Infection Preventionist

South Shore Health; Weymouth (MA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

South Shore Health in Weymouth, MA, seeks an Infection Preventionist to identify, investigate, monitor, and report healthcare infections. You will partner with care teams to create and sustain infection prevention strategies.

The role requires a nursing or public health background, CIC within 2.5 years, and strong data analytics, education, and collaboration skills. Schedule is day shift, M-F with on-call as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, or related field.
• Completion of infection prevention/control training (on-the-job training acceptable).
• CIC certification within 2.5 years; RN license preferred (Massachusetts).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the infection prevention program.
• Surveillance and data analysis activities.
• Create annual surveillance plan based on populations served and services provided.
• Communicate infection prevention policies to committees and staff.
• Educate staff using education goals and tools; collaborate with CPDS.
• Support regulatory compliance and accreditation standards.

Skills

Analytical

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication skills

Evidence-based guidelines

Conflict resolution

Program management

Data collection & analysis

Leadership

EPIC software

Education

Bachelor degree (nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical lab science or related)

BSN/MSN preferred

Tools

EPIC software

Job description

If you are an existing employee of South Shore Health then please apply through the internal career site.

Requisition Number:

R-24069

Facility:

LOC0001 - 55 Fogg Road55 Fogg RoadWeymouth, MA 02190

Department Name:

SHS Infection Prevention & Control

Status:

Full time

Budgeted Hours:

40

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting health-care infections. The IP collaborates with teams and individuals to create infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and sustain infection prevention strategies.

Compensation Pay Range:

$117,700.00 - $170,700.00

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Works with IP team to:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program
• Surveillance
• Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data
• Utilizes epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations
• Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary
• Assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols.
• Communicate infection prevention and control policies and protocols
• Communicate infection prevention and control information and data to various committees and healthcare workers across the organization as assigned

Design and deliver education

• Assess and address learning needs of those served

• Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology

• Work with CPDS team to create education plans based on the learning needs assessment

• Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes

Regulatory requirements

• Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels
• Facilitate and assist in auditing for compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
• Stay current on infection prevention/control regulatory and accreditation standards

Performance Improvement/Quality Management

• Utilize QM methodology as a means of enacting change
• Monitor, audit and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability
• Participate in QM committees, teams and initiatives as indicated

Employee Health Services

• Review Employee Health policies and procedures related to IPC
• Assess risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease
• Understand work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure

Performance standards (job expectations)

Professional accountability

• Pursue professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills
• Maintain certification and licensure requirements
• Establish at least one professional goal per year
• Advocate for patient safety, health care worker safety, and safe practices
• Participate in an infection prevention and control professional organization/association (APIC)

Collaboration

• Consult and collaborate, as needed with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations
• Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure all stakeholder groups vet changes

Leadership and technology

• Utilize principles of influence, leadership and change management
• Bring enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to practice
• Work collaboratively with others, providing direction when necessary
• Readily share knowledge and expertise
• Contribute to the development of less-experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship
• Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations

Research and implementation science

• Evaluate (critically) research and evidence-based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice
• Integrate evidence-based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols and educational strategies
• Identify barriers for implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers
• Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback

IPC informatics

• Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology
• Collaborate with IT to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives

Fiscal responsibility

• Consider the financial/safety implication and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures
• Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy
• Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science or related science.

Completion of basic training program for infection prevention/control that may include on the job training.

Licenses - Preferred

RN - Registered Nurse preferred

BSN, MSN preferred with 5 years of clinical experience

Required Certifications

Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) within 2.5 years after employment.

Essential Skills:

• Analytical
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines
• Conflict resolution
• Program and project management
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation
• Leadership
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of pertinent computer software (EPIC preferred)

M-F 8:00am-4:30pm

On- Call requirement

Start and end time may vary depending on department needs.

Responsibilities if Required:

Education if Required:

License/Registration/Certification Requirements:

RN-Registered Nurse - Board of Registration in Nursing (Massachusetts)