Infection Preventionist - Full Time - Gaylord, MI

Description

Responsible for supporting the Infection Prevention Program for Munson Medical Center. Collaborates with System Director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, as well as hospital-wide leaders in the design and implementation of the infection prevention program. Ensures risk reduction through education, surveillance, reporting, control and prevention initiatives according to applicable state and federal regulatory requirements and accreditation standards for infection prevention. Performs risk assessments, makes recommendations, initiates action plans and facilitates ongoing evaluations to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infections and improve patient safety. Acts as a resource for current research, guidelines and expertise on infection prevention for the health system.

What You Need

• Bachelor of Science (Master's preferred) in a health-related field including: Nursing. Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or Medical Laboratory Science is required or must be obtained within 3 years of start date.
  
  
• Two to three years’ clinical experience in healthcare desirable.
  
  
• Must possess at least basic knowledge of statistics and medical microbiology.
  
  
• Board Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred; must be attained within two years of hire.

Day To Day

• Conducts routine surveillance to identify healthcare associated infections (HAIs); data analysis and reporting of HAIs; acts as a liaison between departments and facilitates process improvement activities relating to infection prevention and control issues; conducts epidemiological investigations of out breaks to identify causal associations, and develops methods of intervention; correlates microbiological data with clinical record; investigates and evaluates relationship of environmental factors to HAI.
  
  
• Promotes compliance with the requirements of regulatory and accrediting agencies including The Joint Commission, MI Department of Health, Grand Traverse County Health Department, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
  
  
• Examines data and studies situations to identify potential infection prevention risks; provides timely information regarding investigations to the department manager, epidemiologist, Vice-president of Quality and Safety infection control committee, and others as appropriate.
  
  
• Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of policies and procedures.
  
  
• Actively participates on committees and with activities related to reducing infection risk.
  
  
• Performs limited patient assessment to determine presence of infection and/or communicable disease.
  
  
• Conducts rounds on patient care areas serving as Infection Prevention resource to staff and conducting surveillance for infection prevention issues and concerns; seeks resolution as warranted. Provides information and consultation to staff and acts as specialist advisor in all matters relating to infection prevention and control. Provides support to physicians, clinicians and other staff in issues related to infection prevention
  
  
• Inspects construction and renovation sites to assess Infection Control risks and to assure compliance with infection prevention policies. Provides appropriate ICRA documentation.
  
  
• Is consulted for orders for cultures,for the initiation and discontinuation of precautions, and for appropriate laboratory tests to confirm or follow exposures or outbreaks, per established policy/procedure.
  
  
• Is self-directed in surveillance and receives direction for activity in other areas of infection prevention as delegated by the Infection Prevention Director and/or Medical Director of Infection Prevention, assists with investigation of outbreaks, occurrences, and sentinel events and processes according to policy.
  
  
• Conducts educational programs for medical, nursing, and support staff on infection prevention. Assists in identification of learning needs for associates in the areas of infection prevention.
  
  
• Collects, collates, and reports data specific to elements of care that impact patient safety/ regulatory requirements. Disseminates information to appropriate groups to promote continuous improvement of practices that impact patient safety. Supports and improves mechanisms for internal communication of patient safety related information.
  
  
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth and development by literature review, participation in professional organizations, and attendance at hospital sponsored lectures and infection prevention and control educational programs.