Job Description

Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist uses current epidemiologic principles to develop and implement key infection prevention strategies and to conduct surveillance for healthcare associated infections and outbreak investigations. The Infection Preventionist uses relevant data, epidemiologic methods and appropriate external resources to align the Annual Infection Control and Prevention plan with organizational strategic priorities.

Education/Training

• • • • Licensed Practical or Registered Nursing License is required
      • Certification in Infection Control is preferred

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and implements surveillance systems that are based on hospital priorities, regulatory requirements and department goals.
• Conducts surveillance using definitions and methodologies from the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network to appropriately evaluate individual cases and trends and to meet Corporate, local and federal reporting requirements.
• Analyzes surveillance data using appropriate epidemiologic methods to determine incidence and prevalence patterns and prevention program effectiveness.
• Communicates surveillance findings with recommendations to appropriate individuals, departments, units and committees using ad hoc and routine reporting structures.
• Identifies and participates in outbreak investigations, assisting in the design of complex studies and collaborating with the local state/state health departments as needed.
• Develops reviews and revises infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
• Implements infection control strategies related to personnel behavior, isolation placements for patients, cleaning and disinfection of equipment and reduction of environmental hazards related to construction, ventilation systems and water supply.
• Collaborates with public health agencies in planning community responses to biologic agents (e.g. anthrax, influenza and/or influx of communicable diseases).
• Oversees the communicable disease component of the Occupational Health program to insure compliance with the CDC recommended screening and immunization guidelines. Collaborates with Occupational Health staff to plan and conduct post exposure investigation and follow up.
• Develops, presents and evaluates educational programs using appropriate format and technologies to reach large and small diverse populations.