Summary:

The Infection Preventionist develops and maintains written policies and procedures related to infection prevention which comply with regulatory agencies for the Yuma Regional Medical Center and outpatient settings. Performs infection prevention surveillance activities at YRMC and assists the healthcare team regarding proper care of infected patients including isolation procedures and works closely with Employee Health regarding programs for influenza vaccination and tuberculosis screening. The Infection Preventionist provides information, education and recommendations to reduce and stop the spread of infection in patients, clients, visitors, healthcare workers, and in the community and reviews current standards and literature are understood and practiced to reduce costs at no increased risk to patients and clients.

Responsibilities:

Develops and maintains written standards, policies and procedures related to infection prevention encompassing all entities of Yuma Regional Medical Center; ensures policies are consistent with regulatory agencies, including OSHA & CDC guidelines and standards and CMS Indicators; ensures policies are updated as stipulated by the Infection Prevention Committee.

Encourages and assists in the development and delivery of educational programs for medical, nursing, allied health, administrative departments and the community in the area of infection prevention; ensures programs are consistent with current practice, CMS standards, AOA standards and OSHA regulations; maintains oversight for programs related to Blood borne Pathogens, Respiratory Protection, Tuberculosis; provides programs during employee orientation and annually for all staff, including volunteers; exhibits basic competencies in teaching utilizing adult learning principles.

Performs infection prevention surveillance and investigation activities for all patients; performs routine surveillance according to schedule approved by Infection Prevention committee or rearranges to meet organizational priorities; conducts investigations of suspected problem areas in a timely manner; keeps infection prevention data bases current; follows up on positive cultures and communicable diseases for all patients and staff, as needed; collaborates with Employee Health when investigating and/or following up on any staff illnesses, communicable diseases, work related injuries (see Employee Health Policy regarding the management of such employees).

Assists in the development, training and implementation of organizational responses related to pandemic planning and preparedness, bioterrorism and surge capacity planning.

Acts as hospital liaison, collaborating with other health care professionals regarding infection prevention; works in conjunction with all services with primary areas being Employee Health Department and Laboratory Services; provides and receives information for State and county health departments; participates in local infection prevention control organization, APIC Grand Canyon Chapter; reviews current infection prevention literature from all sources including CDC, health department to the internet; consults with a variety of persons including physicians, staff, patients and community; makes recommendations to reduce costs at no increased risk to patients and clients; performs year-round syndromic surveillance for West Nile Virus and Influenza-like-illnesses, becomes part of CDC data base.

Actively participates in assigned committees; co-chairs Infection Prevention Committee; attends assigned committees or make arrangements for coverage.

Coordinates the planning, development, and implementation of the short and long term goals and objectives for the infection prevention program; collaborates on a regular basis with the medical director of the infection prevention program; annually evaluates and updates the infection prevention program based on organizational needs and goals, and as stipulated by the Infection Prevention Committee and its Chairperson. Serves as a clinical resource to data abstractors.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Associates Degree - Nursing

RN licensure

3+ Years of Experience or more