Infection Prevention Specialist - Selby Infection Prevention - Salary presso MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Description

In an environment of continuous quality improvement, the Infection Prevention Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of facility-wide infection surveillance, prevention, and control policies and procedures that adhere to nationally recognized guidelines along with all documentation, written or electronic, of the infection prevention and control program and its surveillance, prevention, and control activities. This position is also responsible for communication and collaboration with the hospital’s QAPI program on infection prevention and control issues as well as the communication and collaboration with the antibiotic stewardship program on top of the prevention and control of HAIs, including auditing of adherence to infection prevention and control policies and procedures by hospital personnel.  Additionally, the Infection Prevention Specialist is responsible for competency-based training and education of hospital personnel and staff, including medical staff, and, as applicable, personnel providing contracted services in the hospital, on the practical applications of infection prevention and control guidelines, policies and procedures. Exhibits the MHS Standards of Excellence and exercises strict confidentiality at all times.

Job Functions:

The Infection Prevention Specialist’s responsibility for measures to identify, investigate, report, prevent and control infections and communicable diseases include the following activities:

1. Maintenance of a sanitary hospital environment.
2. Development and implementation of infection control measures related to hospital personnel; hospital staff, for infection control purposes, includes all hospital staff, contract workers (e.g., agency nurses, housekeeping staff, etc.), and volunteers.
3. Mitigation of risks associated with patient infections present upon admission.
4. Mitigation of risks contributing to healthcare-associated infections.
5. Active surveillance.
6. Monitoring compliance with all policies, procedures, protocols and other infection control program requirements.
7. Program evaluation and revision of the program, when indicated.
8. Coordination as required by law with federal, state, and local emergency preparedness and health authorities to address communicable disease threats, bioterrorism, and outbreaks.
9. Complying with the reportable disease requirements of the local health authority.
10. Frequent collaboration with persons administratively and clinically responsible for inpatient and outpatient departments and services, as well as, non-patient-care support staff, such as maintenance and housekeeping staff.
11. Calculating infection rates and coordinating/entering data into national benchmarking databases such as NHSN.
12. Introducing new evidence-based practices related to infection prevention and control.
13. Assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

Sistersville/Selby Additional Requirements:

1. Conducts surveillance of infection within the hospitals(s) and communicates findings as indicated. Reports actual or suspected infections to attending physician, regulatory agencies, and other parties as indicated.
2. Coordinates infection control education with staff; medical staff; and volunteers.
3. Collaborates with Sterile Processing manager in ensuring compliance with the sterile processing procedures.
4. Oversees compliance with Exposure Control plan and infection practices utilizing national standards/guidelines of the CDC, APIC, ODH, WVDHHR, OFFLAC and other regulatory bodies.
5. Introduces new concepts related to infection prevention and control
6. Maintain records of all patients with infections and communicable diseases.
7. Collaborate prevention and control of infections with persons administratively and clinically responsible for Inpatient and Outpatient services, as well as non-patient care support staff to help mitigate risks of patient infections present on admission and contributing to hospital acquired infections.
8. Serve as internal consultant in prevention and control of infections
9. Assumes all other duties and responsibilities, as necessary.

Qualifications

Minimum Education/Experience Required:

• RN-BSN with active license in Ohio and West Virginia required; CIC certification within 24 months;  3-5 yrs clinical experience in a hospital setting.

Special Knowledge, Skills, Training:

• Knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infectious diseases.
• The individual must have the ability to instruct medical, nursing and ancillary personnel. 
• Must possess good verbal and written skills.

Compensation Details:  Education, experience, and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.
 

Benefits:  Memorial Health System is proud to offer an affordable, comprehensive benefit package to all full time and flex time employees.  To learn more about the many benefits we offer, please visit our website at www.mhsystem.org/benefits.

Bonus Eligibility:  Available to qualifying full or flex time employees. Eligibility will be determined upon offer.

Memorial Health System is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].

* Memorial Health System is a federal drug-free workplace.  This policy prohibits marijuana use by employees.