What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Preventionist position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health?
Overview
The Infection Preventionist is trained in hospital epidemiology principles and is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of hospital acquired infections (HAI); educating employees about infection prevention; and the development of health system policies and procedures to insure rigorous infection control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other nationally organized agencies recommendations and requirements
* Direct infection prevention experience preferred
Responsibilities
Develops, reviews, and revises infection prevention policies and recommendations, in collaboration with other infection prevention staff and leaders. Works with assigned departments to incorporate infection prevention principles into local policies and procedures.
Participates in the development and presentation of orientation and education programs related to infection prevention and control for medical center personnel at all levels.
Coordinates and participates in the development and implementation of infection prevention and control programs and activities in assigned areas/departments, and monitors their effectiveness.
Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to improve infection prevention and control practices, and provides education to support implementation.
Participates in development of the Infection Prevention and Control plan, and assists with medical center-wide implementation and education.
Provides consultation to individuals and departments regarding infection prevention and control problems or questions and conducts outbreak and/or case investigations.
Reviews laboratory reports and clinical data to identify and record healthcare associated infections that have been selected for ongoing surveillance. Applies definitions provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or as modified by the Infection Prevention program. Collects and records additional information to enable data analysis for trends, unusual clusters or outbreaks.
Participates in analysis of healthcare-associated infection data, and in the development and dissemination of feedback.
Works with public health personnel to assure coordinated services for the prevention and control of infection, and assists public health authorities in the investigation of reportable infections.
Works with Occupational Health and Environmental Safety to promote infection prevention and respond to potential exposures among personnel and patients.
Understands and communicates current Joint Commission, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other regulatory requirements which relate to Infection Prevention and Control, and prepares for and participates in all surveys.
Maintains records of all infection prevention activities, including consultations and outbreak investigations. Develops, modifies, and uses templates for record keeping.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in a hospital setting required.
Master’s degree preferred.
Practical knowledge of epidemiology and basic infectious disease principles required.
Demonstrates and utilizes a comprehensive understanding of the theory and principles of clinical infection prevention and control, and stays current on new evidence-based guidelines and major changes in the field.
Infection prevention experience preferred.
Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and FileMaker knowledge required.
Demonstrated excellent written, oral and presentation skills with active and respectful listening skills desired.
Demonstrated ability to interface collaboratively and effectively with physicians, administrators, nurses, other staff and students, representatives of regulatory bodies, consultants, and patients.
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