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SalaryJob ID: 5723357189
Status: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Shift: Day Job
Facility: UPMC Altoona
Department: Infection Control
Location: 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA
Union Position: No
Salary Range: $ 31.86-51.5 USD
UPMC Altoona is seeking a Full Time Sr. Infection Preventionist!
Under the direction of the infection prevention Coordinator/Manager, the Senior Infection Preventionist (IP) will perform surveillance for detection and prevention of infections occurring in the healthcare system. The IP will use an epidemiologic approach to preventing infections throughout the hospital through problem solving, critical thinking, intervention and education. The IP will use advanced epidemiology knowledge and statistical analysis to investigate outbreaks, infection rate calculations and improvement/intervention projects. The IP will use adult education principles to develop and implement infection prevention educational programs. The IP actively leads or participates in goal planning activities, program assessment and development of business cases.
Responsibilities:
- Acts as liaison with local and state health departments and other healthcare facilities by reporting notifiable diseases and investigating communicable conditions.
- Effectively communicates and collaborates with interdisciplinary health care professionals, administrators, health system personnel, patients/family members, and local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
- Maintains advanced knowledge of National Health Safety Network (NHSN) and Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) surveillance definitions.
- Demonstrates ongoing continuing education by reviewing professional publications and participating in educational programs and professional organization activities.
- Performs environmental rounding in all areas of the healthcare facility. Reviews regulatory standards (The Joint Commission (TJC), Pennsylvania Department of the Health (PA DOH) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)) related to cleanliness and infection prevention with healthcare workers including, but not limited to, compliance with hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions and environmental service practices.
- Independently performs surveillance activities using NHSN and PA-PSRS infection definitions for the detection of healthcare acquired infections in the acute and/or long-term care settings.
- Advanced knowledge of epidemiology and study design to investigate clusters and outbreaks for sources of infection; educate healthcare personnel regarding short and long term control measures and evaluates/monitors the effectiveness of such controls.
- Serves on the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and represents Hospital Epidemiology on hospital committees requiring Infection Prevention and Control input.
- Uses a variety of skills and techniques to plan, develop, conduct and document educational programs for hospital personnel and patients/families using age and education level appropriate venues to maintain or enhance knowledge of infection control.
- Provides infection prevention control input during all phases of construction/renovation activities. Conducts construction/renovation inspections and rounds routinely to ensure compliance with PA DOH requirements and assess for any infection control/safety issues.
- Oversees Legionella surveillance and coordinates remediation when indicated.
- Assumes supervisory responsibilities for administrative staff and assists in the completion of employee evaluations, selection and hiring of staff, and in performance management.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field required.
- Two years of Infection Prevention or related relevant experience required.
- Computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.
- Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure.
- Current CIC certification required.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Certification in Infection Control
- Act 34
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
CAREER GROWTH
Grow Your Nursing Career
Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:
Clyde C.
Michelle B.
Jouli H.
Keshon B.
Clyde C.
Clyde C.
As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.
Clyde’s Career Journey:
- 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
- 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
- 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
- 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy
Michelle B.
Michelle B.
In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.
Michelle’s Career Journey:
- 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
- 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
- 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
- 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
- 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
- 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian
Jouli H.
Born in Syria, Jouli H. had a childhood dream of becoming a nurse. After moving to the United States and initially pursuing a different career, Jouli decided to return to school when she turned 30, returning to the hope and dream she had as a little girl. After attending UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, Jouli has continued her UPMC career journey, even becoming a mother along the way.
Jouli’s Career Journey:
- 2020: Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
- 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
- 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Mercy
- 2022: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy
- 2023: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy
Keshon B.
Keshon might have only started his nursing career 3 years ago, but he has made the most of his time at UPMC! Through tuition assistance and mentorship by coworkers, Keshon has gained experience and grown as a nurse, leader, and UPMC team member. Before his current role with UPMC Travel Staffing, Keshon proudly worked as a staff nurse in his hometown of McKeesport.
Keshon’s Career Journey:
- 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
- 2020: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
- 2020: Staff Nurse – UPMC McKeesport
- 2020: Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC McKeesport
- 2021: Bed Flow Coordinator – UPMC McKeesport
- 2022: Administrator On Duty – UPMC McKeesport
- 2022-present: RN – UPMC Travel Staffing, MS
We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.
Benefits that Matter to You
We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.
- Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
- Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
- Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
- Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
- Employer-paid life insurance
Support for You – and Your Family
Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.
- Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements work best for your lifestyle
- Two weeks of paid parental leave
- Family planning resources
- Comprehensive health care for dependents
- Emergency child and elder care options
A Culture That Cares
UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.
- Employee resource groups
- Awards for champions of dignity & respect
- Center for Engagement & Inclusion
- Programs for Veteran Engagement
Tools to Reach Your Potential
Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.
- Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
- Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
- Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
- Ongoing learning opportunities
Expansive Opportunity
Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.
- 96,000+ employees
- 40 hospitals and 800+ doctors’ offices and outpatient sites
- International locations
- State of-the-art technology
