Infection Control Preventionist (Part-Time) | Western Psychiatric Hospital

Western Psychiatric Hospital is seeking an Infection Control Preventionist to support their inpatient behavioral health and ambulatory services.

The ideal candidate will perform surveillance for detection and prevention of infections occurring in the healthcare system through investigation, consultation, and education of healthcare personnel. Provide an epidemiologic approach to preventing infections throughout the hospital through problem solving, intervention and education. Implement the Infection Control Program based on standards of care provided by the Infection Control Committee Administration, the PA Department of Health, CMS TJC

Responsibilities:

• Investigate clusters and outbreaks for sources of infection, educate healthcare personnel regarding short and long term control measures and assist in evaluation of the effectiveness of such controls.

• Demonstrate ongoing continuing education by reviewing professional publications and participating in educational programs and professional organization activities.

• Plan, develop, conduct and document educational programs for hospital personnel, patients and families using age and education level appropriate venues to maintain or enhance knowledge of infection control.

• Serve on the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and represent Hospital Epidemiology in hospital committees requiring Infection Prevention and Control input.

• Document infection data in an electronic surveillance sytem as required by PA DOH ACT 52.

• Work with hospital management to identify areas for improved performance to prevent HAIs and/or protect employees, patients and visitors from infectious/communicable conditions.

• Act as liaison with local and state health departments and other healthcare facilities by reporting notifiable diseases and investigating communicable conditions.

• Facilitate operational responsibilities of infection prevention and control in mandatory reporting as outlined in Pennsylvania State law( ACT 52.) including identification of infections, reporting through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), contacting physicians of patients with infections to inform them of notification process and fielding questions from patients with infections reported unde ACT 52.

• Conduct environmental rounds as appropriate to assess compliance with PA DOH, Life Safety and TJC requirements.

• Support the departmental objective of quality services, system improvement, and cost containment by contributing to the successful implementation of recommended initiatives.

• Facilitate implementation of infection prevention and control policies/guidelines for all hospital departments that reflect current standards of practice and compliance with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and the Department of Health guidelines.

• Provide leadership for interdisciplinary teams to control specific disease entities and support quality initiatives.

• Perform surveillance of hospital units for detection of healthcare acquired infections through electronic review of patient records, microbiological, radiological, and other laboratory data, patient treatment plans and through communication with hospital personnel.

• Identify trends in hospital infections through review and interpretation of surveillance data to develop risk reduction strategies and implement process improvement initiatives. Provide analysis and interpretation of data collected during surveillance activities. Develop reports to communicate trend data and analysis.

• Conduct construction/renovation inspections and rounds to ensure compliance with PA DOH requirements and assess for any infection control/ safety issues.

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary health care professionals, administrators, health system personnel and local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field preferred.

• Two years of infection control or related relevant experience required.

• Basic computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.

• Reports to the Infection Prevention Coordinator.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

Current Certified in Infection Control (CIC) certification preferred. Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)

• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal

• Act 33 with renewal

• Act 34 with renewal

• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran