Infection Prevention Manager- AHN

Highmark Health•Erie, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will primarily support AHN Saint Vincent but may involve local travel between nearby AHN sites. The Infection Prevention Manager is responsible for designing and implementing hospital-wide infection prevention programs while ensuring compliance with the mandates of required accrediting and regulatory agencies. This role promotes quality patient care through a program which includes investigation and problem solving in relation to the surveillance, prevention and control of infections. The manager is responsible for the identification, analysis, and development of recommendations (including policies and procedures) to reduce all types of hospital-acquired infections. They will develop relationships with all departments within the hospital, acting as both a consultant and educator regarding disinfection, sterilization, patient practices, and policies and procedures designed to prevent infections.

Requirements

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field with five years of clinical experience to include 1 year of Infection Prevention experience in a healthcare environment OR a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in Infection Prevention with clinical experience in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field
CPR – American Heart Association
Act 34 Criminal Background Clearance Certificate
Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance Certificate
Act 73 FBI Fingerprinting Criminal Background Clearance Certificate

Nice To Haves

Preferred Master's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field
5 years of Infection Prevention experience
1 year of management or leadership experience
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control – to be obtained within 18 months of hire date

Responsibilities

Perform management responsibilities including hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity.
Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority.
Develop and organize the Infection Prevention Program for all areas of the hospital, including plans for development, implementation, and review of network-wide data collection and policies.
Implement the program by formulating, establishing, and evaluating policies and procedures relating to patient care infection prevention measures throughout the facility.
Perform an annual assessment and develop action plans from the prior year's activities to form the hospital-specific infection prevention plan.
Maintain network, hospital, and department infection prevention policies and procedures, including an exposure control plan for bloodborne pathogens.
Maintain self-education regarding infection prevention standards, the Joint Commission, and DOH regulations.
Provide on-going training programs to AHN staff, including Nursing, Medical Surgical Residents and Interns, and other network employees to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections.
Prepare data for Network and Hospital Infection Prevention Committee meetings.
Analyze and interpret data, plan methodology, and guide/direct actions necessary for infection prevention compliance for patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and medical staff.
Compile and share surveillance data with network and hospital leadership and provide information and guidance on infection prevention issues on request, such as emerging communicable diseases, post-exposure management, and isolation precautions.
Implement processes and assure compliance with state and federal governmental and other regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA) and accreditation (e.g., The Joint Commission), including involvement with all demolition, construction, re-wiring, and alterations in existing hospital environments that require completion of an Infection Control Construction Risk Assessments.
Participate in organization activities through committees, task forces, AHN collaborative, and quality initiative projects.
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility, support cost containment, and identify opportunities for cost reduction when appropriate.
Coordinate timely reporting of communicable diseases through electronic systems PA-NEDSS, NHSN and work in partnership with PADOH and local county health departments for appropriate follow-up as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.