Job Description
Plans, implements and oversees the development of the DMC Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology program for the acute care and ambulatory sites. Serves as a subject matter expert, collaborating with key stakeholders to create infection prevention strategies, provide feedback, and sustain infection prevention requirements. The IP Manager manages a team of infection preventionists and reports to the Director of Clinical Quality Improvement.
Responsibilities
Develops and implements the infection prevention programs, including infection prevention annual plan and risk assessment, policies, protocols, and surveillance plan. Facilitates and manages the system-wide communicable diseases preparedness plan. Develops and directs performance improvement initiatives to prevent pathogen transmission to patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and throughout the facility environment. Oversees the surveillance program, analyzes data, and communicates key findings to various committees, leaders, and healthcare workers across the organization. Utilizes epidemiologic principles to conduct investigations of all healthcare associated infections, clusters, and outbreaks. Participates in daily safety huddle. Participates in daily rounding with a focus on implementation of isolation protocol, hand hygiene, device utilization and maintenance, and environment of care. Designs and provides planned and just-in-time education to staff.. With assistance of the Infection Control Chair, directs the Infection Control Committee with annual review of the program and development of goals and objectives. Provides leadership and expert technical guidance to the Infection Preventionist. Assists with hiring subordinate staff and directs the orientation process. Completes evaluations of staff in a timely manner. Acts as a liaison to state, federal and other agencies to exchange information and establish needed programs. Participates in the health alert network and is an active member of the Environment of Care and Emergency Management System. Interprets federal and state requirements as they relate to infection control and facilitates compliance. Develops and conducts education programs including printed and electronic information involving prevention of infection to facilitate the safety of employees, patients and visitors. Participates in committees to facilitate communication for infection prevention and control standards. Collaborates with Occupational Health Services when required for patient/employee exposures and immunization practices. Performs the duties of an Infection Preventionist as needed.
Qualifications
Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related health field (i.e. Microbiology, Public Health) with knowledge of microbiology, infectious diseases and medical terminology, or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Master's degree in Occupational Health, Public Health, Health Care Administration or closely related field preferred.
Experience:
Required: Five years experience in continuous quality improvement, infection control or closely related area. Leadership experience strongly preferred. Experience in large scale communicable disease preparedness plan development and implementation required
Certifications:
Required: Certification in Infection Control and/or completion of Board exam within two years of hire. Membership in the Michigan Society for Infection Prevention and Control and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology preferred.
Physical Demands:
Lift/position up to 25 lbs. Push/pull up to 25 lbs. of force. Frequent sitting. Moderate standing, walking, reaching, stooping, and bending. Manual dexterity, mobility, touch, auditory to perform all the related duties of the position.
