Infection Preventionist - Day Shift

Description
SUMMARY
Responsible for supporting the Infection Prevention Program for Munson Medical Center. Collaborates with System Director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, as well as hospital-wide leaders in the design and implementation of the infection prevention program. Ensures risk reduction through education, surveillance, reporting, control and prevention initiatives according to applicable state and federal regulatory requirements and accreditation standards for infection prevention. Performs risk assessments, makes recommendations, initiates action plans and facilitates ongoing evaluations to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections and improve patient safety. Acts as a resource for current research, guidelines and expertise on infection prevention for the health system.
Entry Requirements
Bachelor of Science (Master's preferred) in a health-related field including: Nursing. Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Medical Laboratory Science is required or must be obtained within 3 years of start date.
Two to three years’ clinical experience in healthcare desirable.
Must possess at least basic knowledge of statistics and medical microbiology.
Board Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred; must be attained within two years of hire.
Demonstrated leadership ability, communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with physicians, management, staff, external agencies, patients and families on matters related to infection prevention and control
Documented organizational performance improvement, biological safety or risk management activities.
Analytical skills necessary to gather and analyze data, prepare infection prevention reports and recommend an appropriate course of action to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections
Computer skills including use of spreadsheets, graphics and word processing.
Self-directed; able to work effectively and efficiently with multiple interruptions and changing work priorities. Strong organizational and time management skills required. Able to make quality, independent decisions using analytical and problem solving skills. Demonstrates initiative and creativity in assigned work. Highly detailed and team oriented.
Experienced in directing and guiding teams through complex problem solving processes utilizing strong interpersonal and communication skills and techniques. Planning skills necessary to develop action plans, time lines and ability to achieve objectives within time frames allotted. Presentation skills for development and delivery of presentations to diverse audiences.
ORGANIZATION
Under the direction of System Director of Infection Prevention. Works closely with Infectious Disease Department members, Microbiology Department, medical and professional staff members, and Directors of Risk Management & Quality.
POPULATIONS SERVED COMPETENCIES, INCLUDING AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED
May be required to perform limited patient assessment.
SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Performs limited patient assessment to determine presence of infection and/or communicable disease.
• Conducts rounds on patient care areas serving as Infection Prevention resource to staff and conducting surveillance for infection prevention issues and concerns; seeks resolution as warranted. Provides information and consultation to staff and acts as specialist advisor in all matters relating to infection prevention and control. Provides support to physicians, clinicians and other staff in issues related to infection prevention.
• Is consulted for orders for cultures, for the initiation and discontinuation of precautions, and for appropriate laboratory tests to confirm or follow exposures or outbreaks, per established policy/procedure.
• Promotes compliance with the requirements of regulatory and accrediting agencies including The Joint Commission, MI Department of Health, Grand Traverse County Health Department, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Actively participates on committees and with activities related to reducing infection risk.
• Examines data and studies situations to identify potential infection prevention risks; provides timely information regarding investigations to the department manager, epidemiologist, Vice-president of Quality and Safety infection control committee, and others as appropriate.
• Conducts educational programs for medical, nursing, and support staff on infection prevention. Assists in identification of learning needs for associates in the areas of infection prevention.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, management, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Promotes personal and patient safety.
• Is self-directed in surveillance and receives direction for activity in other areas of infection prevention as delegated by the Infection Prevention Director and/or Medical Director of Infection Prevention, assists with investigation of outbreaks, occurrences, and sentinel events and processes according to policy.
• Conducts routine surveillance to identify healthcare associated infections (HAIs); data analysis and reporting of HAIs; acts as a liaison between departments and facilitates process improvement activities relating to infection prevention and control issues; conducts epidemiological investigations of out breaks to identify causal associations, and develops methods of intervention; correlates microbiological data with clinical record; investigates and evaluates relationship of environmental factors to HAI.
• Embraces and supports the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Healthcare.
• Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of Munson Healthcare.
• Collects, collates, and reports data specific to elements of care that impact patient safety/ regulatory requirements. Disseminates information to appropriate groups to promote continuous improvement of practices that impact patient safety. Supports and improves mechanisms for internal communication of patient safety related information.
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth and development by literature review, participation in professional organizations, and attendance at hospital sponsored lectures and infection prevention and control educational programs.
• Inspects construction and renovation sites to assess Infection Control risks and to assure compliance with infection prevention policies. Provides appropriate ICRA documentation.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures.
• Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times. Applies techniques of problem solving, active listening, negotiation and strong consensus building skills.