Infection Prevention Specialist

Full Time

M-F Days

Onsite

Must live in OH, PA, or WV at time of employment

Summary:

The Infection Prevention Specialist (IPS) is an entry level position designed for the novice infection preventionist. This position is for a qualified individual to learn the field of infection control and epidemiology. An entry-level Infection Prevention Specialist in a hospital setting is responsible for supporting the infection control program through surveillance, education, audits, and data collection to prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAI).

Responsibilities:

1. Conducts organizational surveillance for hospital-acquired infections and Communicable Diseases according to Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3701-3.

2. Participate in mock regulatory surveys and compliance audits of infection prevention practices, while providing education to clinical and non-clinical staff on Infection Control standards.

3. Performs independent hand hygiene observations for infection control, offers just in-time coaching/education, and reports findings to infection control team for monthly reports. Additionally, reviews hand hygiene data monthly for units/departments to collaborate on improvement work.

4. Performs independent isolation observations for infection control, offers just in-time coaching/education to staff on proper PPE use and/or use of isolation precautions, and reports findings to infection control team for monthly reports.

5. Participate in Communicable Disease exposure investigations and outbreak responses.

6. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate infection control policies and procedures.

7. Participate in audits of high-level disinfection (inside and outside of Sterile Processing Department) and conducts audits and monitoring of Sterilization Process (within SPD).

8. Audit and teach Nurse Residency education classes on scheduled basis. The IPS may teach additional educational classes as needed for various departments or specialties.

9. Serves as a resource for infection control concerns from: staff, outside agencies, patients, families, and visitors. This includes interacting with and guiding physicians on infection control principles and recommendations.

10. Other duties as required, including but not limited to attending to on-call duties as needed.

Technical Expertise

1. Experience in use of databases is preferred, such as but not limited to: RedCap for example.

2. Experience working with all levels within an organization is preferred.

3. Experience in healthcare is preferred.

4. Experience with Word Documents or similar software is preferred, such as but not limited to: Word, Excel, Power Point.

Education and Experience

1. Education: Associate's degree or higher in Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related field required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Candidates without a Bachelor's degree must complete one within 5 years of hire.

2. Certification: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is required within 2 years from date of hire to retain position. Must have CIC test scheduled at 18-month mark in order to test and re-test if needed, by 2-year anniversary date.

3. Years of relevant experience: 2 years in a qualified field is required. Experience in a hospital setting is preferred.

Full Time

FTE: 1.000000

Status: Onsite