Infection Preventionist
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Monthly Salary
Not Disclosed
Salary Not Disclosed
Vacancy
1 Vacancy
Job Description
At Houston Methodist the Infection Preventionist position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Control Program. This position is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. The Infection Preventionist position maintains a routine surveillance program of patients personnel and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients visitors or personnel throughout the institution. This position serves as member of the Infection Control Committee and promotes compliance with accreditation certification and regulatory requirement.
- Coordinates with others for the investigation identification and as deemed appropriate followup of contacts who are suspected or confirmed to have been exposed to relevant communicable diseases at Houston Methodist. (This activity shall include the notification of and follow through with the Employee Health Nurse when such contacts have involved Hospital personnel.)
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Uses national recognized definitions and best practice guidelines to maintain a practical surveillance program which incorporates the systematic and current review of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) significant communicable diseases and environmental events with potential impact to patient visitor and healthcare provider safety.
- Exercises sound clinical judgment discretion and initiative when performing medical record audits. Communicates identified quality or risk issues through departmental and hospital chainofcommand.
- Presents instructional material for orientations and continuing education relevant to infection prevention and control throughout the hospital.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Routinely conducts infection prevention process surveillance to identify potential process deficiencies which may impact patient safety and lead to HAIs.
- Recognizes and investigates clusters of infections communicates the investigation results through appropriate channels and facilitates the implementation of interventions to prevent future infections. Supports facility construction planning and collaborates with construction through Infection Control Risk Assessment activities. Escalates safety and infection control issues in a timely fashion.
- Contributes to the evaluation (at least annually) and documents the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program Plan. Facilitates (at least annually) the revision of the Infection Control Program Plan to include new goals and measures as deemed appropriate based on a concurrent risk assessment. Develops and revises policies and procedures to meet current practice standards.
- Communicates all pertinent information at timely intervals to the Director of Quality & Outcomes and Medical Director of Infection Control as appropriate. Responsible for reporting mandatory Infections data to the national databases local health authorities and other regulatory organizations as necessary. Maintains patient and physician confidentiality. Participates in hospital survey preparation and onsite survey activity.
- Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Collaborates with other departments to monitor use of resources related to infection prevention. Participates in cost reduction efforts by making recommendations to mitigate risk of infection. Selfmotivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Facilitates and coordinates efforts aimed at implementing new standards as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies; including implementation of new or improved policies and procedures related to infection prevention.
- Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention.
This job description is not intended to be allinclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
- Must possess one of the following:
- Bachelor and/or Masters degree in Nursing Medical Technology Microbiology or Public Health
- Bachelors degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and CIC certification
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting
- Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred
- CIC Certified in Infection Control (CBIC) within 3 years AND
- RN Registered Nurse Texas State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure if Bachelor degree in Nursing within 60 days OR
- RNTemp Registered Nurse Temporary State Licensure if Bachelor degree in Nursing within 60 days OR
- MT Medical Technologist (ASCP) if Bachelor degree in Medical Technology also requires ASCPMT or Clinical Scientist (CS) OR
- MLS(ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP) if Bachelor degree in Medical Technology also requires ASCPMT or Clinical Scientist (CS) OR
- M(ASCP) Technologist in Microbiology (ASCP) if Bachelor degree in Microbiology also requires specialization in clinical microbiology and registry
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job determined through ongoing skills competency assessments and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients physicians family members and coworkers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions hospital surveillance and construction projects
- Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws regulatory and accreditation standards
- Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently
- Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform No
- Scrubs No
- Business professional Yes
- Other (department approved) No
ONCALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be oncall during emergencies (ie. DIsaster Severe Weather Events etc) regardless of selection below.
- On Call* Yes
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas (twoway tie) and one of Americas Best Hospitals. As a fullservice acutecare hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist it has evolved into one of the nations largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodists primary academic affiliates are among the nations leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New YorkPresbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds 85 operating rooms and more than 8400 employees Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women minorities disabled persons and veterans.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.
Employment Type
Full Time
