Infection Preventionist (NBH)

Conifer Health Solutions•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

This position may qualify for a sign-on bonus. SUMMARY Collects and interprets surveillance data in a systematic fashion in order to influence improvement in rates of hospital-acquired infection. Facilitates infection prevention and control activities. Knowledgeable in the principles of state-of-the-art surveillance, prevention and control practices, and in compliance with federal, state and local standards. Completes established competencies for the position within designated introductory period. Other related duties as assigned. Responsibilities General Functions Integrates clinical findings, laboratory results and other diagnostic tests to determine the presence of infections utilizing the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System/National Healthcare Safety Network. Identifies need for infection control precautions in high-risk patients and assists with coordination and implementation of infection control precautions based on patient’s age and diagnosis specific needs. Conducts surveillance as assigned utilizing the tools and data best suited for the task. Assesses clusters of micro-organisms and conducts an epidemiological investigation of nosocomial outbreaks including implementation of control measures. Utilizes threshold data for the assessment of unit/specific/service specific infection rates and informs the director of any potential problems.  Identifies possible employee exposures to communicable diseases. Communicates with Employee Health and collaborates to assure thorough follow-up. Aggregates data and distributes appropriately Displays aggregated data in control chart format or run chart as applicable. Collaborates with appropriate departments/services, staff members, and physicians when appropriate. Demonstrates knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement principles and participates in Process Improvement Teams as assigned or requested. Serves as a resource to employees, medical staff, and patients as demonstrated by visibility and knowledge of issues. Assists in the development of infection control related policies, procedures and educational programs to comply with local, state, federal regulations, TJC standards and CDC/HICPAC guidelines and disseminates pertinent information as appropriate. Develops and maintains open lines of communication and positive working relationships with all departments/services and medical staff. Prioritizes projects to appropriately utilize time and supplies to conserve resources Utilized resources efficiently and effectively. Maintains safe environment Participates in Performance Improvement Activities

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Bachelors Degree in Public Health, Microbiology, or other related allied health sciences
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: 3 years experience in Epidemiology, Nursing, Medical Technology, Public Health or Infection Control
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: Registered as a Professional Nurse in the State of Texas or Medical Technologist or other related allied health professional.

Nice To Haves

PREFERRED EDUCATION: Masters Degree
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 5 years as Infection Control Practitioner or Director
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE: Certified in Infection Control by CBIC (Certification Board in Infection Control)

Responsibilities

Integrates clinical findings, laboratory results and other diagnostic tests to determine the presence of infections utilizing the criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System/National Healthcare Safety Network.
Identifies need for infection control precautions in high-risk patients and assists with coordination and implementation of infection control precautions based on patient’s age and diagnosis specific needs.
Conducts surveillance as assigned utilizing the tools and data best suited for the task.
Assesses clusters of micro-organisms and conducts an epidemiological investigation of nosocomial outbreaks including implementation of control measures.
Utilizes threshold data for the assessment of unit/specific/service specific infection rates and informs the director of any potential problems.
Identifies possible employee exposures to communicable diseases. Communicates with Employee Health and collaborates to assure thorough follow-up.
Aggregates data and distributes appropriately Displays aggregated data in control chart format or run chart as applicable.
Collaborates with appropriate departments/services, staff members, and physicians when appropriate.
Demonstrates knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement principles and participates in Process Improvement Teams as assigned or requested.
Serves as a resource to employees, medical staff, and patients as demonstrated by visibility and knowledge of issues.
Assists in the development of infection control related policies, procedures and educational programs to comply with local, state, federal regulations, TJC standards and CDC/HICPAC guidelines and disseminates pertinent information as appropriate.
Develops and maintains open lines of communication and positive working relationships with all departments/services and medical staff.
Prioritizes projects to appropriately utilize time and supplies to conserve resources Utilized resources efficiently and effectively.
Maintains safe environment Participates in Performance Improvement Activities