Hours of Work :

8-430

Days Of Week :

Monday-Friday

Work Shift :

8X5 Day (United States of America)

Job Description :

Your Job: 
In this highly visible, fast-paced, and challenging position, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide the very best care for our patients. The Infection Preventionist performs surveillance, education, consultation, data analysis, aggregation and reporting of infection or risk of infection. Identifies and reduces the risk of infection. Supports the mission, vision, values and strategic goals of Methodist Health System.

Your Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Microbiology, Biology, Medical Technology or other related science field
• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, or other related science field preferred
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) strongly preferred
• Licensure of educational background is related (e.g., Nursing, Medical Technologist) 
• Computer literacy required (advanced Excel, Access, basic word processing or similar capabilities).
• Work Experience: 2 years' experience participating in a hospital-based infection prevention & control program consisting of surveillance, education of staff, data analysis and aggregation consistent epidemiological practices
•  Knowledge and practice of performance improvement processes
•  Knowledge of state, national and other regulatory bodies' standards 
• Proficiency in data base management
•  Strong biostatistics knowledge and application of appropriate statistical methods and analysis
 

General Job Summary:

This position is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive infection prevention and control program for the entire medical center. Three principal goals include: protecting the patient; protecting the healthcare worker, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment; and accomplishing this in a cost-effective manner (whenever possible). Assesses the educational needs and develops training for the hospital and medical staff related to infection prevention and control. All programs will be conducted in accordance with system philosophy, objectives, policy and procedures, Joint Commission standards, regulatory requirements and professional standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manages critical data and information, including surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), using a well-designed surveillance program that is based on sound epidemiological principles. Directs and supports a culture of targeting zero healthcare associated infections and works to reduce non-compliance with best practices as part of the patient safety program. (15%)
2. Complies with regulations, guidelines, and accreditation requirements and ensures that Hospital administration and management are made of aware of above. (10%)
3. Provides external and internal reporting of infection data, including infection rates, reportable conditions, and other infection information as needed. (10%)
4. Develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures, based on scientifically valid infection prevention and control measures that have a positive impact on the process and prevention of HAIs. Considers both clinical outcomes and financial implications when making recommendations for changes in practice. (10%)
5. Intervenes directly and indirectly to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. (15%)
6. Provides consultation to the healthcare organization and practitioners, and to the community by providing current information on infection prevention and control. Collaborates with other departments in ensuring that findings, recommendation, and policies are integrated and useful in those departments. (10%)
7. Makes regular rounds and maintains a continuous record of each infection noted. Investigates and reports all epidemics, trends or unusual infections identified to the department manager and others as appropriate. (15%)
8. Identifies opportunities for improvement based on indicators, process and outcome measures, other findings and/or observations. Participates and contributes in the organization’s quality improvement plan. (10%)
9. Enhances professional growth and development and routinely assesses the educational needs of staff and customers. (5%)

Reports to: Director of Infection Prevention
Supervises: None

Minimal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Current Texas RN license, Microbiology or Public Health degree
2. CIC preferred
3. Current training and experience in infection prevention and control
4. Computer expertise with Microsoft Word, E-mail, PowerPoint, and Excel
5. Strong communication skills with proven ability to interact with patients, employees, and management
6. High level critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong customer service skills

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

1. Requires physical and mental stamina.
2. Occasional prolonged walking, standing, squatting, stooping, and pulling.
3. May be exposed to infections, contagious diseases, and blood-borne pathogen diseases.
4. Subject to unpredictable, emergency, or crisis situations.
5. Contact with patients is variable.

Methodist Midlothian Medical Center is the first full-service, acute care hospital in Midlothian, Texas. Serving Midlothian and northern Ellis County, we are a 46-bed hospital that is designed to expand as the community grows. Providing everything from emergency care and advanced surgery to imaging and labor and delivery, our hospital has 16 emergency department beds, two operating suites, and the latest digital and medical technologies. We strive to have a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcomes the skills and talents of all groups. Our reputation as an award-winning employer shows in the distinctions we’ve earned:

• 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review, 2023
• Top 10 Military Friendly® Employer, Gold Designation, 2023
• Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly® Employer, 2023
• Level I Maternal Facility for perinatal care
• Level I Neonatal Facility
• Gene Rodgers Community Service Award, Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, 2022
• Robotic surgery capabilities
• Cardiac catheterization lab