.
• Must be able to work in teams and to facilitate teams when necessary.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

The APIC CIC Certification will be required within 3 years of hire.