Infection Preventionist

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for infection prevention and control components including conducting surveillance, assisting with investigations of outbreaks, education of team members and consultation with healthcare providers and other professionals. The role assists with identifying infection risks and implementation of preventive measures. Reports to the department leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts infection control surveillance and program activities. Performs healthcare acquired infections (HAI) prevention activities, including: Reviews daily microbiology and virology reports for culture results that may represent HAI (electronically or in manual format). Collaborates with all disciplines of healthcare professionals to drive performance improvement and impact on quality and patient safety. Participates in apparent cause analysis to identify modifiable risk factors and other infection prevention opportunities. Serves as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Conducts environmental rounds as assigned. Reviews patient charts for evidence of HAIs and applies National Health and Safety (NHSN) definitions to identify and report HAIs through the use of an electronic surveillance system, and documents appropriate information in patient electronic record. Assists with investigations of clusters of infections, outbreaks, unusual infections or exposures as these events arise and participates in epidemiologic studies as needed. Reviews construction plans and designs and completes infection control risk assessments (ICRAs) as needed. Reports "reportable diseases" to the appropriate public health departments and responds to public health department inquiries as needed. Provides education and consultation with healthcare providers (HCPs) through the following: Consults with HCPs to answer infection prevention and control questions or concerns from staff, patients, and/or families. Develops and conducts mandatory education as well as new employee orientation sessions, in-services and other educational sessions. Advises staff on appropriate isolation practices and use of personal protective equipment. Maintains compliance with regulatory requirements through the following: Assists with the review of infection prevention and control policies and procedures. Assists with risk assessments to identify gaps in infection prevention and control and areas of priority. Participates in accreditation and/or other regulatory readiness processes. Performs all other duties as assigned.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

Required Licenses and/or Certifications Current Virginia state license as a Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse holding a valid Compact State license. Will consider Medical Technologist or other licensed / certified healthcare professional with relevant work experience. Licensure / certification must be maintained.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required Education and Experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in nursing, microbiology, medical technology, or master's degree in public health. Minimum of two to three years of acute care hospital experience required. Preferred Education and Experience Three to five years of infection prevention and control experience strongly preferred. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills with health care professionals, both internal and external to the organization. Knowledge of epidemiological principles and infectious diseases a plus. Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking required. Demonstrates the ability to work under pressure, independently exercising sound judgment, discretion and initiatives. Intermediate proficiency in data collection, data management and reporting. Intermediate proficiency with office software (Microsoft) including word processing, spreadsheet and visual planning software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) Fundamental knowledge of surveillance and epidemiological data. Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong time management, organizational, solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism and work independently with minimal supervision. Able to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, be flexible and adaptable to change. Ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations/decisions based on data, convey complex or technical information in an easy-to-understand manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like. Potential for frequent exposure to communicable disease and moderately adverse working conditions due to performance of certain infection prevention and control activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

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Location:

Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughters •

Infection Prevention & Control Schedule:

Full-Time, Days, M-F