In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

This position is responsible for overseeing and evaluating a comprehensive Infection Prevention/Control program for the assigned Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) facility/function designed to improve patient safety by minimizing the risk of transmission of healthcare-associated infections associated with medical procedures, equipment and devices. Populations served include patients, employees, volunteers, students and visitors. An incumbent applies sound epidemiologic principles, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and develop and evaluate prevention and control tactics for local application based on overarching strategies and priorities for the Pacific Northwest Division.

Essential Duties:
Oversees the assigned site- or function-based Infection Control and Prevention Program to ensure that all activities are conducted/documented in a timely manner and in accordance with approved business plan, professional standards and applicable regulatory requirements; facilitates the implementation, support and ongoing optimization of the program; promotes and champions the program to others in the organization.

Utilizes electronic tools and established protocols to conduct daily surveillance, and/or perform epidemiologic investigations, relating to hospital-acquired infections, epidemiologically-significant organisms and/or related infection control/prevention concerns; collects, compiles and reviews/analyzes surveillance data to promote safe and quality care to patients, healthcare workers and visitors through prevention and control of infections; investigates outbreaks/issues and reports findings per established procedures.

Researches, develops and evaluates comprehensive annual risk assessment(s) customized for the assigned facility/function to identify specific goals for reducing/controlling the risk of healthcare-associated infections for all patients, employees and visitors based on clinical needs and patient/employee demographics.

Plans and conducts quarterly environmental surveillance rounds of assigned work sites to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards relating to infection control/prevention; completes and scores quantitative assessment tool to identify/quantify risk and/or non-compliance concerns and facilitate focus of infection prevention efforts on highest risk areas.

Participates in the development/implementation of VMFH Infection Prevention/Control policies, standards and procedures for the Pacific Northwest Division; reviews and makes recommendations for appropriate changes to existing initiatives, programs and/or protocols.

Performs related duties as required.

Education/Work Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, medical technology program, or other healthcare related field, and five years of recent related healthcare work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.
OR
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, and five years of recent related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.

Licensure/Certification
•Depending on qualifying degree:
In Nursing: Current licensure by the Washington State Nursing Commission, OR

Other qualifying degree:

National Registration as an MLS (ASCP) or Certification with the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist.

•Certification in Infection Control (CBIC) preferred