Infection Preventionist

Reports to the Director of Infection Prevention. Performs a variety of surveillance, administrative and educational activities. Ensures compliance with infection control policies and procedures and external legal regulations. Identifies infection prevention problems, documents and recommends corrective actions.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs a variety of surveillance, administrative and educational activities by:

• Making surveillance rounds to nursing units and assisting with Infection Prevention problems, identifying of healthcare associated infections and non-cultured infections and completing special studies.
• Collecting and preparing analytical data for the Infection Control Committee; making recommendations and carrying out re-evaluation of problems identified, as indicated.
• Communicating and providing feedback on data collected to all departments involving physicians, administration, nursing staff, the Infection Control Committee, and managers.
• Conferring with physicians, nurses, bacteriology laboratory, South Bend Medical Foundation, and others concerning implementation of infection control policies and procedures, identification and isolation of infections, etc.
• Assisting in the development of performance improvement initiatives and studies; monitoring their progress.
• Reviewing departmental policies and procedures relating to infection prevention with department heads and/or representatives, hospital-wide infection prevention policies and procedures and infection prevention plan on an annual or triennial basis.
• Referring employees exposed to communicable/reportable diseases to the Employee Health Nurse, providing Employee Health with a list of those exposed and providing input into the Employee Health Program.
• Conducting or contributing content to formal and informal in-services for patient contact personnel, new employees, orientation and general hospital employees, as indicated.
• Developing aides and materials to be utilized in presentations to nursing staff, patients, and others.
• Actively participating in hospital and county-wide emergency preparedness.

Supports the management team by:

• Serving as a liaison and resource person to all departments in matters of Infection Prevention.
• Participating on Hospital committees as designated.
• Completing, submitting and maintaining a variety of records, reports and statistical summaries, as required or requested.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job related assignments and special projects as directed.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree or Professional Training. CIC certification required or will obtain within 3 years of hire. A minimum of 2 to 5 years of job-related experience is required. RN, BSN with Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred; minimum requirements include Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5 years job related experience, supervisory, surveillance and investigation and reporting experience, RN, BSN desirable.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires well-developed knowledge of clinical microbiology, general principles of asepsis, transmission methods of infectious disease, epidemiological process, and CDC Infection Control Guidelines.
• Requires high level of analytical skills necessary to plan, collect, analyze, and report data.
• Requires well developed communication skills, verbal and written, to effectively inform, instruct, and facilitate matters of infection prevention.
• Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with physicians and hospital staff.
• Requires proficiency with basic computer skills to navigate through electronic medical records and current surveillance system.
• Requires ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all information utilized within the department.

Working Conditions

• Works in an office and patient care environment.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.