Infection Prevention Manager

Primary Purpose

Responsible for assisting the department director in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Infection Prevention and Control Program, associated policies, and daily operations. Demonstrates leadership as an Infection Prevention (IP) Consultant and works with the director to assure compliance with all applicable laws and standards for surveillance, prevention, and control of infection. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission and values.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Requires a bachelor's degree in healthcare or healthcare related field.

Experience

• Must have six (6) years of professional experience in related healthcare field, to include at least two (2) years of supervisory experience in Infection Prevention.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

• Must have Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). Current employees must obtain the certification within 36 months of 4/19/2023.
• For RNs: Must have current unrestricted RN license or temporary license with the Texas Board of Nursing or valid compact RN license, or ability to obtain within 90-days of hire.
• For Medical Technologist: Must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) by one of the following:
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Department of Health Services (HHS - Formerly HEW)
• American Medical Technologist (AMT)
• Must have current CPR course (Healthcare Provider course for RNs; Heartsaver Course for non-RNs) completion card from one of the following:
• Current employees must obtain within 120 days of 4/19/2023.
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must have expert knowledge of infection prevention program management, epidemiology, microbiology, asepsis, disinfection and sterilization, infectious disease including data collection and analysis, methods of infection prevention, recognition, and response to biological emergencies. Must have strong computer skills, to include proficiency with statistical process control methodology and database management.
• Must be knowledgeable about applicable regulatory and accreditation standards (i.e., Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Texas Department of State Health Services) and those authorities having jurisdiction.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software.
• Must be able to demonstrate exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective management skills and techniques including the ability to achieve high performance from assigned personnel.
• Must demonstrate effective interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills to lead interdisciplinary teams in the operation of the infection prevention program and surveillance.
• Demonstrates understanding of high reliability principles through use of tools and behaviors that promote patient safety within a wide range of infection prevention and control functions.
• Functions as a resource for and mentor to infection prevention colleagues.
• For RNs only: Provides care to assigned patient population in accordance with the current State of Texas Nurse Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care, and clinical area specific standards

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains, in conjunction with Infection Prevention Director, the facility-wide program for surveillance, prevention, and control of hospital acquired infections. Develops, implements, and evaluates the annual infection prevention plan, annual department goals and objectives, and performance improvement activities as needed.
• Manages specified key function of infection prevention plan which include but are not limited to construction/renovation, design of patient care environment, IP product selection and evaluation, and disinfection/sterilization technologies and processes. Initiates processes and partners with key staff to evaluate patient safety/infection prevention risks, opportunities for improvement, and implement necessary action.
• Manages staff to assure effective operations. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates staff to ensure maximum utilization of individual and group capabilities, while providing optimal service to both internal and external customers. Ensures that assigned employees receive opportunities to further their knowledge and training.
• Assumes leadership role in initiating and facilitating interdisciplinary groups, other departments, and medical staff to prepare for regulatory surveys to ensure that Parkland Hospital operations meet infection prevention regulations, standards, and guidelines. Participates in surveys by regulatory agencies as needed, providing surveyors appropriate information and assistance.
• Plans, in conjunction with Director and Medical Director, epidemiologic investigations of outbreaks and provides oversight of process. Implements plan, assigns staff to assist in investigation, supervises collection of data, analyses data, plans and implements interventions as needed. Assures personnel assigned to investigation have adequate training and resources. Communicates with laboratory management regarding necessary laboratory support. Monitors compliance with interventions and evaluates for efficacy. Documents and communicates findings to appropriate personnel, management, and medical staff.
• Utilizes appropriate change models and incorporates High-Reliability Universal Skills for all infection prevention-related process improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Ensures Parkland employees are educated about effective infection prevention methods and processes. Develops methods of communicating infection prevention methods to patients and visitors.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the Infection Prevention area. Develops internal processes for adherence to applicable state/federal laws, and the program requirements of accreditation agencies and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as necessary to ensure proper understanding.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field of Infection Prevention by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, literature reviews, actively participating in professional organizations and/or maintaining certification/licensure. Translates knowledge into continual improvement of department's work processes and infection prevention activities in the health system.
• Prepares and develops professional presentations designed to communicate infection prevention concerns, issues, and standards to Parkland personnel, leadership, and medical staff. Provides orientation classes for new employees and physicians, and continuing education.
• Identifies and analyzes the design of jobs, work processes, workflows, etc. for the Infection Prevention area and implements appropriate changes to improve effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency that support the overall goals of the department and Parkland Hospital.
• Research issues and assists staff in developing interventions and evaluating effectiveness. Utilizes appropriate change models and incorporates High-Reliability Universal and Leader Skills for all infection prevention-related process improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Assists Director to develop and monitor annual budgets that ensure the department has necessary funds to carry out goals and objectives that have been established for the department.
• Assists Director to develop, implement, monitor, and revise annual goals and objectives for the department that support the mission and values of Parkland Health.
• Selects, trains, schedules, motivates, supervises, and evaluates employees. Makes recommendations for disciplinary actions, as necessary, up to and including termination, to ensure maximum utilization of individual and group capacities. Ensures that assigned employees receive opportunities to further their knowledge and professional growth.