Job Description Park Nicollet Health Services Job Title: Infection Preventionist Job Code: 426-020 Leader Title Level: Director Location: 3931 Specialty Center W416 Department: Infection Prevention & Control Service Final Approval (Dir. or VP Level): VP Date Approved: 01/12/2012 Date Revised: 02/05/2024 POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT: An Infection Preventionist (IP) works collaboratively with the leadership team, quality, medical and nursing staff to develop strategies to reduce the risk of infections and achieve top performance for key infection prevention measures. This begins with the ability to demonstrate infection prevention core competencies--prevention, surveillance, and control. To perform surveillance by utilizing available electronic tools to collect data, applying critical thinking to interpret the data, and submitting required reliable data to the National Healthcare Surveillance Network (NHSN). Also, able to apply adult learning principles to educational strategies, materials, and presentations. The IP must be self-directed and self-motivating, plan and conduct work with minimal direction. The IP directly or indirectly reports to the Director of Infection Prevention. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Baccalaureate degree in nursing or health care related field (e.g., Medical Technology). Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: Licensed professionals must maintain current MN license. Must have valid driver's license. Nurses must maintain BLS certification. Active membership in the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology; or to become a member. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: NA PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience or Equivalent Combination: Two years of experience in an acute and/or ambulatory care setting; infection control experience preferred. Documented course work in epidemiological principles, statistics, microbiology, adult education principles and principles of quality improvement preferred. Master's degree in related field preferred Licensure/ Registration/ Certification: National Certification in Infection Control preferred; or to become certified within three years of employment to this department. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: NA ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (30%) - Preventing/Controlling Transmission of Infectious Agents Consults with departments on infection control issues. Monitors for compliance of Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions. Investigates and communicates patient and healthcare worker exposures and outbreaks, in collaboration with Employee Health. Utilizes facility policies/work standards and external resources to identify best practices and practice gaps (Example: reprocessing patient care items, healthcare-acquired infection prevention). Develops evidence-based/informed policies and work standards based on understanding of regulatory / accreditation requirements. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with team members and clinicians that enhance coordination, standardization, and continuity of infection prevention activities, such as EVS, Lab, nursing, and surgery. Collaborates with state and local public health agencies as needed. Participates in emergency preparedness as it applies to infection prevention. Monitors and supports activities that apply to The Joint Commission and other regulatory requirements. (35%) - Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation Interprets and responds to diagnostic/laboratory reports as necessary, utilizing electronic infection control module. Investigates clusters and outbreaks. Applies standardized case finding methods to healthcare-associated infection (HAI) definitions. Performs electronic chart review, data abstraction and data collection for surveillance purposes. This includes supporting mandatory reporting of communicable diseases to appropriate agencies. Utilizes NHSN to accurately report HAIs and other data, as required. Performs infection rat calculations and basic statistical analysis, understanding rate comparison and benchmarking. Develops and disseminates reports to stakeholders. (20%) - Process Improvement Following evidence-based practices, identifies needed change and proposes intervention / improvement opportunities. Effectively collaborates with stakeholders on practice changes. Understands and can facilitate team projects by applying process improvement skills. (15%) - Education and Research Using adult education principles, designs educational programs and effectively presents material. Participates in Clinical Resource Mentor-Infection Control (CRM-IC) program agenda planning and facilitation. Participates in mandatory infection prevention training of employees. Develops/reviews written infection prevention related materials for team members, patients, and visitors. Keeps abreast of current evidence and public health issues and can incorporate applicable research findings into practice. *Job description rankings/percentages are intended to reflect normal averages over an extended period of time, and are subject to daily variances. Quality and efficiency standards should at no time be compromised to meet the average expectations expressed above. Job descriptions are subject to change to accommodate organization or department needs. ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: Values All colleagues are expected to live our values: Excellence: We strive for the best results and always look for ways to improve. Compassion: We care and show empathy and respect for each person. Partnership: We are strongest when we work together and with those we serve. Integrity: We are open and honest, and we keep our commitments. Additional Expectations: Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provides input on safety issues, and promotes a safe work environment. Maintains regular and timely attendance. Protects confidentiality. Demonstrates participation in and support of the organization's Corporate Integrity Program by participating in compliance-related education and training and complying with the organization's policies and procedures. Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements (i.e., licensure/certification, Employee Health and Wellness requirements, annual training, etc.) POPULATION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: Yes No Does this employee have direct patient contact? x Departments will need to determine the appropriate competencies in their areas for their specific patient populations documented in the essential duties section. Examples of items that can be included are: Identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the patient or situation specific to the needs of the population served. Communicates effectively with patients, families, and team members. Integrates practices that supports patient safety, acknowledges variations in populations served. Anticipates the needs of the population served as well as the unique characteristics of the communities served. Anticipates the needs of the population in providing culturally responsive care and develops an individualized plan for... For full info follow application link. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. We are committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A culture where every person feels welcome, included, and valued. It s an important part of our Head + Heart, Together culture, and critical to our success.