Epidemiologist-Infection Prevention

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Work Shift

Variable

Work Day(s)

Variable

Shift Start Time

8:00 AM

Shift End Time

5:00 PM

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Children's is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals. No matter the role, every member of our team is an essential part of our mission to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow. We're committed to putting you first, and that commitment is at the heart of our company culture: People first. Children always. Find your next career opportunity and make a difference doing what you love at Children's.

Job Description

Promotes high-quality patient care through sound, scientific infection prevention and epidemiology principles/practices throughout the system to decrease the risk of transmission of infectious diseases between patients, staff, visitors, volunteers, and the community. Proactively support efforts that ensure delivery of safe patient care and services and promote a safe environment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Provides expert support in the vast performance improvement initiatives mandated by both internal needs and external regulatory and quality agencies.

Experience

• Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of clinical experience in a pediatric hospital or critical care setting

• Advanced degree (e.g., medical technologist, Master of Public Health, Doctor of Pharmacy)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a health-based science

Certification Summary

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the single State of Georgia or Multi-State through the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Master's in Public Health

• Current GA license in applicable health profession if required

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) or Certified in Public Health (CPH) when eligible within two years of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability in strong quantitative skills and disciplined task management capabilities

• Excellent communication skills

• Presentation and platform skills

• Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Excel, Access, Visio, and PowerPoint

• Knowledge of statistics and data collection principles

• Project management skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of Joint Commission and other applicable regulatory standards

Job Responsibilities

• Surveils health-acquired infections and epidemiologically significant community-acquired infections, including monitoring patients for infections using specified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, review of patient records, laboratory reports, diagnostic imaging reports, and interview.

• Communicates actively with nurses, physicians, case managers, laboratory, and other healthcare workers regarding infection prevention/epidemiology processes and practices.

• Provides information/data ad hoc support to senior organization leaders in a timely, organized manner.

• Interprets data using statistical methodology and prepares charts, graphs, and reports for presentation to departments, medical staff, and committees.

• Provides intervention and education for staff, volunteers, and medical staff when infection trends, outbreaks, or non-compliance to infection control/Occupational Safety and Health Administration are identified.

• Completes accurate reporting to regulatory agencies, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Department, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• Provides data and analysis to institutional programs such as the clinically integrated network and Magnet.

• Facilitates and participates in hazardous materials program and assists in decontamination training for applicable employees.

• Engages actively in the emergency management program and acts as incident commander for infection-related events.

• Maintains consistent communication with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta epidemiologist(s) and facilitates physician education.

• Develops emergency preparedness and disaster planning/response to infectious events or outbreaks.

• Provides support to the Employee Health department.

• Provides education and counseling on infection prevention for staff, volunteers, medical staff, patients, and parents.

• Supports and participates in interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement processes.

• Provides epidemiologic support to departments through data analysis, trending, investigation of events, and data management/reporting.

• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.

• Understands and complies with infection prevention, safety, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration procedures and regulations.

• Employs Lean Six Sigma and change management methodologies to reduce infections and improve patient safety.

• Collaborates with the Outcomes department, unit leaders, and other quality service lines to develop and validate systems to improve accurate reporting and transparency of infectious data.

• Works within the department to provide 24/7 infection prevention coverage for the organization.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic covered by applicable law.

Primary Location Address

1575 Northeast Expy NE

Job Family

Quality