Sr Infection Preventionist

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that's served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It's our passion.

Primary Purpose

The Senior Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for performing advanced work for Parkland Health System in the area of infection prevention and control and risk identification, assessment and response and assists the department Director and Manager in mentoring, guiding, and supporting their Infection Prevention colleagues and others both within and external to the Quality and Safety Operations (QSO) division. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the collection, analysis, and provision of actionable data related to hospital associated infections; serve as subject matter expert, resource, facilitator, and/or consultant regarding all matters that relate to infection prevention and control across the Parkland care continuum; ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory standards, professionally recognized standards of care and best practices related to the surveillance, prevention, and control of infections throughout the Parkland Health. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission and values.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Requires bachelor's degree in healthcare or healthcare related field

Experience

• Must have a minimum of four (4) years of experience as an Infection Preventionist in related healthcare field to include two (2) years in an acute care hospital setting

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC).
• For RNs: Must have current, unrestricted RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing or have a valid Compact RN license, or ability to obtain within 90-days of hire.
• For Medical Technologist: Must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) by one of the following:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Department of Health Services (HHS - Formerly HEW)
• American Medical Technologist (AMT)

• Must have current CPR course (Healthcare Provider course for RNs; Heartsaver Course for non-RNs) completion card from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must have advanced knowledge in epidemiology of infectious diseases, disinfection and sterilization, and data analysis and work autonomously in the areas of infection surveillance, consultation, policy development, research, and education.
• Must be knowledgeable about applicable Joint Commission standards, Texas Department of Health licensure requirements, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations, as well as state, county and professionally recognized standards related to infection control.
• Must be skilled in utilization of surveillance software for collection, analysis, and reporting of healthcare associated infections outlined in the program plan.
• Must demonstrate knowledge in National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting and data analysis and interpretation.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software.
• Must be able to demonstrate exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated and self-learning.
• Functions as a resource for and mentor to infection prevention colleagues.
• Demonstrates understanding of High Reliability Principles through use of tools and behaviors that promote patient safety within a wide range of infection prevention and control functions.
• For RNs only: Provide care to assigned patient populations in accordance with current State of Texas Nurse Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care, and clinical area specific standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs ongoing surveillance through patient chart reviews and laboratory reports for evidence of HAIs, BSIs, SSIs, and any identified clusters or trends using National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) definitions and electronic surveillance system to provide consistency and allow for benchmarking. Accurately submits reportable diseases to the appropriate public health departments and responds to public health department inquiries as requested.
• Analyzes data to recognize potentially important relationships or patterns of infection and to detect significant variations in processes or outcomes.
• Identifies outbreaks or clusters of epidemiologically linked infections. Plans investigation in conjunction with Director, Manager, and Medical Director to identify risk factors, potential sources, and modes of transmission. Develops and implements interventions and measures effectiveness. Arranges necessary laboratory support with management. Communicates findings to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and Parkland Management.
• Assists in monitoring compliance with the Joint Commission, CMS CoP, and State and Federal regulations. Initiates, works with, and facilitates multi-disciplinary groups including medical staff, clinical and support departments to prepare for regulatory surveys in order to ensure Parkland operations meet infection prevention guidelines, standards, and evidence-based practices. Research and develop infection prevention and control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements, nationally recognized infection prevention guidelines, and recognized best practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and other entities. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
• Works with appropriate departments and committees to develop interventions, including necessary modifications of protocols and procedures. Measures effectiveness of activities to ensure optimal infection control practices. Serves as a department liaison to individuals, programs, committees, functions, facilities, agencies, and associations.
• Assists divisions in developing specific goals aimed at improving safety and outcomes as applied to infection prevention and control.
• Independently reviews constructions plans and designs with completion of Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs), as needed. Coordinate programs to evaluate and monitor sterile and aseptic techniques, cleaning procedures, and sterilization processes.
• Specialize in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting infection risk-reduction strategies and interventions through collaboration with all levels of health system personnel.
• Coordinate initial and ongoing department specific and facility-wide education programs including patient and family education related to infection prevention and control.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field through seminars/workshops, professional journals and peer reviewed studies, actively participating in professional organization(s), and maintaining certification and licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Utilizes appropriate change models and incorporates High-Reliability Universal Skills for all infection prevention-related process improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Mentor and train Infection Preventionist with surveillance, epidemiology, regulatory requirements, risk stratification and interventions, statistical analysis, policy and procedures, and other responsibilities as defined by the department manager and director.
• Performs related duties, as assigned, which may include periodic responsibility for responding to urgent infection prevention questions and consultation after regular business hours or on weekends/holidays.
• Assume other duties at the discretion of the Manger and Director, which may include chairing committees, assisting with the development of new infection prevention services/training, and participating with all levels of the Department of Public Health and health system on emerging issues.

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees' wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.