Infection Prevention Specialist

Type of Position:

Job Type:

Institution Name:

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education research and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position please click theApply link/button.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Departments Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• RN (BSN ) or Bachelors degree in Biology or Medical Technology
• 5 or more years of experience in a healthcare settingwith 2 or more years of experience in infection control/prevention
• Experience in managing multiple priorities projects and deadlines.
• Achievement of Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology required within 2 years of hire into this role
• Knowledge and experience in the areas of patient care practices microbiology asepsis disinfection/sterilization and infectious disease.
• Experience and skills in communication adult education program administration and computer skills.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel Word PowerPoint and Access.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance standards of various organizations/ agencies (TJC CMS ADH etc).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters in Public Health Nursing or Biology
• 5 or more years of experience in infection control/prevention.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology

Additional Information:

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks:

• Health: Medical Dental and Vision plans available for staff and family
• 11 paid Holidays in addition to Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy.

Additional Information:

Responsibilities:

• Utilizes effective prevention and control activities that are specific to the practice setting the population served and the continuum of care.
• Integrates surveillance findings into the organizations plan for improvement of practice and patient outcomes.
• Reviews analyzes and applies existing regulations standards and/or guidelines of applicable professional organizations and governmental agencies.
• Recommends new or revised practices or procedures based on currently accepted evidence-based infection prevention and control strategies.
• Reviews analyzes and applies pertinent information from current scientific literature and publications.
• Recognizes populations who are at high risk for infection to assess the status of patient care and implement effective infection control policies and procedures.
• Epidemiology Applies epidemiological principles and statistical methods including risk stratification to identify target populations analyze trends and risk factors and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Conducts surveillance and investigations by using epidemiologic principles.
• Uses appropriate statistical techniques to describe the data calculate rates and critically evaluate significance of findings.
• Uses a systematic approach to surveillance to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are consistent with the organizations goals and objectives.
• Participates in the development of the organizations surveillance plan based on the population(s) served services provided and previous surveillance data if available.
• Uses standardized definitions for the identification and classification of events indicators or outcomes.
• Analyzes data utilizing internal and external (if appropriate) benchmarks.
• Reports epidemiologically significant findings to appropriate customer.
• Participates in periodical evaluation of the effectiveness of the surveillance plan.
• Program Management and Evaluation Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of the infection control program appropriate to the practice setting.
• Participates in the periodical evaluation of the effectiveness of the infection control program.
• Seeks innovative ideas and improvements to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the infection control program.
• Incorporates JCAHO and CDC patient safety goals/guidelines into the infection control program.
• Provides leadership in improving and sustaining the quality of care in diverse or complex programs. Initiates interdisciplinary projects to improve organizational performance.
• Management of the Environment Assists in facilitating an environment that is safe supportive and free from harmful microorganisms that affect patients staff and visitors.
• Conducts rounds to monitor compliance with safety and infection control standards.
• Provides education opportunities to enhance dialogue and staff knowledge.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators process and outcome measures other findings and/or observations.
• Participates in the organizations multidisciplinary improvement strategies.
• Contributes epidemiologic skills to improvement processes.
• Establishes criteria for the Performance Improvement Plan for the infection control program.
• The Infection Prevention Specialist provides expert knowledge and guidance in epidemiology and infection prevention and control-related issues across all service and product lines.
• Maintains access to current information on infection prevention.
• Provides expertise regarding infections communicable diseases and epidemiological procedures to other clinical staff.
• Collaborates in the integration of pertinent regulatory requirements accreditation standards guidelines and current infection control practice into policies and procedures.
• Ensures that findings recommendations and policies of the infection control program are disseminated to appropriate individuals.
• Provides consultation to administration councils staff and managers on issues regarding infection prevention and control.
• Education/Career Development - Implements an educational plan to meet changing program or service needs for self and others.
• Maintains knowledge of current techniques trends and professional issues.
• Professional Accountability - I responsible for the development evaluation and improvement of his/her own practice in relations to the practice standards for infection control.
• Establishes and works toward professional goals and objective.
• Performs regular self-evaluations to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Actively participates in professional organizations.
• Provides expert knowledge and guidance as an educational resource for all employees.
• Acquires and maintains current knowledge and skills in the area of infection prevention and control and epidemiology.
• Achieves and maintains board certification in infection control.
• Advances his/her knowledge and skills through continuing education.
• Maintains a knowledge base of current infection prevention and control information through peer networking internet access published literature and professional meetings.
• Interacts with and assists the public in a professional and friendly manner as needed.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills; communicates accurate and complete information; maintains strict confidentiality when necessary.
• Demonstrates positive working relationships with co-workers management team and ancillary departments; follows the Core Concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care and the Basic Code of Conduct Guidelines.
• Assists internal and external stakeholders as needed with exceptional customer service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Information:

Required Documents to Apply:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background drug testing and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Constant Physical Activity:

Frequent Physical Activity:

Occasional Physical Activity:

Benefits Eligible: