Infection Preventionist 1

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Infection Prevention, Clinical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, or other related field. 
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience as an Infection Preventionist in an acute care setting or relevant experience. 
• An equivalent combination of education and years of experience may be considered. 
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) (upon hire or within 1 year of hire).
   

Under general supervision and according to hospital policy and professional guidelines, conducts activity to prevent and control the transmission of infection. Follows established guidelines and regulations in the identification and reporting of communicable diseases and healthcare acquired infections. Conducts education as needed for physicians, team members, volunteers, and patients related to prevention of the spread of infection. Routinely conducts surveillance of the environment and reports potential hazards related to infection prevention. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with the mission, vision and values of Tampa General Hospital.

Essential Functions:

• Applies principles of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization practices. 
• Assists in implementing and monitoring IPC program, practices and control processes. 
• Assists with outbreak investigations; seeks mentorship from experienced Infection Preventionists. 
• Evaluates the environment to ensure compliance with infection prevention practices. 
• Participates in infection prevention and control assessments and/or rounding, including medical devices (i.e., central venous lines, ventilators, indwelling urinary catheters). 
• Performs surveillance and investigation using epidemiologic principles to identify and classify events, indicators, measures and/or outcomes. 
• Identifies trends and changes in process and outcome metrics; reports epidemiologically significant findings to key stakeholders. 
• Uses data to identify the need for change and aid in decision making and goal setting, using technology and medical records for data collection. 
• Utilizes applicable reporting systems as required; ensures applicable reporting requirements and regulations are met. 
• Uses information technology to analyze and disseminate data and ensure data integrity. Collaborates to align IPC program goals with organizational goals. 
• Collaborates to assess risk of exposure to infectious diseases and how to prevent and control the transmission of infectious agents. 
• Assesses the education needs of customers and/or the community and delivers basic educational offerings. 
• Organizes and shares findings from surveillance activities and quality improvement projects. 
• Participates in IPC risk assessments and action plan development for risk mitigation. 
• Participates and contributes to IPC projects/teams, using evidence-based practices and published guidance. 
• Participates in performance improvement projects and use process and outcome measures to ensure that interventions are sustained over time. 
• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and best practice related to IPC. 
• Consults and collaborates with local, state and federal public health officials, healthcare facilities and community health organizations on activities related to IPC. 
• Consistently adheres to the ethical principles outlined in APIC’s Professional Practice Standards. 
• Reviews evidenced-based practices and research findings to incorporate findings into practices.