Job Description

Job Summary: The Infection Preventionist functions in a fast-paced large tertiary academic medical center with multiple campuses and Level One Trauma Designation, Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Receiving Center designation. Serves as a liaison for infection control for inpatient and outpatient services licensed under Loma Linda University Health (LLUH). Locations include LLUH licensed hospitals (Loma Linda University Medical Center, East Campus Hospital, Surgical Hospital, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Behavioral Medicine Center) and LLUH services licensed separately such as the Kidney Center, Home Health and Adult Day Care. Improves patient care outcomes by implementing processes and practices such as surveillance, data analysis, interpretation and reporting, education and development of system and department-specific policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control and prevention standards are set according to regulations and evidence based best practices. Serves as a change agent and facilitates compliance with policies and practices by making rounds at designated intervals to talk with healthcare team and address and resolve infection control/prevention issues at point of care. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or other clinical health-related field, e.g., Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP), or Master's Degree in clinical health related field, e.g., Master of Public Health (MPH), required. Minimum three years recent clinical experience in acute hospital care required. Minimum one year experience in Infection Control or Epidemiology preferred.

Knowledge and Skills: Substantial knowledge of state and federal infection control and prevention healthcare regulations and accreditation, quality, patient safety, performance improvement methodologies, data management and statistical analysis, medical staff structure, legal aspects of care, nursing scope of practice, and evidenced-based clinical practice standards required. Demonstrates professional competency and ability to develop and champion clinical outcome improvements in a multi-initiative organization with competing priorities. Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of staff. Able to read; write and speak with professional quality; use computer and software programs necessary to the position (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Access); operate/troubleshoot basic office equipment required for the position. Able to relate and communicate positively, effectively, and professionally with others; provide leadership; be assertive and consistent in enforcing policies ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, rules and laws; think critically; use sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach, and collaborate; accept direction. Able to communicate effectively in English in person, in writing, and on the telephone; think critically; work independently; perform basic math and statistical functions; manage multiple assignments; compose written material; work well under pressure; problem solve; organize and prioritize workload; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail. Able to distinguish colors as necessary; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone, and identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the workplace; see adequately to read computer screens, and written documents necessary to the position.

Licensures and Certifications: Appropriate active California licensure for clinical specialty, e.g., BSN, CLS, RCP. Completion of Principles of Infection Control and Epidemiology or related course required upon meeting course eligibility requirements. If hired prior to year 2000, 20 CEUs related to Infection Prevention and Control required yearly. If hired after 1/1/2000, Certification in Infection Control (CIC) within three years of hire required and maintained. For individuals without clinical licensure, 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) specific to Infection Control or Epidemiology required within first year of hire.