Infection Preventionist

Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist (IP) helps to plan, coordinate and implement a hospital-wide program for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. The IP performs daily infection prevention and control surveillance activities.  They monitor infection control practices in all hospital departments and collaborate with the frontline staff to enhance infection control practices. They develop policies and procedures to protect patients and staff from nosocomial infections. The IP educates hospital staff at all levels concerning infection prevention and control and work with Occupational Health to investigate cases of employee infection and exposures. They also report infectious disease cases to RI Department of Health.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviews daily list of patient admissions for diagnoses indicative of infectious disease and/or nosocomial infection.
• Reviews all microbiology/lab reports daily and enters appropriate information in computer.
• Conducts patient surveillance rounds on nursing units.
• Performs retrospective chart review in the electronic medical record for documentation regarding healthcare acquired l infections and for special studies.
• Provides input and education of employees regarding infection prevention and control.
• Consults with physicians and/or nursing staff regarding patient infections.
• Reports infectious disease cases to RI Department of Health.
• Supports hospital-wide infection prevention regulatory preparedness activities, including surveys performed by The Joint Commission (TJC), state health department, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
• Collaborates with Occupational Health for investigation of Employee infections/exposures.
• Investigates suspected outbreaks, clusters and provides exposure management
• Develops, reviews, revises, and implements policies and procedures.
• Analyzes trends and interprets data to identify risks and opportunities for prevention.
• Independently and routinely performs Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) for construction and maintenance projects.
• Keeps informed of current techniques and practice in the field.
• Participates in on-call rotation.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Required, Master's Degree Preferred; Field of study: nursing, medical technology or other healthcare related.
• Minimum 5 to 7 Years of healthcare experience preferred. Experience in infection prevention or infection control related activities required. 
• Rhode Island Registered Nurse (RN) licensure required for individuals with a nursing degree.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) highly preferred and strongly encouraged to achieve within two years.
• Advanced knowledge in aseptic techniques and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Knowledge and thorough understanding of general cleaning, sanitation, waste management, and sterilization techniques.
• Knowledge of hospital nursing practices, surgical nursing techniques, medical terminology, and applied mathematics as they relate to infection prevention activities.
• Proficient in use of computers and Microsoft Office programs.
• Skilled in data collection and management.
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

About Us

Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.

Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status

Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.