An Epidemiologist collects information and investigates diseases, infections or other health problems that appear in a community. Analyzes data gathered from surveys, interviews, observations or samples, and reports findings. May direct studies of public health problems and advise on ways to prevent or treat problems or reduce risks.
Overview Corporate Infection Prevention Manager Full Time, 80
Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shifts Covenant Health Overview:
Covenant Health is the region's top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area's fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area's largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes "Best Employer" seven times.
Position Summary:
Responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare-associated infections. Leads and supervises the infection prevention teams at each of the Covenant Health facilities. Collaborates with facility and system stakeholders including administration, physicians, and others to develop a comprehensive infection prevention plan for Covenant Health. The manager, in collaboration with others, will be responsible for determining, organizing, and completing infection prevention functions that are completed centrally (e.g. reporting infections to required state entities, infection data reporting, and developing, editing, and promoting system infection prevention policies). Additionally, will be responsible for consulting on best practices to proactively prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Responsibilities Develops, implements, and evaluates the organizational annual plan for surveillance based on populations served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data. Utilizes epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations. Evaluates and modifies the surveillance plan as necessary and supervise facility infection preventionist in completing the surveillance plan. Gathers, analyzes, displays, and communicates infection prevention and control information and data for use by various committees and healthcare workers across the organization, as assigned. Responsible for the oversight of data entry into the NHSN database, including determination of mapping. Calculates infection rates using the CDC's recommended denominator data, prepares and presents reports for local facilities. Selects, trains, orients, and develops infection preventionists at the local level. Facilitates professional development of employees and is accountable for staff retention. Applies mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, rates, and proportions to practical situations. Works with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical tools for analysis and problem solving. Creates and interprets various charts and graphs to present data in understandable format. Available as an adhoc member of each local facilities infection prevention committee. Develops, creates, and edits system level infection prevention policies for approval by required administrative and governing personnel/bodies. Develops, organizes, and leads system infection prevention new employee orientation. Develops and maintains communications between nursing leaders, medical staff, and infection prevention. Conducts rounds on employees and completes employee evaluations and appraisals, as directed. Reports to public health regarding communicable diseases. Networks throughout the organization and in the community with the goal of exchanging knowledge and expertise. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact in a professional manner with customers across the system. Maintains current knowledge of CDC guidelines and recommendations for infection prevention/control and definitions of health care associated infections. Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Minimum Education:
Baccalaureate or Associate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or related field.
Minimum Experience:
Three (3) years' experience in designated specialty area.
Licensure Requirement:
If the applicant is a nurse, must have and maintain Tennessee State nursing licensure.
