Epidemiologist

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta•Brookhaven, GA

About The Position

The Infection Prevention Epidemiologist promotes high-quality patient care through the application of scientific infection prevention and epidemiology principles and practices throughout the health system. The role aims to decrease the risk of infectious disease transmission among patients, staff, visitors, volunteers, and the community, while supporting safe patient care and a safe environment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Epidemiologist also provides expert support for performance improvement initiatives driven by internal needs and external regulatory and quality agencies.

Requirements

At least 2 years of related experience.
Bachelor’s degree in an applied science (biology or chemistry), nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, health promotion, pharmacy, or a related field.
Current Georgia license in an applicable health profession.
Demonstrated strong quantitative skills and disciplined task management capabilities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Presentation and platform skills.
Understanding of medical terminology.
Knowledge of computer programs, including Microsoft Excel, Access, Visio, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of statistics and data collection principles.
Knowledge of Joint Commission and other applicable regulatory standards.
Program and project management skills.
Organizational, problem-solving, analytical, and time management skills.
Strong interpersonal skills for positive and productive collaboration across organizational lines.
Attention to detail and ability to organize multiple priorities.
Ability to perform job duties independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

2 years of clinical experience in a pediatric hospital or critical care setting.
Master’s degree in an applied science (biology or chemistry), nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, health promotion, pharmacy, or a related field.
Experience with electronic health records, preferably EPIC.
Experience in infection prevention and control.
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) or Certified in Public Health (CPH) when eligible within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

Surveil healthcare-associated infections and epidemiologically significant community-acquired infections by monitoring patients against specified CDC criteria and analyzing patient records, laboratory reports, diagnostic imaging reports, and information gathered through interviews in assigned areas.
Communicate and actively intervene with nurses, physicians, case managers, laboratory staff, and other healthcare workers regarding infection prevention and epidemiology processes and practices.
Interpret and report data using statistical methods and prepare charts, graphs, and reports for departments, medical staff, and committees.
Submit accurate reports to regulatory agencies, including the CDC, Public Health Department, and OSHA.
Develop emergency preparedness and disaster planning and response for infectious events or outbreaks.
Support the Employee Health department and collaborate on employee health exposure responses.
Support and participate in interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement processes.
Comply with infection prevention, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations.
Regularly round in assigned areas to assess compliance with infection prevention standards.
Collaborate with the accreditation team and other stakeholders to ensure staff compliance with regulatory standards.
Provide data and analysis to institutional programs, including the Clinically Integrated Network, National Healthcare Surveillance Network, Solutions for Patient Safety, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and NDNQI, as needed.
Apply the institution’s quality improvement principles and methodologies to improve patient safety and reduce infections.
Work within the department to provide 24/7 infection prevention coverage for the organization.