Infection Preventionist

CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health. With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

Job Summary The Infection Preventionist – Centralized Surveillance role provides remote support to CommonSpirit Health facilities. This role will collaborate with facility infection prevention leadership in surveillance related activities that are reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The purpose of this role ensures accurate reporting of hospital acquired and community onset infections to meet State and Federal reporting mandates, which in turn decreases financial penalties due to inaccurate or delayed reporting.

• Essential Key Responsibilites Performs centralized surveillance and reports healthcare acquired infection (HAI) data to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) in collaboration with assigned facilities.
• Collaborates with fellow centralized surveillance staff to validate HAI events.
• Communicates with facility Infection Preventionist routinely to verify NHSN case identification and facility specific data.
• Participates in validation and implementation of any new electronic medical records and/or surveillance programs when needed.
• Assists in optimization of electronic surveillance systems including workflow and program structure. ● Strategizes performance improvement initiatives that promote consistency in adoption and improved patient outcome.
• Stays current on NHSN definitions and changes to reporting requirements.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related healthcare field (e.g.  Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health) with minimum of  three (3) years’ experience in acute care and Infection Prevention.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HAI definitions and usability of the NHSN database required. 
• Experience in a multi facility system is preferred.

Required Licensure and Certifications 

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control by the Certification Board of infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities  and Training 

• Demonstrates exceptional ability to communicate  clearly, concisely, and accurately to varying  stakeholders without direct oversight. 
• Possess expertise in project management and performance improvement. 
• Highly adaptive and ability to manage multiple priorities. 
• Good leadership skills, with the ability to create a goal-oriented climate of teamwork, collaboration and  consistent achievement of objectives. 
• Proficiency in analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with ability to identify system vulnerabilities and develop and apply innovative solutions. 
• Skilled to conveying complex information clearly and concisely to all levels of staff and management. 
• Knowledge of relevant healthcare information technology.