Infection Preventionist - RN

JOB DESCRIPTION

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

TITLE: Infection Preventionist

JOB OVERVIEW: Responsible for coordinating and monitoring the organization-wide infection prevention program; providing support to the Infection Control Committee and acting as a resource to staff for infection prevention information. Prepares statistical reports and develops formal education programs as needed. The position also entails quality improvement responsibilities including conducting special studies and facilitating improvement teams.

DEPARTMENT: Outcomes Management

WORK HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30 with requirements for flexible hours.

REPORTS TO: Director Quality & Patient Safety

PREREQUISITES:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Microbiology or other science relating to the field of epidemiology and/or infection prevention and control; Master's preferred.

• Current certification in Infection Control preferred; otherwise expected to complete CIC within two years of hire.

• Minimum of three years recent clinical experience in an acute care setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of TJC, OSHA/DOSH, EPA, FDA, and applicable WACs related to infection prevention and control and quality improvement standards.

• In-depth knowledge of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) standards and criteria for reporting HAI's; fluency in explaining statistical analyses including SIR's and TAP reports.

• Teaching skills that can be utilized in counseling the public.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional development of all age groups.

• Knowledge of regulatory standards and interpretation including CMS, DOSH, DOH and TJC.

• Ability to prepare effective oral and written reports and presentations to various groups including physicians, hospital leaders and staff.

• Proficiency in use of Windows and MS Office Suites applications particularly Word and Excel.

• Experience in use of infection prevention software for data mining and surveillance) preferred.

• Aptitude for navigating quality-related Internet sites and those of various data management vendors and support agencies.

UNIQUE PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT AND WORKING CONDITIONS: See Generic Job Description/Administrative Partner; requires investigation of infection prevention, control, and surveillance concerns, developing statistics, calculating percentages, and interpretation of reports and investigational studies.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Administrative Partner

• Essential Responsibilities and Competencies:

• Review lab cultures for evidence of health care associated infections, outbreaks, or microbial trends.

• Review inpatient admissions for evidence of patients readmitted with health care associated infections.

• Establish and maintain a line listing of patients with health care associated infections.

• Participate in special investigations related to infection prevention.

• Review medical records to determine the presence of health care associated infections.

• Assist in the development of staff education programs for annual infection control and prevention review, new employee orientation, and requested training programs related to infection prevention and control.

• Report required inpatient communicable diseases to the King County Public Health Department or Washington Department of Health.

• Make regular rounds to direct and indirect care areas to identify infection prevention issues.

• Contact appropriate leaders whenever necessary concerning infections which have patient care implications.

• Participate in the evaluation of new products and equipment with infection prevention and control implications.

• Communicate pertinent information to risk management and Employee Health.

• Review/revise infection prevention and control policies and procedures at least every three (3) years.

• Collaborate in the review of sterilization and disinfection methods and make recommendations as indicated.

• Assist the medical center by incorporating infection control principles into construction and renovation and assess that proper barriers are maintained, and procedures followed during projects.

• Serve as a resource to employees, patients and families, the medical staff and the community concerning infection prevention and control issues.

• Notify Public Relations of any occurrence that may impact the medical center's public image.

• Participate with the Infection Control Committee Chair in developing and implementing appropriate management of special problems related to infection prevention and control.

• Meet regularly with the Chairman of the Infection Control Committee; support meetings of the Committee: schedule meetings/presenters; prepare meeting materials and minutes, etc.

• Participate as subject matter experts on PI teams related to infection prevention and control issues.

• Participate in regulatory survey preparation and corrective action for deficiencies.

• Collaborate with employee health services to identify communicable disease transmission risks and to implement risk reduction strategies.

• Collaborate with Public Health Department SKC and Department of Health (DOH) in prevention and containment of potential, significant communicable diseases posing a threat to the community (Ebola, MERS, anthrax)

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data and information to support decision-making toward performance improvement in prevention and control of infections.

• Present IP plan/updates, surveillance data, construction ICRAs and ongoing work to stakeholders and committees.

• Participate in networking activities with UW Medicine.

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet patient/program needs including participation in orientation of new staff.

• Perform annual IP risk assessments and develop the annual plan.

Created: 9/21

Grade: NC11

FLSA: E

CC: 8714

Job Qualifications:

PREREQUISITES:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Microbiology or other science relating to the field of epidemiology and/or infection prevention and control; Master's preferred.

• Current certification in Infection Control preferred; otherwise expected to complete CIC within two years of hire.

• Minimum of three years recent clinical experience in an acute care setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of TJC, OSHA/DOSH, EPA, FDA, and applicable WACs related to infection prevention and control and quality improvement standards.

• In-depth knowledge of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) standards and criteria for reporting HAI's; fluency in explaining statistical analyses including SIR's and TAP reports.

• Teaching skills that can be utilized in counseling the public.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional development of all age groups.

• Knowledge of regulatory standards and interpretation including CMS, DOSH, DOH and TJC.

• Ability to prepare effective oral and written reports and presentations to various groups including physicians, hospital leaders and staff.

• Proficiency in use of Windows and MS Office Suites applications particularly Word and Excel.

• Experience in use of infection prevention software for data mining and surveillance) preferred.

• Aptitude for navigating quality-related Internet sites and those of various data management vendors and support agencies.