Infection Prevention Practitioner

Job Description

Job Description

Job Details

Job Title: Infection Prevention Practitioner

Department/Location: Quality & PS / Hinsdale, IL

Shifts: Days

Full-time (80 hours per pay period) + benefit eligible

FTE: 1.0

Req. Number: 1639

Compensation : Pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to job-specific requirements, individual experience, internal pay equity, and organizational needs/budget considerations, all in alignment with our RML's compensation philosophy. Additionally, you may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program based on both individual and organizational performance.

Benefits

RML offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. Employees can choose from a large selection of benefits that help protect their health, wealth, and well-being. Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life and Accidental, Death Insurance & Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan (6% company match ) - For every $1 an employee contributes, RML contributes $1 to their accounts. Employees are 100 percent vested in the money both they and RML contribute.

Tuition Reimbursement up to $5k per calendar year

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) For employees who may need help managing stress, RML offers an EAP at no cost. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to both employees and their family members.

Banking Alternatives (e.g. HealthCare Associates Credit Union)

PTO: Employees can accrue up to 26 days off annually.

Referral Rewards (upwards of $4k)

• Employee Fitness Room
• Free Parking

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Infection Prevention Practitioner (IPP) reports directly to the Director of Quality and Patient Safety. The IPP has accountability for the implementation of the Infection Prevention Programs at RML Specialty Hospital.

The IPP is responsible for maintaining the system of identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases of patients and personnel. In addition, the IPP monitors the visitor protocol regarding potential infectious disease and is a liaison between all departments and the Director of Quality and Patient Safety with respect to issues of infection prevention.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists with the review and revision to the organizational Infection Prevention program to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and external regulatory requirements.
2. In collaboration with the Director of Quality and Patient Safety develops, revises, and implements site-specific Infection Prevention plans.
3. Assists in the development, revision, and implementation of policies and procedures regarding asepsis and infection prevention in accordance with accepted current standards of practice.
4. Maintains a system to reduce the spread of infection and communicable disease among patients, visitors, and staff.
5. In collaboration with Director of Quality and Patient Safety compiles and analyzes surveillance data to identify epidemiologically significant problems; develops appropriate measures for prevention and control of these problems. Identifies and assists with implementation of improved surveillance and reporting processes.
6. Prepares Infection Prevention reports to the Pharmacy, Nutrition, Therapeutics - Infection Prevention Committee and the Quality and Patient Safety Committee (QPSC).
7. Identifies, investigates, and reports infections and outbreaks of communicable disease among patients and hospital staff, especially those occurring in clusters.
8. Leads performance improvement teams and/or work groups related to infection prevention issues.
9. Monitors patient care activities to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies or new products, which may constitute a risk of infection or those that may help reduce nosocomial infection.
10. Investigates patients, staff, and visitors’ exposure to communicable diseases, e.g., chickenpox and tuberculosis. Serves as facility liaison to the Employee Health Nurse related to employee infection prevention issues. Communicates findings with Director of Quality and Patient Safety
11. Investigates epidemiologically significant issues and develops appropriate measures for prevention and control of the problem identified. Reports findings and interventions to Director of Quality and Patient Safety Responsible for review of internal and external construction and issuing of Infection Prevention construction permits. Communicates all construction activity to Director of Quality and Patient Safety on a regular basis.
12. Interacts with regulatory agencies on reporting communicable diseases and conditions.
13. Responsible for communicating all Department of Public Health alerts to the organizational leaders as appropriate.
14. Ensures regulatory compliance in maintaining Infection Prevention environmental requirements and all other related compliance issues.
15. Reviews and disseminates current Infection Prevention information to appropriate individuals or departments within the facility.
16. In collaboration with the Director of Quality and Patient Safety develops and presents in-service education for the prevention and control of infection for all health care workers, patients, and families. Participates in orientation of new employees and annual employee training.
17. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with all hospital departments and contracted services related to Infection Prevention issues.
18. Assists the Director of Quality and Patient Safety the development and on-going management of the department’s budget.
19. Responsible for self-education through current literature review, attending workshops, seminars, and formal courses relevant to Infection Prevention.
20. Exemplifies the RML REACH (Service Excellence) culture by demonstrating respect, excellence, appreciation, concern, and honor in all interactions with patients, families, and co-workers, and as identified in departmental and hospital wide behavioral expectations

JOB REQUIREMENTS & CHARACTERISTICS:

1. The interpersonal skills necessary to interact with staff, patients, families, medical staff, and other members of the healthcare team.

2. Ability to engage in logical, critical thinking to solve problems.

3. Ability to perform light physical work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on an occasional basis, performing such activities as figuring, grasping, lifting, reaching, crouching and repetitive tasks.

4. Ability to walk briskly to all areas of the hospital.

Knowledge & Experience

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Demonstrated knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to Infection Prevention.

Proficiency with computer applications (word processing, database, and graphics)

Minimum of 2 years experience in Infection Prevention in an acute care setting.

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare related field.

License/

Certification

Illinois Registered Nurse preferred or degree in a healthcare related field.

National certification in Infection Prevention (i.e. CIC) or within 12 months

1. Work is performed in a patient care environment.
2. Works in a well-lighted and ventilated office. Sits at a desk for a portion of the day.
3. Services rendered to adult patients.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not exhaustive lists of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.

1/2024