Infection Preventionist

Memorial Hermann Health System; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Memorial Hermann Health System seeks an Infection Preventionist I to drive infection prevention efforts across hospital, central, and ambulatory care settings. This role engages in education, surveillance, and collaboration with leadership to improve safety and care quality.

The incumbent will monitor healthcare practices, report infections per Texas and CMS requirements, and support accreditation readiness.

Qualifications

• 2 years clinical/healthcare experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of statistics, microbiology, patient care practices, epidemiology, and occupational health preferred
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Team facilitation skills preferable
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

• Coordinates infection prevention activities with physicians, department directors, and staff
• Performs surveillance activities and applies standardized criteria
• Submits data in a timely manner to Texas and CMS via NHSN and reports
• Provides education on disease transmission, prevention and interventions to reduce infection risk
• Coordinates exposure follow up for patients and healthcare workers
• Participates in readiness activities for accreditation and licensure
• Promotes patient safety and high reliability practices in infection prevention
• Ensures safe care within budgetary specifications

Skills

Infection prevention

CIC certification preferred

Data analysis

Communication skills

Team facilitation

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing or public health

Master's degree preferred

Job description

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist I role executes the implementation of the infection prevention program in a hospital, central and ambulatory care setting. This individual will be involved in the education of patients, health care providers, consultation to leadership and ambulatory/hospital staff. This individual will be involved in monitoring of healthcare practices that will place patients and healthcare providers at risk, surveillance of healthcare associated infections through chart abstraction, application of standardized criteria and data submission, and will communicate findings to healthcare providers and hospital leadership. The Infection Preventionist I is a active participant in accreditation and licensing activities. This position reports to the Regional Manager of Infection Prevention.

The Infection Preventionist I supports Infection Prevention improvement projects across the continuum of care by recognizing trends and opportunities for improvement based upon surveillance findings. The Infection Preventionist I collects and reports healthcare associated infections as required by the State of Texas, CMS and monthly operating reports.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelors degree in nursing, public health or related field, Masters preferred

Licenses/Certifications: CIC certification preferred

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Two (2) years clinical/healthcare experience preferred
• Working knowledge of statistics, microbiology, patient care practices, epidemiology, and occupational health preferred
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation)
• Team facilitation skills preferable
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

Principal Accountabilities

• Coordinates infection prevention activities with physicians, department directors, and clinical and non-clinical staff as well as service line assigned.
• Performs surveillance activities and reliably applies standardized criteria.
• Peforms surveillance activities and applies an epidemiologic approach to problem solving.
• Submits data in a timely manner as required by the State of Texas and CMS via NHSN and monthly operating reports.
• Provides formal and informal education on disease transmission, prevention and interventions to reduce infection risk to health care providers and patients.
• Recommends changes in systems, practices and reports.
• Communicates findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Coordinates exposure follow up for patients and healthcare workers.
• Participates in robust process improvement infection prevention initiatives.
• Participates in readiness activities and surveys for accreditation and licensure.
• Promotes a culture of patient safety and implementation of high reliability practices related to infection prevention.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.