Infection Preventionist

JOB SUMMARYAt Houston Methodist, the Infection Preventionist is responsible for implementing and maintaining the multiple facets of the Infection Control Program. S/he is a liaison between all departments and the Infection Control Committee. This individual maintains a routine surveillance program of patients, personnel, and the environmental problems that present a real or potential threat to the welfare of patients, visitors, or personnel throughout the institution. Serves as member of the Infection Control Committee. Promotes compliance with accreditation, certification and regulatory requirement.PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONSProvide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:

INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.

COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.

ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.

RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.

EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

Focuses on patient/customer safety

Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

Intentionally rounds with patients/customers to ensure their needs are being met

Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports byenabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIESJob responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.PEOPLE - 5%Coordinates with others for the investigation, identification, and, as deemed appropriate, follow-up of contacts who are suspected or confirmed to have been exposed to relevant communicable diseases at Houston Methodist. (This activity shall include the notification of and follow through with the Employee Health Nurse when such contacts have involved Hospital personnel.) (EF)

SERVICE - 20%Uses national recognized definitions and best practice guidelines to maintain a practical surveillance program which incorporates the systematic and current review of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), significant communicable diseases, and environmental events with potential impact to patient, visitor and healthcare provider safety. (EF)

Exercises sound clinical judgment, discretion and initiative when performing medical record audits. Communicates identified quality or risk issues through departmental and hospital chain-of-command. (EF)

Presents instructional material for orientations and continuing education relevant to infection prevention and control throughout the hospital. (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 60%Routinely conducts infection prevention process surveillance to identify potential process deficiencies which may impact patient safety and lead to HAIs. (EF)

Recognizes and investigates clusters of infections, communicates the investigation results through appropriate channels, and facilitates the implementation of interventions to prevent future infections. Supports facility construction planning and collaborates with construction through Infection Control Risk Assessment activities. Escalates safety and infection control issues in a timely fashion. (EF)

Contributes to the evaluation (at least annually) and documents the effectiveness of the Infection Control Program Plan. Facilitates (at least annually) the revision of the Infection Control Program Plan to include new goals and measures as deemed appropriate based on a concurrent risk assessment. Develops and revises policies and procedures to meet current practice standards. (EF)

Communicates all pertinent information at timely intervals to the Director of Quality & Outcomes and Medical Director of Infection Control as appropriate. Responsible for reporting mandatory Infections data to the national databases, local health authorities, and other regulatory organizations, as necessary. Maintains patient and physician confidentiality. Participates in hospital survey preparation and onsite survey activity. (EF)

Data mines information and produces statistics and reports in a meaningful way for decision making in support of continued infection prevention. (EF)

FINANCE - 5%Collaborates with other departments to monitor use of resources related to infection prevention. Participates in cost reduction efforts by making recommendations to mitigate risk of infection. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%Responsible for facilitating and coordinating efforts aimed at implementing new standards as required by regulatory and accrediting agencies; including implementation of new or improved policies and procedures related to infection prevention. (EF)

Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development in infection prevention.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTSMust possess one of the following:Bachelor and/or Master degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology, or Public Health

Bachelor degree in another related field with previous infection control experience and CIC certification

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSMinimum of 2 years of experience in an acute care or public health setting

Previous experience in infection control or public health is preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIREDCertification in Infection Control within three years' employment in the role required for all

Bachelor degree in Nursing also requires Texas RN license or temporary TX RN license, should obtain permanent license within 90 days. Compact license acceptable according to current Board of Nursing requirements.

Bachelor degree in Medical Technology also requires ASCP-MT or Clinical Scientist (CS)

Bachelor degree in Microbiology also requires specialization in clinical microbiology and registry

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDDemonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Competent in Infection Control Practices including Isolation Precautions, hospital surveillance and construction projects

Maintains current knowledge regarding all laws, regulatory and accreditation standards

Proficient with computer programs to complete job duties independently

Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTSWork AttireYes/NoUniform NoScrubsNoBusiness professionalYesOther (dept approved) NoOn-Call Yes, on a limited basis (for Exempt jobs only)Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.Travel May require travel within YesHouston Metropolitan area May require travel outside Yes of Houston Metropolitan area Travel specifications may vary by department. Please note any other special considerations to this job: Since 1998, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has been serving Fort Bend and the surrounding counties. Residents have come to rely on a level of compassionate care and leading-edge technology that was once available only in the Texas Medical Center. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital tied for No. 4 in Houston and No. 6 (three-way tie) in Texas in U.S. News & World Report’s best hospital rankings in 2020. With 316 operating beds, 24 operating rooms and over 2,400 employees, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was designed to provide comprehensive, personalized care for the community.Street: 16655 Southwest Freeway Name: Qual Care Mgmt Regular Shift: 1st - Day