Infection Control Specialist

Trinity Health•Boise, ID

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare associated infections at one or more of the Saint Alphonsus Medical Centers and their associated clinics. The Infection Control Specialist is responsible for conducting/assisting with educational programs related to infection control and prevention, developing policies, and implementing performance improvement measures that ensure the medical centers meet the Infection Control requirements of CDC, OSHA, TJC and other federal and state regulatory agencies. Some travel between sites will be required. Primary office location will be in Boise, Idaho.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in health care related field required. A combination of bachelor’s degree in any field and current Certification in Infection Control (CIC) may substitute in lieu of health care degree requirement.
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within three years of employment.
3 years of acute care experience required.
Experience in performance improvement, facilitation and adult education required.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines that affect infection control.
Knowledge of infection control requirements of CDC, OSHA, TJC, APIC recommendations and ability to interpret them in clinical settings.
Knowledgeable of epidemiologic principles, communicable diseases, pharmacokinetics, microbiology, pathophysiology, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices.

Nice To Haves

1 year of infection prevention experience preferred.
Experience in statistics and research methodology preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates self-direction in providing systematic surveillance of patients to identify hospital acquired infections through established criteria.
Travel to various ambulatory sites throughout the Treasure Valley, identify any deficiencies, provide education and assist with process improvement for infection prevention.
Maintains databases related to surveillance and process/outcome metrics.
Analyzes, displays and communicates infection prevention data.
Identifies persons who are at high risk for infections or pose an infection risk to others and initiates preventative measures.
Coordinates appropriate investigation and intervention when a patient or employee is exposed to a potentially infectious agent.
Provides consultation on standards interpretation and implementation to hospital departments for the safety of health care services in relation to infection control.
Participates as a member or consultant in organizational decision making, including the development of policies and procedures that affect the delivery of patient care.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with professional and supportive personnel throughout the medical centers to promote safety in relation to infection control.
Identifies areas for performance improvement or study in the realm of infection prevention and control and leads/participates in performance improvement teams, as appropriate. Initiates changes in clinical practice based on current concepts and findings from regulatory and accrediting agencies, professional practice guidelines, and other research and /or studies.