Registered Nurse - Healthcare Epidemiologist

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

UW Medical Center-Montlake - Center for Clinical Excellence has an outstanding opportunity for a Healthcare Epidemiologist. This position plays a key role in shaping clinical practice at a magnet-designated medical center and oversees the Infection Prevention program plans for various areas including Catheter-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection, Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection, Environment of Care, and Highly Pathogenic Disease Programs.

Requirements

BSN / Bachelor's Degree in Nursing; applicable experience may substitute for education.
Active licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in Washington State.
6 years of acute care nursing experience.
2 years of clinical leadership experience.
Familiarity with QI methods and tools.

Nice To Haves

A Certification in Infection Control is desirable, but not required at time of hire.

Responsibilities

Investigates hospital acquired infections and exposures.
Serves as a consultant and advisor to personnel at all levels for infection prevention epidemiology.
Consults and advises on patient care issues, equipment evaluation, construction activities and management, disposal of infectious waste, and other infection prevention activities.
Reviews quality and safety indicators to identify trends and make recommendations for process improvement implementations.
Makes regular rounds to interact with healthcare teams.
Educates and coaches staff to promote approved practices, with a goal of reducing the transmission of healthcare acquired infections.
Develops and maintains relationships with patient care staff and managers, faculty, and administrative staff.
Guides analyses and presentation of healthcare-associated infection surveillance results.
Collaborates with hospital leaders, faculty and staff to identify ongoing care concerns and quality of care issues.
Monitors compliance with state, local and federal requirements and participates in regulatory and accreditation activities related to infection control.
Investigates and reports HAI through National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) as required by CMS and state law.
Acts as a liaison with public health for infection control and exposure issues and assist in epidemiologic investigations of suspected outbreaks.
Provides 24-hour coverage for the University of Washington Medical Center in conjunction with other members of the Infection Prevention and Epidemiology team.