Infection Preventionist

Presbyterian Healthcare Services • New York, NY

2d • $67,101 - $102,461 • Onsite

About The Position

Build your Career. Make a Difference. Presbyterian is hiring a skilled Infection Preventionist. The Infection Preventionist provides for a safe environment where risks for infection are identified and minimized for patients, employees and visitors. This position acts as a liaison and resource person for Infection Prevention and Control and is accountable for management of all Infection Prevention and Control activities by providing environmental and case surveillance, data reporting, data analysis, practice consult and developing interventions aimed at reduction of healthcare-associated infections in patients, members, and workforce. Is responsible for surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of infections including healthcare associated infections (HAIs); investigation and response to outbreaks of infection amongst patients and/or healthcare workers; consultation to all PCNM delivery sites on Infection Prevention and Control practices; development of resources and education related to Infection Prevention and Control practices; and serving as a liaison with other entities within the Presbyterian Healthcare System and also the county and state health departments. This position will work with multidisciplinary departments to ensure prevention measures are in place and facilitates adherence with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and other recommended or evidence-based practices aimed at prevention of infections including HAIs and other communicable infectious diseases encountered in the healthcare setting. Will ensure adherence to departmental policies and procedures and assists with the analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control clinical quality initiatives that promote Presbyterian Healthcare System clinical strategies and priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in health-related field.
• 2 years of experience in acute health care required.
• Must have a valid drivers license, clean driving record, and able to travel locally.
• Must share 24-hour responsibility for availability to respond to infection prevention and control concerns through scheduled on-call activities.
• Computer software application skills such as Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of epidemiological principles and infectious disease.
• Knowledge of current patient care practice.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree preferred.
• Previous experience in acute care Infection Prevention and Control and/or quality improvement work preferred.
• Certificate in Infection Control (CIC) is within 3 years from hire preferred.

Responsibilities

• Understands how to systematically conduct surveillance of infections including HAIs and notifiable infections.
• Reviews and validates surveillance data and performs in-depth investigation of cases referred by the Surveillance Coordinator.
• Applies Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Health Safety Network HAI definitions and criteria to detect and track HAIs.
• Detects, investigates, summarizes findings, and assists with response to clusters or outbreaks in the healthcare setting.
• Conducts communicable disease outbreak investigations occurring in the hospitals and clinics; coordinates management with healthcare team, Employee Health, and public health authorities as appropriate.
• Conducts rounds on a regular basis within the hospital to review infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, identifies IPC gaps, provides feedback for staff and leaders on identified problems/compliance issues, and consults on IPC practice and solutions.
• Monitors, reports, and assists in the systems compliance with national, state, county, and local health department rule and regulations pertinent to healthcare IPC.
• Assures a safe environment for patients, visitors, members, and staff.
• Recommends and implements transmission-based isolation practices and IPC policies and procedures.
• Serves as a knowledgeable and available resource on IPC practices and policies throughout PCNM.
• Provides consultation and definition of exposure to employees who have been exposed to infectious diseases or agents.
• Consults with Employee Health and Infection Disease on post-exposure processes.
• Conducts Infection Prevention and Control Risk Assessments as determined by site-specific needs.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams throughout PHS to design and implement strategies/interventions to decrease the impact of nosocomial infections across the continuum of care, which includes consultation for construction, delivery systems, system services, the medical group and health plan.
• Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of appropriate IPC interventions.
• Ensures the completion of audits regarding the implementation of and compliance with IPC practices.

Benefits

• All benefits-eligible Presbyterian employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, group term life insurance and other optional voluntary benefits.
• Presbyterian's Employee Wellness rewards program is designed to provide you with engaging opportunities to enhance your health and activate your well-being.
• Earn gift cards and more by taking an active role in our personal well-being by participating in wellness activities like wellness challenges, webinar, preventive screening and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level