What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Preventionist position at Houston Methodist?
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.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; 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.
- Coordinates with others for the investigation, identification, and, as deemed appropriate, follow-up 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 chain-of-command.
- 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. Self-motivated 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 all-inclusive; 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.
EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Must possess one of the following:
- ◊ Bachelor and/or Master's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or Public Health
- ◊ Bachelor's 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
