Infection Preventionist

Job Summary:

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for assisting clinical and ancillary hospital staff in all activities related to the prevention and control of nosocomial infections. The IP will perform daily rounds on patients throughout the hospital, as well as in an environment of care (EOC) setting. Works collaboratively with other Infection Prevention staff to perform surveillance activities, report communicable diseases to local and federal health authorities, and investigate exposures or outbreaks. Educates staff, patients, and families on infection prevention policies and best practices. Works collaboratively with all healthcare personnel to advise on all matters related to Infection Prevention and Control. Provides support for Infection Prevention quality improvement and safety projects and initiatives and supports the hospital’s benchmarking efforts. Performs day-to-day Infection Prevention activities in accordance with hospital policy and procedures, accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.

Licensure and Certification:

• Current California Registered Nurse License (RN) preferred, or comparable license in a related healthcare field

•  Current BLS provider card

•   Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required. If in process, must pass exam within 12 months of hire

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or commensurate degree in a healthcare related field. 

Experience:

• Two (2) years of infection control experience in an acute care setting preferred 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Computer skills, such as basic statistic and rate calculations

• Analytical and critical thinking

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Management of implementing projects and performance improvement initiatives

   

Physical Demands – Clerical/Administrative Non-Patient Care:

• Frequent sitting and standing/walking with frequent position change.

• Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and chest level.

• Occasional/intermittent reaching at or above shoulder level.

• Occasional/intermittent bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting, and climbing.

• Occasional/intermittent lifting and carrying objects/equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Continuous use of near vision, hearing and verbal communication skills in handling telephone calls, interacting with customers and co-workers and performing job duties.