Infection Preventionist

The IP position is responsible for developing and managing the surveillance program; implementing, facilitating and monitoring infection control prevention standards that impact patients, visitors, volunteers and health care workers. Serves as a resource to staff and leadership for interpretation of policies, procedures, practice and other related educational needs. Participates in improving quality of patient care by identifying risks and initiating appropriate interventions and their outcomes.

Designs and directs the Infection Control Program to identify, prevent and control healthcare associated infections and infectious risks consistent with Fairview Health System Infection Control Standards.

• Develops reviews and revises Infection Prevention policies and procedures.
• Designs, implements and evaluates the infection control plan at least annually.
• Determines appropriate processes for data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Verifies accuracy of case findings.
• Collaborates with leadership to implement and monitor compliance with policies.

Analyzes and reports surveillance findings, patterns and trends to leadership.

• Identifies infection prevention opportunities and works with leadership to develop a plan to address issues.
• Leads outbreak management plan at assigned site.
• Works with state and local health departments to comply with reporting rules and laws in a timely manner.
• Performs epidemiological studies based on sound rationale and standards of practice
• Develops plans to identify and respond to acts of bioterrorism. Evaluates unusual disease clusters.
• Retrieves relevant patient information throughout a variety of hospital IS programs.
• Directs surveillance and compliance programs as required by system infection prevention committee, Department of Health, Center for Disease Control, Employee Health Services and other agencies.
• Analyzes surveillance data, site trends and investigates patient/system issues that may need remediation utilizing research and best practice knowledge.
• Designs and implements processes to evaluate outcomes of practice and systems of care in relation to infection prevention.
• Demonstrates the ability to generate a broad array of options and nontraditional solutions.

Employs consultation and leadership skills within and among professional teams to create change in healthcare, complex healthcare delivery systems and/or organizational issues.

• Provides routine consultation to staff and leadership in support of care planning for infectious patients.
• Participates in the Environmental Safety Program to perform periodic surveillance.
• Provides construction consultation related to assessment of infection risk and prevention strategies. Evaluates compliance to building regulations related to infection prevention.
• Evaluates new products.
• Seeks to understand others through inquiry versus making conclusions.
• Demonstrates ability to develop and build patient and partner relationships.
• States clear expectations deliver feedback on performance and recognizes barriers that inhibit motivation.
• Negotiates toward optimal outcomes.

Educates staff on principles and techniques of Infection Prevention.

• Provides department / area specific staff education based on an assessment of risks including community, visitor, patient and health care worker risks.
• Provides updates on emerging infections and potential disease outbreaks
• Shares knowledge and expertise with peers.
• Role models positive relationships and clinical practice behaviors.

Collaborates with key stakeholders on Infection Prevention management.

• Participates with EOHS in annual update on infectious risk to comply with MN Employee Right to Know legislation and the OSHA Blood borne Pathogen and Tuberculosis Control rules.
• Participates in the Infection Control Committees, as assigned.
• Participates in Quality Improvement plans when issues are identified or as assigned by the department manager or director.
• Coordinates studies requested by IC Committee, management or Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Responsible for personal and professional development to ensure current knowledge in the profession and position.

• Demonstrates flexibility in managing multiple demands and competing priorities efficiently.

Demonstrates the Fairview values of dignity, integrity, service and compassion with behaviors that build trust and invite partnerships with patients and families. Behaviors support the principles of Patient and Family Centered Care.

• Respects the patient and family by referring to patients/families by name, consistently identifying yourself, and explaining processes and procedures.
• Focuses communication on the needs of the patient/family.
• Honest, open, sharing of information and knowledge in a supportive manner.
• Engages with patients and families as active partners.
• Identifies with the patient those individuals considered to be family and facilitates their presence and involvement.
• Leaves personal and department concerns outside of patient/family interactions.

Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.

• Partners with patient care giver in care/decision making.
• Communicates in a respective manner.
• Ensures a safe, secure environment.
• Individualizes plan of care to meet patient needs.
• Modifies clinical interventions based on population served.
• Provides patient education based on as assessment of learning needs of patient/care giver.

Required

Education:

• Masters in Public Health or
• Bachelors degree in Microbiology, or Biology or
• If a degree is not in one the above areas, must meet minimum licensure/certifications requirements.

Experience:

• 1 year or more in an Infection Prevention role or related clinical experience:
• Identification of infectious disease processes
• Preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents

License/Certification/Registration:

• Current Infection Control certification (CIC) or CIC within three years of hire if novice Infection Prevention practitioner
• Must be licensed in one of the following (if no degree in areas listed above):
• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Preferred

Experience:

• 2 years or more in an Infection Prevention role or related clinical experience:
• Identification of infectious disease processes
• Surveillance and epidemiologic investigation
• Preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious agents