What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Control Preventionist position at The Health Care Authority for Baptist Health, An Affiliate of UAB Health System?
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare system serving central Alabama, providing comprehensive hospital-based and outpatient services to nearly 60 percent of the residents in Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore counties. To learn more about Baptist Health, visit us at https://www.baptistfirst.org. Highlights: Summary: The Infection Control Preventionist is a member of Infection Control Team with primary responsibility to assist the Infection Control, Team Lead in reducing the incidence of healthcare acquired infections among patients and employees through surveillance, intervention, prevention, and educational activities. The Preventionist shall ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, both federal and state, as well as, to ensure a safe working environment. This individual shall promote a safe and infection free environment for patients, employees, physicians, and visitors. This position may have additional duties assigned that are within scope of the role. Education / Experience: Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred or completion of a Medical Technologist program. License / Certification: Active RN license or ASCP certification or ASCP Medical Laboratory Technologist certification required, Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) certification required within 2 years of hire Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Knowledge of basic principles of epidemiology, microbiology and infectious disease process including colonization, active infection, carrier states modes of transmission, etc. • Knowledge of characteristics of various infectious organisms and the proper approach to prevent / minimize the transmission of disease. • Knowledge of CDC, OSHA, and state/federal guidelines and regulations. Knowledge of statistical methods, sterilization, disinfecting, asepsis and pertinent environmental controls. • Tactful diplomatic verbal skills are required to effectively communicate and educate all health care workers in good infection control practices in order to improve patient care. • Must have analytical skills to prioritize and communicate effectively with patients, families, co-workers, physicians, and administration. • Must be self directed and highly motivated with problem solving abilities. • Must be proficient with Word, Excel, and other Microsoft applications. • Must be dependable, able to function in stressful situations. • High degree of integrity to maintain confidentiality of both patients and employees. • Knowledge of surveillance and epidemiologic investigation. • Knowledge of environment of care and communication of findings to appropriate stakeholders.• Knowledge of Employee Health regarding health care worker work restrictions due to illness and recommended vaccinations. Work Conditions/Physical Requirements: Position requires sitting and mobility with occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. There is frequent reaching, use of hands and repetitive action. Requires occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds, pushing/pulling up to 60 pounds. There is a continuous need for speaking with clear diction and hearing sensitivity in conversation either by phone or in person. Continuous visual acuity at close and distant range. Inside protected from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. Minimal noise levels but frequent interruptions. Much exposure to computer work. Occasional exposure to risk of electrical shock. Some exposure to infectious disease while performing job-related tasks. Some exposure to hazardous chemicals. Occasional exposure to radiation. Ability to travel between hospital locations and travel to seminars when required. At times, will require working outside or making site visits to the city landfill or other location if requested by city / other officials. Outside work would require appropriate attire to protect self from exposure to weather conditions and/or hazardous waste. Primary Location: Baptist Medical Center South Job: Infection Control Preventionist Infection Control Preventionist Job Type: Regular-Full time Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Baptist Health is recognized by Forbes as one of America’s best employers in the state of Alabama.