Infection Preventionist

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Director, Epidemiology and Infection Prevention for Brown University Health, and the Medical Director, Epidemiology and Infection Control, is responsible for investigating nosocomial infections using advanced surveillance techniques. Develops and implements policies and procedures related to epidemiology, infection control and infectious diseases. Responsible for investigating nosocomial infections using standard epidemiologic methods and able to function independently.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Investigates outbreaks of infection in conjunction with department. Establishes etiology, develops interventions and evaluates outcomes.

Obtains specimens from patients, hospital personnel and environmental reservoirs to determine source of infection during outbreaks. Uses molecular biological techniques to type bacteria and determine similarities of isolates. Monitors endemic hospital-acquired infections or potential sources of infection following procedural changes by use of surveillance cultures. Carries out investigations to determine risk of infection from medical devices.

Coordinates and performs safety and surveillance rounds throughout the hospital in collaboration with safety and facilities management personnel. Integrates monitoring of infection control practices and standard precautions into rounds.

Serves as consultant and educator to healthcare team members. Develops and presents in-service education programs regarding infection control for all areas of the hospital. Compiles and analyzes infection control data and creates related reports for end users. Compiles and analyzes data from research studies in order to identify risk factors and etiologies associated with specific infections.

Utilizes local area computer network for the Epidemiology and Infection Control Department. Participates in the development or updating of computer programs to enhance the productivity of the Epidemiology and Infection Control Department.

Performs surveillance activities as designated on an assigned basis. Carries out delegated responsibilities in the absence of the Director and/or Medical Director of Epidemiology and Infection Control Department.

Reviews, revises and updates policies and procedures related to infection control practice.

Represents Epidemiology and Infection Control Department on assigned committees and/or Task Forces.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree in medical technology, nursing or related field. Evidence of graduate level courses in microbiology or epidemiology preferred.

Certification in Epidemiology and Infection Control is preferred and required within 3 years of hire.

Demonstrated knowledge of the care provided in the tertiary, acute-care hospital to patients throughout the continuum of life with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Demonstrated skills with personal computers and software to include database management, spreadsheets, word processing and graphics applications.

Demonstrated skill with both verbal and written communication.

EXPERIENCE

Three years experience in hospital epidemiology infection control.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

Performs independently within department policies and practices. Refers specific, complex problems to Director where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

Pay Range

$86,382.40-$142,542.40

Location

Morton Hospital - 88 Washington Street Taunton, Massachusetts 02780

Work Type

M-F

Work Shift

Day

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

No

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.