What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Prevention Specialist position at Valley Children's Healthcare?
Performs diverse functions using epidemiologic principles associated with the prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) surveillance, analysis, and interpretation and reporting of health care associated infections. Responsible for the detection and management (including investigation of clusters of healthcare associated events) and implementation of prevention measures; facilitating and providing ongoing education with both clinical and non-clinical staff, patients and families about infection prevention. Promotes high standards of Infection Prevention throughout the organization both on and off the Valley Children's Hospital campus and with the County, Public Health, State, and Federal public health officials.
Position DetailsAbout Us:
The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) department at Valley Children’s Hospital (VCH) coordinates a system-wide, evidence-based program meticulously designed to prevent and control the spread of community and hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) amongst patients and healthcare workers. IPC promotes a culture of health and safety by providing expert consultation and support to patient care delivery and VCH department operations through infectious disease reporting, epidemiologic surveillance, exposure response, environmental monitoring, staff education, infectious disease management recommendations, outbreak response, performance improvement and evaluating compliance for practices associated with the prevention and control of HAI’s. The department is designed for individuals who excel in effective communication, inter-departmental collaboration, analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, performance improvement activities, and project management in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. IPC is unique in the field of patient safety and quality of care, as it is universally relevant to every patient and healthcare worker at every healthcare interaction. Valley Children’s exemplary HAI rates are a testament to our dedication to safety and providing the highest quality of care to our patients.
Valley Children’s Healthcare - one of the largest pediatric healthcare networks in the nation - provides Central California’s only high-quality, comprehensive care exclusively for children, from before birth to young adulthood. With more than 670 physicians and 3,500 staff, Valley Children’s delivers high-quality, comprehensive care to more than 1.3 million children in our service area. Our network offers highly specialized medical and surgical services to care for children with conditions ranging from common to the highly complex at our 358-bed stand-alone children’s hospital that includes 28 regional NICU beds. Our family-centered, pediatric services extend from a leading pediatric cancer and blood disorders center home on the West Coast, and a pediatric heart center known for its expertise and pioneering treatments, to a Regional Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the highest level referral center between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. We participate in community initiatives, we support community efforts, we get involved where we can do the most good.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 3 years related experience
- Prior experience working in infection prevention in a hospital setting highly desirable
EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field required
- Master’s degree in Public health or related field and previous experience in infection prevention required if candidate does not possess an RN license
- Active CA Registered Nurse (RN) License required or Master’s degree in public health or related field and previous experience in infection prevention required
- Certified Infection Prevention Control & Epidemiology (CIC) Certification required within 24 months of hire or transfer into position
Have Questions?
Call Recruitment Services at 559-353-7071 or email us at recruiting@valleychildrens.orgDisclaimer: Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.
