Infection Prevention Practitioner, Part Time

University of Maryland Medical System; Glen Burnie (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System is seeking a specialist to oversee HAI infection surveillance and prevention. You will investigate sources, coordinate activities, educate staff, and maintain infection control policies.

You will compile data and report infections within the institution to drive safety improvements. You will review culture results, perform prevalence rounds, and prepare data for NHSN reporting to state authorities as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Two years of clinical experience as an RN or microbiology experience with related advanced degree is required.
• Maryland RN licensure or Medical Technologist certification may be required if used to satisfy experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct HAI infection surveillance and investigate sources of suspected infections.
• Plan, coordinate infection prevention activities and provide staff education.
• Prepare reports on infection rates and present findings to committees and leadership.
• Identify trends, communicate with units and external facilities as needed; follow up on issues.

Skills

Infection prevention & control

Data reporting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Public Health or related field

Master's degree

Tools

NHSN database

Job description

Job Requirements

Under the general supervision of the Director of Infection Prevention, conducts healthcare associated infection (HAI) infection surveillance, investigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections to determine the source and minimize the risk of exposure. Plans and coordinates activities related to infection prevention & control. Provides related education to staff and maintains relevant policies. Compiles data and prepares periodic reports concerning infections within the institution.

Job Requirements

Under the general supervision of the Director of Infection Prevention, conducts healthcare associated infection (HAI) infection surveillance, investigates and monitors known or potential sources of suspected infections to determine the source and minimize the risk of exposure. Plans and coordinates activities related to infection prevention & control. Provides related education to staff and maintains relevant policies. Compiles data and prepares periodic reports concerning infections within the institution.
Reviews culture and sensitivity reports on patients with possible infections to set priorities for surveillance activities.
Performs prevalence rounds and focused reviews regarding infection rates.
Prepares reports on infection rates and identifies trends/patterns. Completes necessary data collection and prepares & presents HAI data to Infection Control Committee and other hospital committees.
Follows up with department or committee regarding infection control issues, works to resolve any negative trend.
Identifies and reports HAI monthly data in the NHSN database as required by the State of Maryland or as prioritized per the infection prevention & control plan. Identifies reportable conditions and reports to Local Health Department, as required by COMAR.
Communicates significant infections (e.g., MDRO) to the units/departments involved and to outside facilities as needed.
Provides infection prevention & control education to nursing, medical staff, and various allied health care staff on a regular basis and when needs arise. Assist clinical staff in developing departmental infection control policies & procedures.
Collaborates with Employee Health regarding healthcare worker vaccination program and post-exposure management for infectious disease exposures. Participates in collaboratives, performance improvement initiatives, and committees as needed to reduce HAI and risk of infection transmission.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Public Health or other related field is required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Two years clinical experience as an RN, microbiology experience as a Medical Technologist or an advanced degree in a closely related field is required. Current licensure in the State of Maryland as a Registered Nurse or certification as a Registered Medical Technologist is required if using these criteria to fulfill the experience requirement.
• Experience in Infection Prevention and Control (preferred)
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC) (preferred) or taken within two (2) years of hire.