Summary

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for monitoring the hospital environment for appropriate infection control and prevention practices, for collecting and evaluating surveillance data for the preparation of necessary reports for various committees, and for assistance in educational programs related to infection control and prevention. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of infection control and prevention including outside regulatory agency requirements commensurate with education/experience.

• Ability to apply nursing knowledge and problem solving techniques.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with all levels of associates, management, and physicians.

• Ability to work without close supervision and to exercise independent judgment in a professional area.

• Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and maintain control of work flow.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Collects and analyzes data gathered from patients, associates, and environment to determine rates, percentages, and types of hospital acquired infections and reports to appropriate committee. Identifies outbreaks of infection, assesses and implements intervention activities.

• Assists in investigations of outbreaks, which may include arranging collection of specimens for microbiological sampling data from associates and collecting environmental clinical data.

• Monitors infection control and prevention practices within the hospital departments.Assures correct isolation procedures are practices.Submits communicable disease data to local and state health departments.

• Demonstrates initiative in professional development and continuing education.Assists in the professional development of others through guidance and teaching.

• Assists the Infection Prevention Director to plan, organize, implement, and control infection control and prevention operations to meet department goals and objectives with directing, coordinating, and developing IC & IP policies for Methodist.

• Understands, applies and supports departmental/hospital policies, procedures, and standards.Attends medical staff departmental and other hospital meetings as needed.

• Performs other job functions as requested or assigned.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.

• Must have good balance and coordination.

• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.

• The associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.

• Occasional invasive and non-invasive patient contact.

• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.

• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.

• Occasional travel to other facilities.