Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) directs and coordinates the infection control program in the hospital. The designated person will be given the authority to implement and enforce the Surveillance, Prevention and Control Program policies, coordinate all infection prevention and control within the hospital and facilitate ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of prevention and/or control activities and interventions.

• Infection prevention and control practice - Incorporates into practice effective activities that are specific to the practice setting, the population served, and the continuum of care. Participates in developing and updating isolation techniques and procedures, updates and maintains policies and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice, rules and regulations. Responds to disaster situations as described in the Hospital Disaster Plan. Supports hospital CQI activities with data support, analysis, and internal consulting. Develops policies and procedures that support key infection prevention and control functions.
• Surveillance - Uses a systematic approach to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies that are consistent with the organization’s goals and objectives. Participates in environmental rounds in all inpatient and outpatient areas. Conducts thorough on-going surveillance using Centers of Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation, and investigation of nosocomial infections through review of admission diagnoses, patient charts, microbiology results, isolation orders, patient records, consultation requests, and post-discharge surveillance. Maintain compliance with national standards and regulating bodies such as TJC, CDC, OSHA, FDA, and DHEC. Assures communicable diseases are reported to the County Health Department in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements. Collaborates and reports to CDC/NHSN.
• Epidemiology - Applies epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification and benchmarking, to identify target populations, determine risk factors, design prevention and control strategies, analyze trends, and evaluate processes.
•  Education - Serves as an educator and educational resource for healthcare providers, ancillary staff, patients, families, and the general public. Responsible for providing Infection Prevention orientation and other in-service programs related to Infection Prevention hospital wide.
• Consultation - Provides expert knowledge and guidance in infection prevention, control, and epidemiology
• Occupational health - Collaborates with occupational health in the development of strategies that address the risk of disease transmission to healthcare providers and ancillary staff.
• Program administration and evaluation - Systematically evaluates the effectiveness of the program appropriate to the practice setting. Serves as a member of the Infection Control Committee and reports monthly and quarterly data pertaining to Infection Control. Reports all information pertaining to infection prevention to the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Board. Serves as a member of the Environment of Care Committee.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Required:
  • Experience:
    • Experienced healthcare professional with a health sciences background
    • Has knowledge and experience in patient care practices, microbiology, aseptic technique, disinfection/sterilization, adult education, infectious diseases, communication, program administration, and epidemiology

• Licensure/Certification: 
  • If a Registered Nurse, a valid permanent Multi-State RN license from the state in which you reside is required. Should you hold a RN license from another Compact state, you are required to apply for and obtain a Multi-State RN license from the state in which you reside within 30 days.
  • American Heart Association BLS CPR is required, must be obtained within 7 days of hire.
  • Becomes certified in infection prevention and control when eligible through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology; and maintains certification.
  • Completes a basic infection control training course within the first six months of entering the profession or being hired at a Tenet facility, whichever comes first.

• Preferred:
  • Education: 
    • Baccalaureate degree as RN or other healthcare specialty preferred
    • IPs without a baccalaureate degree are considered compliant with entry-level educational standards as long as certification is maintained