Job Description Summary
The Infection Preventionist (IP), reporting to the Infection Prevention Director, is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare-associated infections. This individual will create and deliver educational content and disseminate IPC best practices throughout the system of care, collaborating with individual staff, providers, and teams to ensure compliance with all applicable IPC standards. The IP also assesses, designs, presents, coordinates, and evaluates system-wide Infection Prevention educational programs, in-services, and orientation for staff organization-wide to maintain a safe and healthy environment. The position requires knowledge of disease processes or diagnosis, and contact and/or education provided to patients and families may be indicated. Certification in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology or attainment within 2 years after employment is required.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Works with IP team to:
1. Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.
2. Utilize epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations.
3. Develop an annual surveillance plan and risk assessment based on the population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data.
4. Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary.
5. Assist with the development and implementation of Infection Prevention policies and protocols.
6. Communicate Infection Prevention policies and protocols.
7. Communicate Infection Prevention information and data to various committees and healthcare workers across the organization as assigned.
8. Coordinate and monitor compliance with current CMS, CDC, OSHA, and local regulations, guidelines, and standards of practice concerning infection control and facilitate related training and education programs.
9. Consult on the evaluation of products and procedures.
2. Designs and delivers education in collaboration with the Infection Prevention Director:
1. Perform an annual educational needs assessment for areas of responsibility.
2. Develop individualized orientation and annual programs and tools for all staff members within the organization.
3. Develop unit-based/service-based educational programs based on needs assessment.
4. Coordinate policy and procedure in-services on all shifts, as indicated.
5. Respond to and maintain a flexible approach to newly identified educational needs.
6. Act as an expert Infection Prevention educational liaison to the organization to optimize the effectiveness of care in achieving the desired outcomes.
7. Assess and address Infection Prevention learning needs of staff and associates.
8. Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology.
9. Present educational information at orientation and on an as-needed basis.
10. Work with CPDS team to create education plans based on the learning needs assessment.
11. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes.
12. Guide or participate in the education of patients and families in relation to infections and risk reduction strategies.
3. Regulatory Requirements:
1. Remain current on Infection Prevention regulatory and accreditation standards.
2. Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.
3. Facilitate and assist in auditing for compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
4. Performance Improvement/Quality Management:
1. Utilize QM methodology as a means of enacting change.
2. Monitor, audit, and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness and sustainability.
3. Participate in QM committees, teams, and initiatives as indicated.
5. Employee Health Services:
1. Review Employee Health policies and procedures related to IPC.
2. Assess risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease.
3. Understand work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure.
6. Professional Accountability:
1. Pursue professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills.
2. Obtain and maintain certification and licensure requirements.
3. Establish at least one professional goal per year.
4. Advocate for patient safety, healthcare worker safety, quality, and safe practices.
5. Participate in an Infection Prevention professional organization/association (APIC).
7. Collaboration:
1. Consult and collaborate, as needed, with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations.
2. Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure all stakeholder groups vet changes.
8. Leadership and Technology:
1. Utilize principles of influence, leadership, and change management.
2. Bring enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation to practice.
3. Work collaboratively with others, providing direction when necessary.
4. Readily share knowledge and expertise.
5. Contribute to the development of less-experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship.
6. Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations.
9. Research and Implementation Science:
1. Evaluate (critically) research and evidence-based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice.
2. Integrate evidence-based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols, and educational strategies.
3. Identify barriers for implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers.
4. Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback.
10. IPC Informatics:
1. Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology.
2. Collaborate with IT to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives.
11. Fiscal Responsibility:
1. Consider the financial/safety implications and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures.
2. Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy.
3. Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports.
12. Technology and Learning:
1. Participate in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.
2. Embrace technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, or related science.
2. Current license in MA.
3. Completion of a basic training program for infection prevention/control that includes on-the-job training and formal education and professional development in Infection Prevention.
4. Certification in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology or attainment within 2 years after employment.
Required Licenses / Registrations:
RN - Registered Nurse
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Analytical
2. Problem Solving
3. Collaboration
4. Strong oral and written communication skills
5. Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines
6. Conflict resolution
7. Program and project management
8. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
9. Commitment to adult learner education as a methodology for promoting continuous quality improvement in the delivery of patient care and services
10. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of pertinent computer software (EPIC preferred). Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation.
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