Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) leads and implements the system Infection Prevention Program at their respective site. This position is highly visible within the Advocate-Aurora hospital site and across the ambulatory/outpatient continuum, in which the primary goal is to support the Infection Prevention vision, to prevent pathways to infection and proactively manage infection risk across the care continuum.

Major Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with MS Director and AAH Surveillance team members to develop a site Infection Prevention Plan using a risk based approach to prevention and transmission of infections. Collaborates between the hospital based and ambulatory/outpatient infection prevention teams on issues related to infection prevention and surveillance. Shares resources as appropriate.
• Serves as a consultant to physicians, associates, patients, families and the community on issues regarding infection prevention and best practice principles for all levels of personnel, patient and visitor to provide pathways to prevent infections in the health care environment. Works collaboratively with nursing team to identify opportunities from an evidenced based perspective with new infection prevention products. Contributes to product innovation and evaluation.
• Effectively manages the sites in collaboration with departments/physicians transmission based isolation program. Identify strategies to improve health outcomes as it relates to preventing hospital acquired infections or transmission of infections. Participates in the completion of an annual site risk assessment for Infection Prevention, including identification of measurable goals. Performs annual TB risk assessments to accurately determine prevention control strategies to reduce the risk for TB acquisition or transmission among patients or health care workers.
• Demonstrates high visibility and accessibility through unit rounding and off site visits to detect gaps and/or deficiencies regarding infection prevention practices and the environment of care and to identify and address potentially unsafe practices. Makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds and assurance with National and or professional standards.
• Participates in investigations of unusual infection outbreaks in consultation with an infection Prevention physician, local and state health departments and when necessary in consultation with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Identifies exposures to communicable diseases and works with Employee Health, Managers, and physicians on post-exposure follow-up.
• Designs, implements, monitors and evaluates infection prevention programs using a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the practice of evidenced based guidelines and standards of care. Assists and supports the hospital/site hand hygiene program.
• Develops and/or reviews hospital or system policies and procedures using evidenced based practices with appropriate references. Participates in the identification of opportunities for cost saving initiatives.
• Participates in continuing education activities at the department, State and National Levels to promote personal growth and to maintain current knowledge based on the latest scientific research and evidence. Plans, organizes, develops and implements education programs using appropriate informational materials at appropriate level of understanding and need for associates, licensed independent practitioners and volunteers. Leads or actively participates in team development, achieving targets and in accomplishing department goals and objectives.
• Plans and chairs the infection prevention committee. Provides information to hospital committees and department managers to formulate changes in the policies, procedures and/or processes which could reduce the spread of infection.
• Ensure compliance of their respective site with all infection prevention requirements outlined by key regulatory agencies.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Infection Control (CIC) certification issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) or obtained within 2 years.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Health Science, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing or related field.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in infection control, nursing and/or medical technology including experience with patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, disinfection/sterilization, adult education, infectious diseases, program administration and epidemiology.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated self-directed, results-oriented and creative approach to organizational change.
• Exceptional communication skills sufficient to interact with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrates results in their ability to lead others through influence.
• Candidate must be able to perform various physical tasks with a high degree of proficiency, such as articulating, hearing, viewing, and walking throughout the hospital.
• Able to handle managing multiple priorities, and the ability to change course when unanticipated events arise.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Exposed to a normal office environment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally.
• May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste as well as blood and body fluids and communicable disease. Therefore, protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary.
• Must have functional vision, speech, and hearing.
• Position requires travel, may be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.