Infection Preventionist, Piedmont Healthcare

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for leading and driving safety and quality performance improvement initiatives to address trends and deficiencies in Infection Prevention as identified by the Surveillance and Analysis team and set by PHC QSS. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in the reduction of infections through use of Lean methodology, coaching, tools, data analysis, reliability, sustainability and spread. Manages and supports a portfolio of strategic projects using the performance improvement model. Ensures all performance improvement activities are in compliance with regulatory and accreditation bodies.

Key Responsibilities
Acts as subject matter expert and resource to entities regarding infection prevention and control measures, including identification of infectious disease processes.
Performs healthcare associated infections surveillance through collection, review, analysis and interpretation of data from various sources.
Implements and ensures compliance of Infection Prevention policies, procedures, and guidelines (i.e. Hand Hygiene).
Identifies issues of epidemiological/infection prevention and control significance.
Applies an epidemiological approach to problem solving in leading improvement teams and delivers
guidance for the implementation of Evidence Based Medicine in quality initiatives and/or throughout the pathway program.
Provides consultation and expertise including prevention and control of the transmission of infectious disease, management of isolation patients, PPE usage, safe injection practices, disinfection, sterilization, environmental cleaning, facilities management (maintenance, renovation and construction), water management, evaluation of new products, such as hand sanitizer.
Maintains currency with CMS guidelines, hospital accreditation, and public health as it relates to infection prevention.
Is knowledgeable of blood-borne pathogens and OSHA standards, exposure control plan.
Participates with plant operations, engineering, and construction when completing Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) for projects.
Collaborates with employee health and safety to ensure best practice for employee health and exposures.
Educates, advises and consults with physicians, nurses, and healthcare personnel concerning infection prevention practices and delivers prepared staff education programs, including hospital orientations.
Provides patient and family education and assists other healthcare personnel to carry out such teachings as requested by clinical team.
Communicates effectively with executive and leadership teams at entities, and outside agencies regarding infection prevention practices.
Work with operational leaders to identify root causes and trends among healthcare associated infections.
Leads quarterly Infection Prevention Committee Meetings and communicates data and opportunities to appropriate staff.
Determines opportunities for improvement based on data analysis including activities to decrease healthcare associate infections and improve patient outcomes.
Works collaboratively with infectious disease physician(s) or Chair of Infection Prevention Committee.
Leads in the development and implementation of the annual infection control plan and risk assessment.
Assists and supports on infection prevention related education, projects, and presentation activities.
Participates in on-call and coverage assignments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a current license in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or

NLC/eNLC Multistate License OR Master’s degree in Microbiology, Public Heath, Biology, Epidemiology,

Medical Technology or other related science field.

Current License in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.