Sr Infection Preventionist in Reno, Nevada at Renown Health

The Senior Infection Preventionist has the day-to-day responsibility of planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the health system Infection Control Program for Renown Health. The incumbent is responsible for assuring that Renown Health is in compliance with hospital infection prevention and control-related State and Federal regulations, Joint Commission Standards, and Renown Health Infection Control Policies and Procedures.

This position assists in the design and implementation of a comprehensive infection prevention programs and interfaces with all health system departments relating to infection prevention, national initiatives, and external reporting. Areas of key focus will be to assure surveillance protocols are followed, accurate surveillance data is collected, analyzed, and reported, and active participation in educational programs and various committee and organizational activities. The Senior Infection Preventionist is responsible for acting as a liaison and resource person for Infection Control under the guidance of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPPC).

Responsibilities include collecting, analyzing, and providing infection data and trends to nursing staff and physicians. The Senior Infection Preventionist will serve in the role of educating medical and non-medical staff about Infection Prevention and Control practices. Additional tasks include monitoring the patient care areas to ensure safe practices of infection prevention according to health system policies. The IPC’s program will use evidence-based practices and World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as its foundation.

This position assures that the Renown Health system defines and implements processes and best practice to reduce/eliminate hospital acquired infection, comply with regulatory expectations, and provide a method of surveillance and reporting of infection rates and information. Coordinates and assists in development, implementation and maintenance of Infection Control policies and procedures that are designed to meet the changing needs of the health care environment. It also functions as a resource to hospital and medical staff regarding interpretation of Infection Control and Occupational Health policies as they relate to infectious disease.

The incumbent directs the collection and analysis of surveillance data, and consult with staff, patients, visitors, and others as necessary to identify opportunities to reduce the risk of transmission of infection. Analyzes the data and provides statistical reports for the hospital departments, medical staff, and Infection Control committee. This position conducts epidemiological studies as needed to investigate unusual occurrences of infection. Collaborates with Washoe County and other public health officials in the reporting of communicable diseases as well as follow up with exposures.

This position monitors compliance with Infection Control polices and regulatory requirements and feeds back results of the monitoring to department managers for corrective action. This position is responsible for patient care orientation and annual updates to Infection Control principles to reduce risks from device and procedure-related infections and evaluate outcomes.

This position regularly collaborates with Quality Consultants, Emergency Management, Occupational Health Services, and Risk Management on issues related to infection control. This position has the authority to enforce Infection Control policies when hazards exist such as isolation of patients and ordering appropriate cultures as needed.

The incumbent is responsible for keeping informed of current concepts in Infection Control practice as well as new and innovative programs through reading and participating in professional organizations. The Senior Infection Preventionist assists in the development of systems for identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases.

This position does not provide direct patient care.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Name

Description

Education:

Must have working-level knowledge of English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English. Bachelor’s degree in health-related field required, Master’s degree preferred. If not licensed or certified, candidate must have a Master’s in Public Health at the time of hire.

Experience:

Minimum 3 years Infection Prevention clinical experience in a hospital setting.

License(s):

Ability to obtain and maintain a State of Nevada Licensure or certification in related field; General Supervisor of a Licensed Laboratory, Registered Nurse, ASCP Registered Medical Technologist, Medical Examiners Respiratory Care Practitioner License, Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will be required at time of hire if employee does not hold their Master's in Public health.

Certification(s):

Certification with the Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) required at time of hire.

Computer / Typing:

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word and have the ability to use the computer to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.