Infection Preventionist, Infection Control

Carilion Clinic•Roanoke, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Control Preventionist has the responsibility for implementing and coordinating the program of infection control in accordance with established standards, i.e., The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The program is designed to reduce the risk of endemic and epidemic hospital associated infections in patients, health care workers, and visitors. The Infection Preventionist Promotes Carilion Clinic’s Service Standards and quality service through teamwork, respectful communication, maintenance of a professional environment, partnership with those we serve, and anticipation of patient/customer needs. Serves as a consultant on issues related to guidelines and regulatory standards associated with, but not limited to, product evaluation and selection, construction and renovation risk assessments, Emergency Management and Employee Health, and outbreak management. Establishes, reviews, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures related to all Infection Control issues system wide, and assists with on-site support with availability to all areas. Researches, develops and implements a system for tracking and classification of all infection by facility, areas, service line and/or disease or procedure, (surveillance, trend identification, data presentation), as well as selected specific infection control indicators. Plans and implements orientation with an ongoing educational program in collaboration with Human Resources Development based on regulatory compliance, current issues, and needs assessment. Communicates necessary information with physicians, hospital staff, patients, families, and outside agencies. Regularly communicates and collaborates with local and state agencies, such as the (CDC), (OSHA), and the VDH. Provides input in budget development and operates in a cost-effective manner within budgetary constraints. Maintains professional competency and growth in epidemiologic issues specific to age groups served. Regularly collaborates, consults, and serves as a resource to hospital staff, patients, family members, management, physicians, and outside agencies regarding infection control issues. The infection preventionist is authorized to institute infection control measures deemed necessary when there is thought to be a danger to patients or personnel. This includes but is not limited to performing cultures or laboratory testing relative to an investigation of an outbreak, or potential and/or actual infectious disease problem. Travel may be required between Carilion Clinic sites and other locations. Must provide own transportation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in nursing (or actively enrolled in an RN to BSN program), or MTASCP/CLSASCP, or MPH, or experience as a public health epidemiologist required
Knowledge and/or job experience in epidemiologic principles and infectious diseases
Certified in Infection Control (CIC) required OR must obtain certification within 3 years of employment
AHA BLS-HCP required
Strong organizational and analytical skills
Knowledge of word processing, spread sheets, and presentation programs
Must provide own transportation

Responsibilities

Implementing and coordinating the program of infection control in accordance with established standards
Reduce the risk of endemic and epidemic hospital associated infections in patients, health care workers, and visitors
Promotes Carilion Clinic’s Service Standards and quality service through teamwork, respectful communication, maintenance of a professional environment, partnership with those we serve, and anticipation of patient/customer needs
Serves as a consultant on issues related to guidelines and regulatory standards
Establishes, reviews, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures related to all Infection Control issues system wide, and assists with on-site support with availability to all areas
Researches, develops and implements a system for tracking and classification of all infection by facility, areas, service line and/or disease or procedure
Plans and implements orientation with an ongoing educational program in collaboration with Human Resources Development based on regulatory compliance, current issues, and needs assessment
Communicates necessary information with physicians, hospital staff, patients, families, and outside agencies
Regularly communicates and collaborates with local and state agencies, such as the (CDC), (OSHA), and the VDH
Provides input in budget development and operates in a cost-effective manner within budgetary constraints
Maintains professional competency and growth in epidemiologic issues specific to age groups served
Regularly collaborates, consults, and serves as a resource to hospital staff, patients, family members, management, physicians, and outside agencies regarding infection control issues
Institute infection control measures deemed necessary when there is thought to be a danger to patients or personnel
Travel may be required between Carilion Clinic sites and other locations