Infection Preventionist

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)•Sitka, AK

3d•$34 - $48•Hybrid

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); monitoring reportable conditions, educating employees about infection prevention; and developing health system policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection prevention and control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid/ Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and other nationally recognized agencies and evidence-based infection prevention and control practices. Ensures timely reporting of infection prevention and control measures and outcomes based on CMS requirements. The IP is responsible for providing infection prevention and control education to all areas of SEARHC. The IP assists in planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive consortium-wide infection prevention and control program. Sets goals based on risk assessments, evidence-based practices, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Conducts evidence-based research to determine appropriate actions by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Facilitates and supports the process of educating staff, patients, and visitors on matters of infection prevention and control. The IP works in collaboration with the entire Performance Improvement team and is cross trained to assist in the department’s needs. SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement. Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field of study (Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or similar).
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within 6 months of hire or when qualified to take the examination.
Basic Life Support (BLS) current within 3 months of hire, and biannually thereafter.
Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.
Minimum 3 years of acute care/infection control experience and/or data collection and performance improvement/risk management experience.
Experience with basic statistics and epidemiological principles.

Nice To Haves

Master’s in healthcare-related field (MPH, MSN) preferred.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.
Long-Term Care IPC experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for supporting the development, implementation, maintenance, and updating of the SEARHC Infection Prevention and Control Plan and Program in alignment with all IPC regulatory agencies and leading practices.
Appropriate policies and procedures are written, approved, and implemented that support the IPC program and initiatives using CDC, OSHA, FDA, TJC, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) guidelines.
Collects, trends, prepares, and maintains all infection control data and statistical reports and records, providing appropriate reports as needed to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies.
Provides support and resource assistance to all areas in the Consortium regarding infection prevention, control, and surveillance.
Serves as an expert for Infection Prevention and Control, staying abreast of the most current literature and leading practices; facilitates and promotes IPC education and training of all SEARHC staff, patients, families, and communities; maintains a strong working relationship with Public Health and other regional, state, and national entities to ensure up-to-date information is being distributed to SEARHC constituents.
Conducts new and annual employee IPC orientation and training.
Serves as a role model and liaison for IPC to others; strives to maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible teamwork.
Serves as a co-chair for the IPC committee and participates in other committees/teams as needed.
Travel is required to various sites within SEARHC to assess, educate, and train.
Other duties as assigned.