Manager, Infection Prevention - Piedmont Augusta

JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Infection Prevention function at local entities. Responsible for leading and driving safety and quality performance improvement initiatives to address trends and deficiencies in Infection Prevention as identified by the Surveillance and Analysis team and set by PHC QSS. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement in the reduction of infections through use of Lean methodology, coaching, tools, data analysis, reliability, sustainability and spread. Manages and supports a portfolio of strategic projects using the performance improvement model. Ensures all performance improvement activities are compliant with regulatory and accreditation bodies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Acts as subject matter expert and resource to entities regarding Infection Prevention and control measures, including identification of infectious disease processes.
2. Implements and ensures compliance of Infection Prevention standards, policies and procedures, as well as guidelines (i.e. Hand Hygiene).
3. Identifies issues of epidemiological/Infection Prevention and control significance.
4. Applies an epidemiological approach to problem solving in leading improvement teams and delivers guidance for the implementation of Evidence Based Practices (EBP) in quality initiatives and/or throughout the pathway program.
5. Provides consultation and expertise including prevention and control of the transmission of infectious disease, management of isolation patients, PPE usage, safe injection practices, disinfection, sterilization, environmental cleaning, facilities management (maintenance, renovation and construction), water management, evaluation of new products, such as hand sanitizer.
6. Maintains currency with CMS guidelines, hospital accreditation, and public health organizations as it relates to Infection Prevention.
7. Is knowledgeable of bloodborne pathogens and OSHA standards such as the exposure control plan.
8. Participates with plant operations, engineering, and construction when completing Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) for construction projects.
9. Collaborates with employee health and safety to ensure best practice for employee health and exposures.
10. Educates, advises and consults with physicians, nurses, and healthcare personnel concerning Infection Prevention practices and delivers prepared staff education programs, including hospital orientations.
11. Provides patient and family education and assists other healthcare personnel to carry out such teachings as requested by clinical team.
12. Communicates effectively with executive and leadership teams at entities, and outside agencies regarding Infection Prevention practices.
13. Work with operational team leaders as needed to identify root causes and trends among healthcare associated infections.
14. Ensures quarterly Infection Prevention Committee Meetings are organized and conducted. Communicates data and opportunities to appropriate operational team leaders to promote quality, safety and service.
15. Determines opportunities for improvement based on data analysis including activities to decrease healthcare associate infections and improve patient outcomes.
16. Works collaboratively with infectious disease physician(s) or Chair of Infection Prevention Committee as needed.
17. Assists local Infection Preventionist in the development and implementation of the annual infection control plan and risk assessment.
18. Assists and supports on Infection Prevention related education, projects, and presentation activities.
19. Coordinates Infection Prevention on-call coverage for operational facilities.
20. Onboards and mentors new/novice local Infection Preventionist.
21. Leads hospital integration efforts as new hospitals are acquired.
22. Support & manages day-to-day operations of the Infection Prevention Program of assigned entity/entities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
Current knowledge of epidemiological principles and infectious diseases.
Current knowledge of performance improvement principles.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, leadership, facilitation, and time management skills.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to manage committees, staffing responsibilities and individual team projects.
Proactive with good interpersonal and conflict management skills.
Skill and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in-writing.
Skill and ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as, in a collaborative, team environment.
Skill and ability in Microsoft Office applications.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Bachelor's degree in Nursing with a current license in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or
NLC/eNLC Multistate License OR Master's degree in Microbiology, Public Heath, Biology, Epidemiology,
Medical Technology or other related science field.
Current License in the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse or NLC/eNLC Multistate License.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Five (5) years of previous work experience in a hospital setting, clinical quality, epidemiology or performance improvement, preferably in Infection Prevention.
MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:
None.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Current Certification in Infection Prevention and Control is required.
Certification in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), Certification in Public Health (CPH), or Quality Performance Improvement Black Belt is preferred.
Master's degree in Nursing is preferred.

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