Infection Preventionist

Tenet Healthcare • Detroit, MI

3h • Onsite

About The Position

Under functional guidance of the Epidemiology Manager, participates in the development, education and maintenance of the DMC Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology programs. Responsibilities include surveillance utilizing epidemiological principles, infection prevention and control, and quality improvement in an effort to ensure high quality cost-effective health care and prevention of healthcare associated infections. Distributes findings from surveillance and other activities, policies/procedures, and regulatory guidelines and makes recommendations to appropriate individuals, committees, departments and units. Monitors appropriate implementation of isolation protocol and communicates with staff as appropriate. Assists with outbreak investigations in collaboration with the Epidemiology Manager and Corporate Director, Epidemiology; participates in the analysis for deviation from baseline standards. Acts as a hospital liaison with state and local health departments and other health care facilities by reporting and investigating communicable diseases. Collaborates with Occupational Health in exposure investigations and work restrictions. Consults with all departments on infection control issues and conducts education to staff as required to facilitate improved practice for patient safety. Specific education includes, but is not limited to, orientation to infection prevention and control, aseptic technique, standard and transmission based precautions, immunization, sharps injury prevention, hand hygiene, and equipment and environmental cleaning/disinfection/sterilization. Represents Epidemiology on related committees as assigned and acts as a resource for a safe environment including recommendations to problems impacting the safety of the Environment of Care for patients, personnel and visitors. Initiates continuous improvement programs related to infection prevention and control with respective physicians and healthcare workers as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Nursing or related field (i.e. Microbiology, Public Health) with knowledge of microbiology, infectious diseases and medical terminology, or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

• One year of Infection Prevention and Control experience preferred.
• Registered Nurse experience preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control and memberships in the Michigan Society of Infection Prevention and Control and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the development, education and maintenance of the DMC Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology programs.
• Conducts surveillance utilizing epidemiological principles, infection prevention and control, and quality improvement.
• Distributes findings from surveillance and other activities, policies/procedures, and regulatory guidelines and makes recommendations.
• Monitors appropriate implementation of isolation protocol and communicates with staff.
• Assists with outbreak investigations in collaboration with the Epidemiology Manager and Corporate Director, Epidemiology.
• Participates in the analysis for deviation from baseline standards.
• Acts as a hospital liaison with state and local health departments and other health care facilities by reporting and investigating communicable diseases.
• Collaborates with Occupational Health in exposure investigations and work restrictions.
• Consults with all departments on infection control issues.
• Conducts education to staff as required to facilitate improved practice for patient safety.
• Represents Epidemiology on related committees as assigned.
• Acts as a resource for a safe environment including recommendations to problems impacting the safety of the Environment of Care for patients, personnel and visitors.
• Initiates continuous improvement programs related to infection prevention and control with respective physicians and healthcare workers as appropriate.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance.

What This Job Offers

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