Infection Preventionist

at NorthShore University Health System in Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Accreditation Officer, contributes to the provision of high quality patient care by promoting and implementing infection prevention and control practices and compliance with regulatory agency requirements. Provides expert knowledge in infection control principles and practice.

REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS:

Designs and implements the organization's infection control surveillance program in collaboration with the Infection Control Committee; communicates findings to physicians, staff, and appropriate committees; implements appropriate action when necessary.

Serves as a resource to the organization in infection control principles, guidelines and regulatory standards; designs and implements orientation and ongoing education programs on infection control issues for hospital staff.

Ensures the organization meets regulatory and accrediting body infection prevention and control standards including The Joint Commission, AAAHC, IDPH, CMS, and OSHA.

Assists the organization in incorporating infection control principles into their policies and procedures. Collaborates will all disciplines and departments to develop and update area-specific policies and procedures pertinent to infection control principles.

Collaborates with the Infectious Disease Physicians to investigate infectious outbreaks; implements action plans as necessary.

Collaborates with the Illinois Public Health Department in the required reporting of infections and with Employee and Occupational Health Services to follow up on infections in hospital personnel.

Collaborates with Employee and Occupational Health Services to investigate staff exposure to communicable diseases. Contacts appropriate individuals so that timely actions can be initiated to limit the spread of infection.

Reviews laboratory information as appropriate to identify potential infections. Abstracts clinical information from respective data sources, analyzes data and reports to various audiences.

Inspects the environment including sterilization, sanitation and disinfection practices and observes personnel activities to detect infection hazards and evaluate compliance with Infection Control Committee standards; implements appropriate action when necessary.

Assists team members in identifying Infection Prevention and Control goals and develop a strategy to achieve.

Evaluates the quality of infection control activities on a regular basis; recommends changes as appropriate.

Responds to exposure inquiries, crises and emergencies as appropriate and in a timely manner to provide infection control exposure support when needed, 24/7.

Assures Infection Prevention and Control input into the evaluation of new products being considered by the organization.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

The leadership skills required to provide guidance and direction to others.

The analytical skills necessary to collect and analyze surveillance data, and to identify epidemiological variations in levels of disease and to develop prevention and control measures.

The written and verbal skills necessary to communicate in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner to all levels of the organization.

The ability to use a personal computer for the storage, manipulation and retrieval of data.

KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE/REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

The level of knowledge normally obtained through the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Epidemiology or a related field such as Medical Technology. Master's Degree preferred.

Experience in infection prevention and control preferred.

Association for Practitioners in Infection Control (APIC) training course or equivalent desired. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred and required within three years of hire.

Computer skills, process improvement methodology and basic statistical control knowledge required.

Knowledge of adult education principles required; knowledge of patient care practice strongly preferred.
What you will need:Benefits:
Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options, including Domestic Partner Coverage
Tuition Reimbursement
Free Parking at designated locations
Wellness Program Savings Plan
Health Savings Account Options
Retirement Options with Company Match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
Community Involvement Opportunities

EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.