Infection Preventionist

Description

St. Croix Health is looking for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Infection Preventionist to join our Quality team! This position will work day shifts, Monday - Friday.   

This position is responsible for working with the Quality Team and leaders of departments throughout St. Croix Health to support quality/process improvement and infection prevention initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and monitor specified infections, performs targeted surveillance, outbreak investigations, and ad hoc projects as identified by the Antimicrobial Stewardship/Infection Prevention Committee (ASIP), CMO/Physician Leaders and the Quality Committee of the Board.
• Collect, monitor and maintain records and data pertinent to surveillance, via computer support (utilizing Center for Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation and investigation techniques).
• Make department rounds for the purpose of case definition, monitoring of infection control practices and other related patient care issues.
• Monitor for compliance with federal and state laws regarding Infection Control issues such as medical wastes, chemicals in the workplace, infectious disease exposures, and OSHA and NIOSH standards related to blood borne pathogens and respiratory pathogens.
• Act as a department liaison for Infection Control and as consultant for the facility to integrated Infection Control activities. (Includes both acute care and ambulatory settings of care.)
• Collaborate with appropriate representatives of other disciplines and agencies concerned with patient services to provide coordinated services to patients for the improvement of overall patient care.
• Assist with data collection, validation, and submission to mandated and voluntary entities, i.e. NHSN, RWHC, health insurance companies, etc. 
• Complete chart reviews for quality-of-care concerns.
• Provide infection prevention education to employees during orientation programs and continuing education programs regarding Infection Control techniques and Policies and Procedures.
• Provide cross-coverage for the employee health program and serves as a resource for policy development and questions.
• Assist and participate in the implementation of system regulatory standards, strategies, and survey readiness activities. 
• Assist with root cause analyses and performance improvement projects as assigned by the Director of Quality, including data collection, documentation, and implementation support.

* While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Requirements

Education & Licensure: 

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare/clinical field or business preferred
• Infection Prevention Certification, or obtained within two years of hire desired
• Current Wisconsin RN license preferred 

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse or Infection Preventionist
• Additional practice focused in the areas of quality improvement, patient safety, or infection prevention preferred

Competencies:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Strong computer skills
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Thorough knowledge of medical terminology
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with little direction and manage multiple demands and priorities
• Understanding of nosocomial infection definitions, chart review, functional understanding of sterilization, disinfection and sanitation
• Understanding of quality improvement tools

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times

 St. Croix Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact us at [email protected] or 800-828-3627.

St. Croix Health has been a healing force in the St. Croix Valley for over 103 years. We are a purpose-driven organization with a dedicated team committed to serving our patients and communities throughout the St. Croix Valley. This commitment is rooted in our mission, vision and values.  

Mission:  We help people live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

Vision:  To transform from quality sick care to quality well care that is sustainable and affordable.

Values:  People Centered, Trust, Innovation, and Growth.

Here at St. Croix Health we offer our employees with a robust benefits package that includes:

• Health, vision and dental insurance
• 403b retirement program with employer match
• Paid time off
• Short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance options
• Education reimbursement
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Wellbeing incentive program
• Free parking
• Employee prescription discount program

St. Croix Health is a not-for-profit healthcare system located in St. Croix Falls, WI dedicated to helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. St. Croix Health offers the services of 80+ providers and 20 specialties with five community clinics in Minnesota and Wisconsin all supported by a critical access hospital on the main campus in St. Croix Falls, just an hour northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Nestled in the bluffs of the St. Croix River Valley, St. Croix Falls is the ideal place to work, live and play.