Infection Prevention Technician-Exempt

MUSC Health; Camden (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MUSC Health is seeking an Infection Preventionist I to work under general supervision to prevent healthcare-associated infections by following evidence-based practices and guidelines. You will collect and analyze surveillance data, identify clusters, and educate staff and patients on infection prevention across MUSC inpatient and outpatient settings.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and two years of healthcare-related experience (or a Master’s with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (i.e., microbiology, nursing, public health).
• Master’s degree in a science related field acceptable with healthcare experience.
• Certification in Infection Control required within 2 years of employment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze and report surveillance data for healthcare-associated infections.
• Identify and investigate clusters or outbreaks of infection.
• Evaluate infection prevention practices in MUSC outpatient and inpatient settings for regulatory compliance.
• Educate MUSC staff, patients and visitors on infection prevention recommendations.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to implement evidence-based guidelines and performance improvement.

Skills

Surveillance data analysis

Infection prevention

Staff education

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

Master’s degree in science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary
The Infection Preventionist I (IP I) reports to the Manager of Infection Prevention. Under general supervision, the Infection Preventionist I utilizes evidence-based practices/guidelines with the ultimate goal of preventing healthcare-associated infections. This role collects, analyzes and reports surveillance data for healthcare-associated infections and identifies and investigates clusters or outbreaks of infection. This role evaluates patient care and hospital infection prevention practices in MUSC outpatient and inpatient settings to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, hospital policies/procedures and evidence-based practices. The IP I reviews policies, protocols, and scientific literature and educates MUSC staff, patients and visitors on infection prevention recommendations. The IP I works collaboratively with other departments to ensure staff, patient and visitor public health safety. The IP I collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams for implementation of evidence-based guidelines and performance improvement and implements plans, projects and programs to reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Entity

Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Regular

Cost Center

CC003694 KER - Quality (KMC)

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

Health-28

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Job Description

The Infection Preventionist I (IP I) reports to the Manager of Infection Prevention. Under general supervision, the Infection Preventionist I utilizes evidence-based practices/guidelines with the ultimate goal of preventing healthcare-associated infections. This role collects, analyzes and reports surveillance data for healthcare-associated infections and identifies and investigates clusters or outbreaks of infection. This role evaluates patient care and hospital infection prevention practices in MUSC outpatient and inpatient settings to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, hospital policies/procedures and evidence-based practices. The IP I reviews policies, protocols, and scientific literature and educates MUSC staff, patients and visitors on infection prevention recommendations. The IP I works collaboratively with other departments to ensure staff, patient and visitor public health safety. The IP I collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams for implementation of evidence-based guidelines and performance improvement and implements plans, projects and programs to reduce healthcare-associated infections.

Minimum Training and Education

Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (i.e. microbiology, nursing, public health, etc.) and a minimum of two years of healthcare related experience or a Master’s degree in a science related field and a minimum of one year of healthcare work experience. Previous Infection Prevention experience is preferred, but not required. Computer/internet skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is essential.

Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations

Certification in Infection Control is required within 2 years after employment. Candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Individual will portray professionalism, positive attitude, enthusiasm and be team oriented in all interactions.

Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous)
Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous)
Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent)
Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent)
Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent)
Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent)
Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent)
Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannot assist in the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100 additional pounds, assistance will be required from another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of force is needed to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of force is required to push a stretcher with a patient with one hand.
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous)
Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous)
Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent)
Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent)
Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)
Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)

Additional Job Description

Minimum Training and Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (i.e. microbiology, nursing, public health, etc.) and a minimum of two years of healthcare related experience or a Master’s degree in a science related field and a minimum of one year of healthcare work experience. Previous Infection Prevention experience is preferred, but not required. Computer/internet skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is essential.

Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations:
Certification in Infection Control is required within 2 years after employment. Candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Individual will portray professionalism, positive attitude, enthusiasm and be team oriented in all interactions.

Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees