Infection Preventionist Leader

Overview:
The Infection Preventionist/Leader is a highly qualified individual who has been trained
in epidemiological principles in a health care setting. The IP is responsible for
surveillance, analysis and reporting of health care acquired infections (HAI’s).
Recommends interventions to prevent the transmission of infections through ongoing
education. Develops health care system policies and procedures to insure that rigorous
infection prevention standards meet national, state and local requirements. These
includes: Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local health departments and other
nationally recognized agencies, their recommendations and requirements. The IP is a
resource to all members of the health care staff, visitors and patients at Hebrew Senior
Life.
Responsibilities:
 Conducts unit based rounds to identify patients on precautions for multiple drug
resistant organisms (MDRO’s), Clostridium difficile Toxin (C. diff) and other potentially
communicable diseases such as herpes zoster or influenza like illness.
 Communicate with staff, visitors, patients, and families in a manner that conveys
respect, caring and sensitivity.
 Acquire and maintain current knowledge and skills in Infection Prevention Practice.
 Provides consultation to influence the plan of care for patients, enhance the abilities of
health care providers, and effect change in the system.
 Assume a leadership role as the Infection Prevention expert in establishing and
monitoring standards of practice to improve patient care.
 Monitor health care-associated infections.
 Assess and analyze infection control issues and makes recommendations for
improvement.
 Assess organizational infection prevention practices for all departments and personnel.
 Initiates and revises infection control policies and procedures.
 Coordinates and prepares for the Infection Control Committee in conjunction with the
VP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs and Chair of the Infection Control Committee.
 Conducts an annual infection control risk assessment which is the template for the
Infection Control Plan.
 Conducts outbreak investigation and initiates control measures.
 Reports communicable diseases to the MA-DPH as required by law.
 Provides educational offerings for orientation and ongoing in-services.
 Consults with department heads and other health care providers as needed to improve
care.
 Initiates follow-up on patient/employee exposures to communicable diseases or
employee compliance.
 Participates in Quality Improvement activities.
 Participates in short- and long-range planning for the Infection Control program.
 Serves as the Infection Control representative on behalf of the Department of Nursing
at committee or assigned project meetings.
 Exemplifies professionalism and exhibit values, which contribute to the achievement of
the mission of the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.
 Perform other related duties as required or directed.
Required Qualifications:
 Have primary professional training in nursing or medical technology; microbiology;
epidemiology, or other related fields.
 BSN, Masters Degree in nursing or Medical Technologist with certification and
bachelor’s degree preferred.
 Current RN license in Massachusetts and/or Certification in Infection Control required.
 Background in Microbiology preferred.
 Three to five years’ clinical experience preferred. At least two years Infection Control
experience required.
 Completion of basic training program for infection control which may include on the job
training.
 Ability to develop policies and procedures.
 Ability to teach and evaluate clinical performance.
 Demonstrates proficiency in the use of pertinent computer software.
 Demonstrates organizational and interpersonal skills.
 Demonstrates ability to work with all levels of staff.
 Flexibility to rotate to the off-shift to meet the needs of the Center.
 Successful completion of HRC orientation.
 Completion of annual manual requirements: hazards communication, infection control,
fire safety and elder abuse prevention.