Infection Prevention - Medical Device Reprocessing - Ohio Markets

Mercy Health•Work at Home - Ohio, OH

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for management of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities under the guidance of the Manager of Infection Prevention. Provides coordination and support for the implementation of a system-wide infection control and prevention program to identify, prevent, and eliminate or reduce sources of infection. Assists in the implementation and monitoring of processes to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAI). Ensures compliance with infection control standards, meeting all local, State, and Federal regulatory requirements. Associate must live within Mercy Health Footprint. Travel required as needed to all BSMH facilities. Applies epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification to identify target populations, analyzes trends and risk factors, and designs and evaluates prevention and control strategies. Performs surveillance using NHSN criteria, documentation, and investigation of HAI through review of admission diagnoses, laboratory results, isolation, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings Utilizes computer-based programs for tracking, reporting, and disseminating information from surveillance activities. Prepares statistical reports utilizing epidemiologic principles to identify and analyze infection trends. Investigate, document, and report infection control issues to the manager and IPC/Quality Committee. Investigate infection outbreaks utilizing laboratory results in consultation with the IPC Manager, Infectious Disease Physician, County/State public health departments, and, if necessary, the Center for Disease Control. Implements mitigation strategies in the event of communicable disease outbreaks within the health care facilities and/or community Functions as an integral part of quality and performance improvement initiatives Participates in environmental rounds and construction risk assessments for inpatient, outpatient, and off-site patient care areas by identifying infection prevention issues with the multidisciplinary health care team and providing sound interventions to maintain patient, visitor, and associate safety. Provides expert knowledge and guidance in IPC and epidemiology through the integration of evidence-based practice, policy and procedures, and compliance with regulatory and accreditation agency standards. Provides guidance for high-level disinfection and sterilization practices by supporting proper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization practices of medical instruments and equipment. Collaborates with Employee Health in evaluating employee exposures to communicable diseases and supports coordination of appropriate follow-up. Serves as a content expert and educational resource for health care providers, ancillary staff, patients, families, and the public, providing education and increasing awareness of HAI and IPC measures. Serves as a leader, mentor, and role model through collaboration and knowledge sharing with facility personnel, as well as with other healthcare professionals within and outside the facility. Collaborates in the fiscal management of the service through evaluation of technology and products for infection prevention, incorporating fiscal assessments into program evaluation.

Requirements

Associate must live within Mercy Health Footprint
Travel required as needed to all BSMH facilities
Bachelor’s Degree - Healthcare-related field
Experience of 2-5 years in direct clinical patient care or a related healthcare field
Demonstrated ability/experience to lead and facilitate multi-disciplinary teams
Demonstrated experience in performance improvement
Proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
Certified Endoscope Preprocessor (CER) or Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS)
Central Sterilization Certifications

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree - Health-related field
Prefer infection control/prevention experience
Knowledge of improvement science
Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL)
Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM)
Certification in Infection Control (CIC), awarded by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc(CBIC), within 3 years.

Responsibilities

Management of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities
Coordination and support for the implementation of a system-wide infection control and prevention program
Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of processes to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAI)
Ensuring compliance with infection control standards, meeting all local, State, and Federal regulatory requirements
Applying epidemiologic principles and statistical methods to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies
Performing surveillance using NHSN criteria, documentation, and investigation of HAI
Utilizing computer-based programs for tracking, reporting, and disseminating information from surveillance activities
Preparing statistical reports utilizing epidemiologic principles to identify and analyze infection trends
Investigating, documenting, and reporting infection control issues
Investigating infection outbreaks
Implementing mitigation strategies in the event of communicable disease outbreaks
Functioning as an integral part of quality and performance improvement initiatives
Participating in environmental rounds and construction risk assessments
Providing expert knowledge and guidance in IPC and epidemiology
Providing guidance for high-level disinfection and sterilization practices
Collaborating with Employee Health in evaluating employee exposures to communicable diseases
Serving as a content expert and educational resource for health care providers, ancillary staff, patients, families, and the public
Serving as a leader, mentor, and role model
Collaborating in the fiscal management of the service