Infection Preventionist, RN

Amberwell Health•Atchison, KS

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist is a key member of the Quality and Risk team. The Infection Preventionist is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare associated infections as well as all NHSN reporting requirements. Collaborate with regional APIC groups to learn best practices in Infection Prevention and CDC guideline updates. The Infection Preventionist will work with teams and individuals to create infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and sustain infection prevention strategies. The Infection Preventionist supports the Organization’s Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Plan and the Infection Prevention Plan by providing education, surveillance, data generation, and analysis of key quality indicators. This position requires a variety of activities with varying degrees of complexity, autonomy, high degree of accuracy, factual dependability, and independent thinking. The Infection Preventionist interfaces with health care professionals in all patient care areas and must be able to communicate effectively and professionally in all situations.

Requirements

Minimum Required Experience: 2 years recent nursing experience.
Minimum Required Education: Associate Degree in Nursing
Minimum Required Licenses: Active unencumbered Kansas or Compact registered nurse license.
Minimum Required: Basic Life Support

Nice To Haves

Preferred Experience: 2 years recent acute/hospital experience; infection preventionist experience highly preferred.
Preferred Education: Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
Preferred Certifications: APIC Certification

Responsibilities

Responsible for maintaining an infection surveillance, prevention and control program based on the organization's risk assessment and plan, in accordance with state, federal, and other reporting requirements
Monitors patients for the occurrence of communicable diseases, HAIs, and resistant and epidemiologically important organisms.
Monitors infectious diseases and epidemiologically significant organisms occurring in the community via laboratory reports and public health reports.
Monitors cleaning processes throughout the facility, including high level disinfection and sterilization procedures.
Collects, manages and analyzes surveillance data using standardized methodology and defined criteria Maintains departmental records to be in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies.
Reports surveillance /laboratory data, findings and analyses to the appropriate committees, patient care units, personnel, and external agencies
Identifies and evaluates clusters of infections and potential outbreaks, investigates and implements control measures.
Recommends isolation precautions according to the organization's policies and procedures.
Assists in developing and maintaining evidence-based infection prevention and control policies and protocols in accordance with regulatory, government and accrediting/licensing agency requirements and recommendations of relevant professional organizations.
Evaluates products, devices and equipment relating to infection prevention and control.
Monitors and evaluates the efficacy of infection prevention and control strategies. Collaborates with other departments throughout the facility to design and implement strategies to prevent HAIs and transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms and other epidemiologically important organisms.
Investigates exposures to communicable disease and initiates appropriate measures to prevent the transmission of disease.
Collaborates with occupational health personnel on matters such as exposure management and immunization.
Participates in orientation programs and required annual education programs.
Develops or obtains educational materials and programs, as needed, for personnel, patients and visitors.
Provides education on hand hygiene, aseptic technique, infection prevention and control strategies, antiseptics and disinfectants, specific infectious diseases, and other related health care Issues.
Works with facilities management and other personnel to evaluate infection risks associated with renovation and construction projects and identify control measures.
Assists the organization to evaluate and maintain readiness for state, federal, and accrediting agency surveys.