Preventionist-Infection RN

Overview

Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for monitoring the healthcare environment for appropriate Infection Prevention practices. Collects, analyzes and reports data concerning hospital-acquired infections, isolation procedures and appropriate control measures. Conducts education related to Infection Prevention topics. Conducts an ongoing assessment of infection prevention activities and assists with the revision of processes, procedures and policies, as necessitated by evidence-based practices or regulatory guidelines. Participates in both entity-specific and system-wide performance improvement initiatives. Provides a comprehensive range of services in accordance with the Baptist Management System.

Responsibilities

• Performs Infection Prevention surveillance for hospital-acquired infections based on the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) guidelines. Reports communicable diseases to the health department, as required. Notifies System Infection Prevention Director and entity Quality Director of any identified trends or issues.
• Ensures correct isolation procedures are practiced. Proactively and consistently monitors the healthcare environment to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and infection prevention policies and procedures. Addresses deficiencies proactively by providing feedback and guidance to leaders regarding infection prevention issues.
• Participates in quality and process improvement initiatives addressing infection prevention issues.
• Collaborates with Employee Health on safety and exposure issues.
• Demonstrates the ability to build trusting collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary teams to support patient care needs. Actively participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Demonstrates ability to apply evidence-based practice guidelines and regulatory standards (CMS, TJC, DNV-GL, OSHA, etc.) when: assessing the environment; observing patient care activities and processes and developing/revising policies and procedures.
• Acts as the subject matter expert and leader regarding infection prevention issues. With support from the System Director of Infection Prevention develops and revises policies and procedures that are consistent with system guidelines, evidence-based guidelines and regulatory standards.
• Actively participates in the development of goals and objectives based upon the annual risk assessment results. Participates in performance improvement projects to address these goals.
• Develops or assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Infection Prevention Plan.
• Demonstrates initiative in professional development and continuing education. Attends professional meetings and educational offerings.
• Participates in all Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA) for construction and renovation projects. Makes recommendations regarding construction and renovation and conducts regular rounds on active projects to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of Infection Prevention data. Presents and discusses pertinent data at various committee meetings.
• Prepares and presents educational workshops, lectures, discussions or one-to-one instruction on infection prevention topics.
• Understands, applies and supports departmental/entity/system policies, guidelines, procedures and standards.
• Exhibits efficiency, competency and professionalism that promotes a positive work environment.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.
  
  

Specifications

Experience

Minimum Required

• Three years clinical experience as an RN required.
  
  

Preferred/Desired

• Two years Infection Prevention experience.
  
  

Education

Preferred/Desired

Minimum Required

• BSN
  
  

Training

Minimum Required

• Knowledge of Infection Prevention including regulatory requirements commensurate with education/experience. Utilizes critical thinking skills in evaluating and resolving complex issues.
  
  

Preferred/Desired

Special Skills

Minimum Required

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of staff, management and physicians.
• Ability to work without close supervision and to exercise independent judgement in a professional area.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of work flow.
  
  

Preferred/Desired

Licensure

Minimum Required

• Current licensure as RN; Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the National Certification Board of Infection Control required or attain within three (3) years of hire