Infection Preventionist

At Houston Methodist, the Infection Preventionist MPH position is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Control Program. This position is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. The Infection Preventionist MPH position maintains a routine surveillance program of patients, personnel, and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients, visitors, or personnel throughout the institution. This position serves as member of the Infection Control Committee and promotes compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirement.

FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree in Public Health

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting
• Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• CIC - Certified in Infection Control (CBIC) - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc._PSV

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, hospital surveillance and construction projects
• Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards
• Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates with others for the investigation, identification, and, as deemed appropriate, follow-up of contacts who are suspected or confirmed to have been exposed to relevant communicable diseases at Houston Methodist. (This activity shall include the notification of and follow through with the Employee Health Nurse when such contacts have involved Hospital personnel.)

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses national recognized definitions and best practice guidelines to maintain a practical surveillance program which incorporates the systematic and current review of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), significant communicable diseases, and environmental events with potential impact to patient, visitor and healthcare provider safety.
• Exercises sound clinical judgment, discretion and initiative when performing medical record audits. Communicates identified quality or risk issues through departmental and hospital chain-of-command.
• Presents instructional material for orientations and continuing education relevant to infection prevention and control throughout the hospital.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Routinely conducts infection prevention process surveillance to identify potential process deficiencies which may impact patient safety and lead to HAIs.
• Recognizes and investigates clusters of infections, communicates the investigation results through appropriate channels, and facilitates the implementation of interventions to prevent future infections. Supports facility construction planning and collaborates with construction through Infection Control Risk Assessment activities. Escalates safety and infection control issues in a timely fashion.
• Contributes to the evaluation (at least annually) and documents the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program Plan. Facilitates (at least annually) the revision of the Infection Control Program Plan to include new goals and measures as deemed appropriate based on a concurrent risk assessment. Develops and revises policies and procedures to meet current practice standards.
• Communicates all pertinent information at timely intervals to the Director of Quality & Outcomes and Medical Director of Infection Control, as appropriate. Responsible for reporting mandatory Infections data to the national databases, local health authorities, and other regulatory organizations, as necessary. Maintains patient and physician confidentiality. Participates in hospital survey preparation and onsite survey activity.
• Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with other departments to monitor use of resources related to infection prevention. Participates in cost reduction efforts by making recommendations to mitigate risk of infection. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitates and coordinates efforts aimed at implementing new standards as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies; including implementation of new or improved policies and procedures related to infection prevention.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree in Public Health

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience in an acute care or public health setting
• Previous experience in infection control or public health preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• CIC - Certified in Infection Control (CBIC) - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc._PSV