Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Healthcare related field required.
Minimum 5 years in Infection Prevention and Control or hospital epidemiology.
Certification in Infection Control required on hire.
Active RN license in Virginia preferred.
Master's degree in Public Health or Epidemiology preferred.
7 years’ experience in IPAC and Quality Improvement considered beneficial.
Experience with construction/engineering oversight is a plus.
Responsibilities
Collaborate to develop infection control plans enhancing patient safety.
Work with partners to manage IPAC-related events.
Investigate healthcare associated infections and ensure data collection.
Lead accreditation and regulatory compliance initiatives.
Administer policies in compliance with legal regulations.
Measure effectiveness of services through audits and evaluations.
Provide education on infection control for staff and affiliates.
Lead and mentor the IPAC team to optimize performance.
Manage hiring, orientation, and performance evaluations for team.
Monitor and communicate updates from regulatory bodies effectively.
Benefits
Comprehensive infection control educational programs for staff.
Ongoing professional development opportunities.
Scheduled on-call availability with travel to various sites.
Supportive leadership with mentoring and guidance.
A collaborative work environment focused on quality improvement.
Full Job Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Director of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) is responsible for the overall operation and direction of the IPAC department. The Director manages the day-to-day departmental activities of staff engaged in infection control and prevention functions. Development of processes to promote quality of service, budgetary compliance and identification of departmental direction and expectation are key elements of the role. A high level of independence in performance of the role and/or solution of problems is expected, however, demonstrated cooperation and collaboration are equally essential for successful functioning. Reports to a member of senior management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Works collaboratively to facilitate the development of infection control plans and processes which enhance patient and employee safety.
Works closely with CHKDHS Occupational Health and leaders within our partners (EVMS/ODU and CSG) as required to address IPAC-related events and issues.
Identifies, investigates and ensures data collection concerning healthcare associated infections (HAIs).
Leads initiatives with the accreditation pre and post preparation, regulatory reporting and compliance.
Develops and administers policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory and legal compliance.
Creates processes to measure and analyze the effectiveness of services and processes, including audits and observations.
Provides a comprehensive infection control educational program for staff and others associated with the health system.
Leads, manages, coaches, and trains a team or department, provides guidance, support, and mentors to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
Oversee recruitment, hiring, team/department orientation, performance appraisals and disciplinary actions including up-to-termination processes for a team or department.
Will require scheduled on-call and some travel to the additional CHKDHS sites.
Conducts ongoing monitoring of updates from regulatory agencies, such as CMS, OSHA and VDH, and communicates those updates throughout the health system.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required Licenses and/or Certifications
Certification in Infection Control required at time of hire.
If eligible to be a Registered Nurse, should have an active license and be in good standing in the State of Virginia or able to secure one by the time of or soon after hire.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Healthcare related field.
At least 5 years' experience in IPAC, hospital epidemiology and/or Quality Improvement.
Preferred Education and Experience
Master's degree in Public Health/Healthcare/Epidemiology.
7 years' experience in IPAC, hospital epidemiology and/or Quality Improvement.
Some experience in environmental oversight of construction/engineering.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to prepare reports, policies and budgets.
Professional knowledge of areas of responsibility that include theory, practice, and administration to be able to do direct planning and implementation.
Working knowledge of infection control regulatory and reporting requirements, and HIPAA.
Satisfactory completion of an Infection Control training which meets the standards of accreditation.
Proficient skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and other applicable software.
Excellent communication skills.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to prepare reports, policies and budgets.
Analytical skills with Smartsheets or Power BI a plus.
The ability to use electronic surveillance software such as Vigilanz or Bugsy in daily IPAC operations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Combination of normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like. Risk of exposure to infectious diseases in patient rooms and patient care areas. Some travel to CHKDHS sites is required.
