Infection Preventionist - Correctional Health

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that's served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It's our passion.

Primary Purpose

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for ensuring performing work in the area of infection prevention and control and risk identification, assessment and response under the direction of the department director, manager and medical director. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the collection and analysis of data related to hospital associated infections; serve as a resource on matters that relate to infection prevention and control across the Parkland care continuum; ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulatory standards, professionally recognized standards of care and best practices related to the surveillance, prevention, and control of infections throughout the Parkland Health. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission and values.

Minimum Specifications

Education: Requires a bachelor's degree in healthcare or healthcare related field.

Experience: Must have a minimum of 2+ years of experience in related healthcare field.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

- Must have Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control (CBIC). or ability to obtain within 36 months of hire.

- For RNs: Must have current, unrestricted RN license or temporary RN license from the Texas Board of Nursing or have a valid Compact RN license, or ability to obtain within 90-days of hire.

- For Medical Technologist: Must be certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT) by one of the following:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Department of Health Services (HHS - Formerly HEW)
• American Medical Technologist (AMT)

- Must have current CPR course (Healthcare Provider course for RNs; Heartsaver Course for non-RNs) completion card from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross
• Military Training Network

Skills or Special Abilities

- Must have basic knowledge in epidemiology of infectious diseases, disinfection and sterilization, and data analysis.

- Must have basic knowledgeable about applicable Joint Commission standards, Texas Department of Health licensure requirements, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations, as well as state, county and professionally recognized standards related to infection control.

- Must be skilled in utilization of surveillance software for collection, analysis, and reporting of healthcare associated infections outlined in the program plan.

- Must demonstrate knowledge in National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting and data analysis and interpretation.

- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software

- Must be able to demonstrate effective facilitation and presentation skills.

- Must be able to work independently, be self-motivated and self-learning.

- Demonstrates understanding of high reliability principles through use of tools and behaviors that promote patient safety within a wide range of infection prevention and control functions.

- Registered Nurse only: Provide care to assigned patient populations in accordance with current State of Texas Nurse Practice Act, established protocols, multidisciplinary plan of care, and clinical area specific standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs ongoing surveillance through patient chart reviews and laboratory reports for evidence of HAIs, BSIs, SSIs, and any identified clusters or trends using National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) definitions and electronic surveillance system to provide consistency and allow for benchmarking.
• Analyzes data to recognize potentially important relationships or patterns of infection and to detect significant variations in processes or outcomes.
• Identifies outbreaks or clusters of epidemiologically linked infections. Plans investigation in conjunction with Director, Manager and Medical Director to identify risk factors, potential sources, and modes of transmission. Develops and implements interventions and measures effectiveness. Arranges necessary laboratory support with management. Communicates findings to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and Parkland Management.
• Assists in monitoring compliance with the Joint Commission, CMS CoP, and State and Federal regulations. Initiates, works with, and facilitates multi-disciplinary groups including medical staff, clinical and support departments to prepare for regulatory surveys in order to ensure Parkland operations meet infection prevention guidelines, standards, and evidence-based practices. Research and develop infection prevention and control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements, nationally recognized infection prevention guidelines, and recognized best practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and other entities. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
• Works with appropriate departments and committees to develop interventions, including necessary modifications of protocols and procedures. Measures effectiveness of activities to ensure optimal infection control practices.
• Assists divisions in developing specific goals aimed at improving safety and outcomes as applied to infection prevention and control.
• Identifies opportunities for improvement within operations and customer satisfaction through observation of patient care areas/activities and work environments. Makes recommendations and referrals to appropriate areas for any identified opportunity for improvement.
• Prepares and develops basic presentations designed to communication infection prevention and control concerns, standards and activities as requested.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field through seminars/workshops, professional journals and peer reviewed studies, actively participating in professional organization(s), and maintaining certification and licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Utilizes appropriate change models and incorporates High-Reliability Universal Skills for all infection prevention-related process improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Performs related duties, as assigned, which may include periodic responsibility for responding to urgent infection prevention questions and consultation after regular business hours or on weekends/holidays.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees' wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.