Infection Preventionist Job Details | HHC

Division: Eskenazi Health

Sub-Division: Hospital

Req ID: 23074

Schedule : Full Time

Shift : Days

Eskenazi Health serves as the public hospital division of the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services at the 327-bed hospital and outpatient facilities both on and off of the Eskenazi Health downtown campus as well as at 10 Eskenazi Health Center sites located throughout Indianapolis.

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Role Summary

The Infection Preventionist conducts assigned surveillance of infection activities according to the Infection Prevention and Control Plan and NHSN Surveillance Definitions. This position conducts in-services/presentations of infection control related topics for hospital and medical staff, as well as health occupation students and volunteers, according to identified needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Infection Prevention Surveillance Activities:

• Conducts assigned surveillance of infection activities according to the Infection Prevention and Control Plan and NHSN Surveillance Definitions.
• Reviews appropriate laboratory reports, clinical information systems, and other sources to retrieve surveillance data.
• Documents appropriate surveillance data elements on the surveillance data forms and line listings using the designated surveillance codes.
• Reviews surveillance data with Hospital Epidemiologist and Manager of Infection Prevention and Control.
• Analyzes surveillance data and prepares report for presentation to Infection Control Committee and for distribution to designated hospital and medical staff committees.
• Enters surveillance data in computerized database as well as develop text, spreadsheet, and graphic presentations of surveillance data.
• Conducts outbreak investigation according to IPC protocol and Occupational Health Policies.
• Participates in review of infection surveillance plan and all other IPC document development
• Identifies, collects required data, and reports reportable communicable diseases to the appropriate public health agency representatives.
• Communicates accurate and relevant data in a timely manner.
• Completes, distributes, and files communicable diseases report forms.
• Conducts rounds routinely within Eskenazi Health Services' facilities, to compile surveillance data, review infection control practices, and advise staff regarding the appropriate use of all isolation precautions (includes Ambulatory and Behavioral Health Services).
• Observes infection control practices and standards.
• Observes compliance with established infection control practices as detailed in the Infection Prevention and Control Manual; formally during safety rounds and other monitoring activities; informally during surveillance activities.
• Respond to hospital system infection control-related questions/concerns/reported problems as consistent with the intent of established infection control practice standards while using the least restrictive and most cost effective approach. Identifies appropriate resource/reference as indicated. Uses electronic systems appropriately to communicate infection prevention and control information with staff.
• Completes CMS validations on time.
• Investigation of Occupational Exposure to Communicable Diseases:
• Works closely with Occupational Health when exposures occur
• Conducts investigation of reported occupational exposure incidences according to established departmental practices.
• Communicates accurate and relevant data in a timely manner.
• Documents findings appropriately.
• Prepares and reports findings to Infection Prevention and Control Committee.

Education of Hospital and Medical Staff:

• May conduct new employee orientation according to established content related to infection prevention and control practices.
• Conducts in-services/presentations of infection control related topics for hospital and medical staff, as well as health occupation students and volunteers, according to identified needs.
• Infection prevention and control accountabilities: Shares accountability for infection control issues that arise after hours. Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and comprehension of the intent of established infection control practice standard as detailed in local, state, and federal rules, regulations, recommendations of accrediting agencies and recommending bodies, as well as competency in application of infection control practice standards.
• Must maintain age specific and job specific competencies as described according to department/area/and unit specific competencies.

Job Requirements

• Completion of a nursing, medical terminology program, or related field. Has a minimum of two years' experience working in infection control in an acute care or related setting.
• APIC ICE I and II modules or APIC Epi 101 and 102 to be completed within first year of employment
• Has current certification in infection control or documented progress toward certification.

Accredited by The Joint Commission and named one of the nation’s 150 best places to work by Becker’s Hospital Review for four consecutive years and Forbes list of best places to work for women, and Forbes list of America’s best midsize employers’ Eskenazi Health’s programs have received national recognition while also offering new health care opportunities to the local community. As the sponsoring hospital for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, the city’s primary EMS provider, Eskenazi Health is also home to the first adult Level I trauma center in Indiana, the only verified adult burn center in Indiana, the first community mental health center in Indiana and the Eskenazi Health Center Primary Care – Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, just to name a few.