Infection Prevention Surveillance Specialist

The University of Kansas Health System • Kansas City, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The role of the Infection Prevention Surveillance Specialist integrates Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) clinical knowledge with computer and information technology sciences to collect, aggregate, analyze, and distributes Infection Prevention and Control data that is internally and externally reported. This role supports the IPAC Department with electronic medical record software support systems, ensures data quality and data integrity of all surveillance activities, provides ongoing education and workflow support for members of the IPAC team, and participates in daily improvement work to reduce hospital acquired infections and organism transmission. The IP Surveillance Specialist supports the IPAC team in presenting and disseminates meaningful reports to all levels of the organization across the system to support decision making and continuous improvement. This person will perform comprehensive gap analyses, ensure reliability and usability of all data management systems, evaluate and modify policies and procedures, and support implementation of evidence-based practices supporting a culture of continuous quality improvement to meet national best practice standards representative of the organization's vision to lead the nation in caring, healing, teaching and discovering.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Public Health or a related field of study from an accredited college or university.
• 5 or more years of experience in a science or health related field.
• 3 or more years of experience in infection control.
• Certified in Infection Control (CIC) - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC)
• Registered Nurse license in the State of Kansas or licensure appropriate to discipline

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Public Health or a related field of study from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily surveillance activities including data collection, aggregation, analysis, and distribution of IPAC data to key stakeholders as assigned by the Infection Prevention Surveillance Lead, IPAC Leadership, and other Health System Leaders
• Demonstrates competence in the areas of critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, technical skills, and an in-depth knowledge of Infection Prevention and Control principles
• Demonstrates the ability to follow directions, solve problems, and make safe judgements in a variety of situations.
• Interacts in a courteous, professional manner with evidence of conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrates collaborative working relationships with the health system Infection Prevention & Control Teams and other departments that support the IPAC data management program
• Demonstrates understanding of data and data quality standards that allow for the seamless integration of data and knowledge to identify infection prevention concerns across the health system and to assist with clinical decision making
• Serves as a subject matter expert for National Health System Network (NHSN) surveillance and reporting standards, workflows within the infection control module of the electronic medical record, and other surveillance support systems
• Performs review of microbiology test results and monitors for potential hospital associated infections
• Assists with the development and maintenance of the IPAC SharePoint site
• Supports the IPAC team with development and maintenance of electronic reporting solutions for notifiable conditions as required by state and local authorities
• Participates in the identification and reporting of hospital associated infections to NHSN
• Performs routine validation on key data elements to ensure data integrity.
• Demonstrates proficient understanding of the technical capabilities of our current application systems and applies general system knowledge to assist with process redesign and continued improvement.
• Participates in the development and revision of infection control policies and procedures based on national guidelines and current literature
• Provides consultation on infection risk assessment, prevention, and control strategies
• Takes an active role in department and hospital Infection Control Joint Commission preparedness activities.
• Mentors infection control staff with less experience or who are not certified in infection control
• Participates in local, regional and national infection control related educational offerings and meetings.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the annual HAI surveillance and validation plan
• Participates in surveillance and data management program goal setting and action planning
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level