ABOUT UPMC HAMOT:

UPMC Hamot, a Magnet-designated hospital, is seeking a full-time Infection Preventionist to join our Infection Control team. The ideal candidate will bring 5 years of acute care nursing experience.

TITLE AND SALARY WILL BE DETERMINED BASED UPON EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.

Purpose: Perform surveillance for detection and prevention of infections occurring in the healthcare system through investigation, consultation, and education of healthcare personnel. Provide an epidemiologic approach to preventing infections throughout the hospital through problem solving, intervention and education. Implement the Infection Control Program based on standards of care provided by the Infection Control Committee Administration, the practicing state’s Department of Health, and other applicable regulatory bodies.

• Facilitate implementation of infection prevention and control policies/guidelines for all hospital departments in compliance with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and Department of Health guidelines.
• Provide leadership for interdisciplinary teams to control specific disease entities and support quality initiatives.
• Identify trends in hospital infections through surveillance data review and interpretation to develop risk reduction strategies and implement process improvement initiatives. Conduct construction/renovation inspections and rounds to ensure compliance with state DOH requirements and assess for infection control/safety issues.
• Serve on the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and represent Hospital Epidemiology in relevant hospital committees. Perform related duties as required.
• Demonstrate ongoing continuing education by reviewing professional publications and participating in educational programs and professional organization activities.
• Investigate clusters and outbreaks for sources of infection, educate healthcare personnel on control measures, and assist in evaluating their effectiveness.
• Facilitate operational responsibilities of infection prevention and control in mandatory reporting as required by state regulatory and legal requirements, including NHSN reporting.
• Conduct environmental rounds to assess compliance with state DOH, Life Safety, and TJC requirements.
• Work with hospital management to identify areas for improved performance to prevent HAIs and protect employees, patients, and visitors from infectious conditions.
• Act as liaison with local and state health departments and other healthcare facilities by reporting notifiable diseases and investigating communicable conditions.
• Plan, develop, conduct, and document educational programs for hospital personnel, patients, and families to maintain or enhance knowledge of infection control.
• Support departmental objectives of quality services, system improvement, and cost containment by contributing to the implementation of recommended initiatives. Perform surveillance of hospital units for detection of healthcare-acquired infections through electronic review of patient records and laboratory data.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary health care professionals, administrators, health system personnel, and regulatory agencies. Document infection data in an electronic surveillance system as required by state regulation.
• Bachelor’s in nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field preferred.
• 5 years of acute care experience.
• Two years of infection control/related relevant experience required or completion of Infection Prevention Fellowship in lieu of the two years of experience.
• Basic computer skills required, and data management/analysis experience preferred.LICENSURE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND CLEARANCES:
• Act 34
• Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure.Current Certified in Infection Control (CIC) certification preferred.