Infection Preventionist

FDIHB•Fort Defiance, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist develops, implements, and evaluates the FDIHB Infection Prevention and Control Program. This includes healthcare-acquired infections, Tuberculosis (TB) prevention and monitoring, and the exposure plan, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements. The role involves establishing and monitoring infection prevention and control policies and procedures, providing education to staff on infection control principles and trends, and serving as a consultant to various departments and professionals. The Infection Preventionist also conducts surveillance, performance improvement activities, environmental rounds, and assesses construction plans for compliance with infection control standards. Additionally, the role involves submitting mandatory reports, liaising with health departments, assisting with employee immunizations, and participating in quality improvement programs. The position requires the development and revision of the Infection Prevention and Control plan annually.

Requirements

Two (2) years of direct work experience or healthcare quality related experience.
Associates Degree in Nursing, Microbiology or healthcare related field.
Must obtain certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC preferred) within two (2) years from date of hire and maintain certification.
Must have a valid unrestricted insurable driver's license.
Resume and references are required.

Nice To Haves

CIC (Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology) preferred

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and evaluates the FDIHB Infection Prevention and Control Program, including healthcare acquired infection, Tuberculosis (TB) prevention and monitoring, and the exposure plan.
Ensures that the programs meet all regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Establishes and monitors infection prevention and control policies and procedures for the organization.
Provides infection prevention and control education to all staff on new hospital acquired infection trends as well as infection prevention and control principles including but not limited to the following: Hand hygiene, transmission based isolation procedures, and targeted education to high risk departments.
Provides new employee orientation and departmental specific orientation when requested throughout the organization.
Serves as an infection preventionist consultant to administrative and medical professionals, housekeeping, and allied health staff on infection prevention and control.
Provides consultation, guidance and assistance to staff regarding patient equipment, materials and supplies that have infection control implications.
Ensures FDIHB and NDHC utilize high quality equipment, materials and supplies to prevent infections.
Serves as the facilitator and is the subject matter expert for Infection Prevention and Control Committee.
Prepares surveillance and activities reports for the committee, the Executive Committee and the Governing Body.
Attends Navajo Area Infection Control meetings as FDIHB Representative.
Performs infection prevention and control surveillance to ensure clinical areas are meeting compliance with all infection prevention and control regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.
Conducts Performance Improvement activities to resolve infection prevention and control deficiencies.
Conducts FDIHB Environmental Rounds, and notifies supervisors of identified deficiencies, and provides follow-up reports on the deficiency.
Assesses and evaluates construction plans to ensure compliance with infection prevention and control standards to protect staff, patients and visitors.
Submits mandatory reports to applicable state and federal entities.
Serves as liaison to the state Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health divisions, Navajo Nation Department of Health, and Community Health Services.
Assists occupational health nurse by administering employee immunization during clinics and campaigns.
Participates in Quality Services Performance Improvement program by gathering, analyzing data and providing recommendations and evaluation as described by the Performance Improvement plan.
Provides quarterly and annual evaluations of the infection prevention and control plan.
Develops and revises the Infection Prevention and Control plan on an annual basis for approval by tribal governing bodies.
Notifies Director of Quality Services of infractions against standard operating policies and procedures that expose visitors, staff and patients to risk of infection or complications resulting from infections regardless of source.
Performs other duties as assigned.