Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

Job Description
Infection Preventionist works in collaboration with the Laboratory Medical Director, Employee Health Services, and the Infection Control Committee. Develops, implements, evaluates, and coordinates infection control activities for the Health System.

Department: Infection Prevention

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Pay based on applicable experience; starting at $30.56

Responsibilities
Attends and participates in education conferences, seminars, and workshops related to area of infection control practices., Collaborates on review of microbiological data with laboratory and advises appropriate personnel of significant findings., Conducts, utilizes and supports research activities and quality improvement studies related to care of patients for the purpose of improving clinical, fiscal and customer satisfaction outcomes., Develops and conducts in-service education programs for Health System personnel and community agencies/individuals (as requested) to improve knowledge and practice of infection control., Effectively coordinates schedule and assignments in order to assure maximum productivity, efficiency, and meet deadlines and commitment to customers including patients, and other members of the health care team., Ensures that all system policies and procedures related to infection control and surveillance issues are maintained and continuously updated to be in compliance with existing and updated state and federal guidelines (including but not limited to OSHA and EPA)., Keeps accurate records of all ongoing epidemiological programs, surveys, and problems. Investigates unusual infections or clusters of infections and analyzes and reports significant findings., Maintains records of preexisting and health care acquired infections as applicable to clinical settings., Manages and coordinates the Infection Control Program for the system in collaboration with other members of the Health System's various departments and points of service., Notifies primary care providers of patients exposed to an infectious/communicable disease while hospitalized., Performs an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of Infection Control Plan including the processes, surveillance, outcomes, goals and objectives and reports to the Infection Control Committee and Administrative Team., Performs system-wide surveillance activities in order to document findings and improvements in accordance with The Joint Commission and other regulatory guidelines. , Prepares monthly infection surveillance reports and submits findings to the Infection Control Committee and Administration., Regularly reviews sterilization and disinfection methods practiced in all areas of the system and makes recommendations for improvements as needed., Reports all required findings to the appropriate regulatory agency., Reports and provides information required by the county or state health departments, the Center for Disease Control, or other regulatory bodies., Serves as consultant to the correct use of isolation and infection control techniques as defined by CDC Guidelines and other regulatory agencies., Serves as infection control consultant, data collector, and analyst and change agent for the Health System and community (as requested and needed)., Serves as infection control liaison between departments, with the medical staff, with Administration and with the Infection Control Committee in the assurance of compliance with standards, guidelines and policies by all departments with the Health System. Assists in the management and follow-up of compliance issues. Serves as consultant to Committee to communicate new information, trends and/or other pertinent information, which may be directly related to the individual in this position for the Health System., Serves as resource and/or consultant to members within the system and community on matters relating to infection control assessment, prevention and control strategies., Works with members of the community and health care team to develop and align policies and procedures, manage activities and educate individuals both internally and externally about infection risk, prevention and control., Works with the Director of Facilities Services to monitor compliance with collection, storage and disposal of potentially infectious medical waste (PIMW).

Requirements:
ADN (Required)

BLS or CPR certification within 90 days of hire. - Sarah Bush Lincoln, RN-Registered Nurse - State of Illinois