Infection Preventionist

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The Infection Preventionist functions as a consultant, educator, role model, change agent and researcher at the assigned location/s. The Infection Control Preventionist develops, reviews and revises infection prevention and control policies and procedures in conjunction with departmental leaders to ensure alignment of current standards and guidelines. Ensure employees are educated and trained on these policies and procedures. The incumbent ensures oversight of the facility's compliance within the University's policies and procedures, state and federal regulations related to infection prevention and control.

Surveillance and monitoring

Participates in development of a surveillance plan based on the population served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data. Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary. Evaluate the presence of emerging pathogens/ infectious diseases circulating in the community. Collect and compile surveillance data. Abstract clinical data from various internal documentation sources and enters data into internal and external databases. Integrate regulatory requirements. Use standardized definitions for the identification and classification of events (i.e., healthcare-associated infection). Performs analysis and meaningful presentation of data. Report significant findings to key stakeholders. Use statistical techniques to describe data, calculate risk and establish benchmarks Monitor appropriate Use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Design and Deliver Education

Assess and address infection prevention learning needs of those served Collaborate in the development and delivery of educational programs (goal and objectives) and/or tools that relate to infection prevention, control, and epidemiology (i.e. Develops educational brochures and information sheets to better educate patients, visitors, and staff) Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes Advise personnel regarding infected or potentially infected patients concerning barrier requirements (isolation requirements), including when patients should be removed from isolation. Participate in education of public health alerts and disease prevention.

Regulatory Requirements

Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels. Facilitate compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Stay current on infection prevention and control regulatory and accreditation standards. Consult on infection risk assessments, prevention, and control strategies (including occupational health, construction, and emergency management).

Program Management

Collaborate in the development, implementation, and evaluation the organizational infection prevention program Conduct outbreak investigations Reviews and revises infection prevention and control policies and procedures in conjunction with departmental leaders to ensure alignment of current standards and guidelines. Determine resource needs to accomplish proposed goals and objectives. Translate evidence-based practices and research findings into routine practices Implement initiatives that maximize benefits and minimize barriers (workflow, space, or access to supplies) Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Performance Improvement

Participate in PI committees, teams and initiatives as indicated Evaluate the significance of findings and make recommendations for improvement based on those findings. Monitor and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability Utilize PI methodology as a means of enacting change Define the scope of the project and select appropriate PI tools to aid in efficiency, reliability, effectiveness and ensure sustainability of the initiative Monitor and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions.

Collaboration

Participate in environment of Care rounds. Collaborates with leadership to prepare data and formats and present reports to hospital-specific committees. Evaluates medical products and clinical procedures to optimize for infection control standards. Contributes to policy implementation, ensuring that staff are following proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures. Collaborate with departments, disciplines, and organizations to implement into practice pertinent regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and guidelines i.e., Infection Prevention issues in the environment of care (water management, construction and remodeling, temperature and humidity in critical areas, etc,) Collaborate, as needed, with local and state public health officials. Collaborate with community health organizations.

Leadership

Readily share knowledge and expertise. Serve as a role model and coach to both novice and experienced IPs. Contribute to the development of less experienced health care providers through education and mentorship Bring enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation to practice

Research

Disseminate relevant research findings through practice, education, and/or consultation (develop or revise policies guidelines, protocols, and relevant educational modules) Participate in IPC-related research independently and collaboratively with other professions and organizations. Publish and present research findings to assist in advancing the field.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Post secondary education in a health-related field including but not limited to microbiology, medicine, nursing, public health, epidemiology, laboratory technology, or relevant fields.

Certification in Infection Control

• Certified in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC).
• Certified in Infection Control, (CIC - preferred). If not fulfilled, required to attain CIC certification within 2 years after employment and maintain certification thereafter.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Analytical
• Problem solving
• Collaboration
• Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines
• Conflict resolution
• Program and project management
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation
• Leadership
• Familiar with software technologies

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

Patient safety is a top priority. As a result, during the Influenza ("the flu") season (September through April), the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine requires all employees who provide ongoing services to patients, work in a location (all Hospitals and clinics) where patient care is provided, or work in patient care or clinical care areas, to have an annual influenza vaccination. Failure to meet this requirement will result in rescinding or termination of employment.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:
Full time

Employee Type:
Staff

Pay Grade:
H11

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