Infection Preventionist - Surveillance & Analysis

JOB PURPOSE:
Based on the recommendations of the medical staff leadership and nursing leadership, this individual is appointed to be responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Performs systematic review of infections, report trends and deficiencies in infection prevention (IP) practices as identified by Piedmont Healthcare QSS. Ensures all infection reporting activities are in compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory and accreditation bodies. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in the reduction of infections through use of Lean methodology, coaching, tools, data analysis, reliability and sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs HAI surveillance through collection, review, analysis and interpretation of data from various sources.
2. Assists in development of IP policies, procedures, and guidelines.
3. Identifies organisms of epidemiological significance and follows up with appropriate internal and external departments (department of public health, emerging infections program, etc.).
4. Provides assistance and expertise when needed, which may include prevention and control of the transmission of infectious disease, management of isolation patients, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, safe injection practices, disinfection, sterilization, environmental cleaning, facilities management (maintenance, renovation and construction), and water management
5. Is knowledgeable of blood-borne pathogens and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, exposure control plan.
6. Collaborates with employee health and safety to ensure best practice for employee health and exposures as needed.
7. Provides guidance to physicians, nurses, and healthcare personnel concerning identified infections and surveillance processes.
8. Communicates effectively with executive and leadership teams at entities, and outside agencies regarding surveillance activities
9. Work with operational leaders to identify performance improvement opportunities within HAI trends.
10. Participates in quarterly IP Committee and Quality Meetings as needed
11. Works collaboratively with infectious disease physician(s) and facility specific IP team.
12. Assists in the development and implementation of the annual infection control plan and risk assessment as needed
13. Validate and submit monthly HAI data for internal leadership and NHSN.
14. Reviews and updates facility survey in NHSN on annual basis. Updates location information (such as bed counts and unit types) in NHSN on an as needed basis.
15. Submits HAI data to external organizations/programs as required (Leapfrog).
16. Assists and supports on IP related education, projects, and presentation activities.
17. Supports Quality Management Programs including: Always Safe, RCA, PPE, error prevention, performance reliability and Piedmont's 'Safety Coach Program'.
18. Collaborates with Clinical/Business Intelligence and IS teams to develop additional surveillance tools.
19. Participates in-on call and coverage assignments including coverage of operational IP duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Demonstrated knowledge of basic principles of epidemiology, surveillance, data collection and analysis
Strong written and verbal communication skills, leadership, facilitation, and time management skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as, in a collaborative, team environment.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
Skill and ability in Microsoft Office applications and Electronic Medical Records.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Graduate of a Nursing program with a current license in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License
OR
Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology
OR
Master's degree in Microbiology, Public Heath, Biology, Epidemiology, or other related science field.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Four (4) years of previous work experience in a hospital setting, clinical quality, or performance improvement, preferably in IP OR two (2) years of previous work experience with a Master's degree.
MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:
If the degree is in nursing, a current license in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License is required.
OR
If a certified Medical Technologist, the certification must be from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), AMT (American Medical Technologists) or AAB (American Association of Bioanalysts) according to the qualifications through the State of Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility, Clinical Laboratory regulations.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC), Lean, QPI, or Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.