Infection Preventionist

Methodist Health System•Dallas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Your Job: In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide the very best care for our patients. The Infection Preventionist performs surveillance, education, consultation, data analysis, aggregation and reporting of infection or risk of infection. Identifies and reduces the risk of infection. Supports the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of Methodist Health System. This position is responsible for supporting and coordinating, the infection prevention and control program for Methodist Dallas Medical Center, including departments on the Golden Cross campus and any other offsite departments. Three principal goals include: protecting the patient; protecting the healthcare worker, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment; and accomplishing this in a cost-effective manner (whenever possible). Always evaluating educational needs and training for the hospital and medical staff related to infection prevention and control. All programs will be conducted in accordance with system philosophy, objectives, policy and procedures, Joint Commission standards, regulatory requirements and professional standards.

Requirements

Registered Nurse with current Texas license in good standing
Computer literacy required (advanced Excel, Access, basic word processing or similar capabilities).
Work Experience: 2 years' experience participating in a hospital based infection prevention & control program consisting of surveillance, education of staff, data analysis and aggregation consistent epidemiological practices
Knowledge and practice of performance improvement processes
Knowledge of state, national and other regulatory bodies' standards
Proficiency in database management
Strong biostatistics knowledge and application of appropriate statistical methods and analysis
Communicate clearly and openly
Build relationships to promote a collaborative environment
Be accountable for your performance
Always look for ways to improve the patient experience
Take initiative for your professional growth
Be engaged and eager to build a winning team

Nice To Haves

Certification as Infection Prevention (CIC) preferred

Responsibilities

Reports critical data and information, including surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), using a well-designed surveillance program that is based on sound epidemiological principles.
Supports a culture of targeting zero healthcare associated infections and works to reduce non-compliance with best practices as part of the patient safety program.
Complies with regulations, guidelines, and accreditation requirements.
Provides external and internal reporting of infection data, including infection rates, reportable conditions, and other infection information as needed.
Coordinates to develop and implements policies and procedures, based on scientifically valid infection prevention and control measures that have a positive impact on the process and prevention of HAIs.
Considers both clinical outcomes and financial implications when making recommendations for changes in practice.
Intervenes directly and indirectly to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Provides consultation by providing current information on infection prevention and control.
Collaborates with other departments in ensuring that findings, recommendation, and policies are integrated and useful in those departments.
Makes regular rounds and maintains a continuous record of each infection noted.
Investigates and reports all epidemics, trends or unusual infections identified to the department manager and others as appropriate.
Identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators, process and outcome measures, other findings and/or observations.
Participates and contributes in the organization’s quality improvement plan.
Enhances professional growth and development and routinely assesses the educational needs of staff and customers.