Infection Preventionist (RN)

Under the supervision of the Director of Performance Excellence, the Infection Preventionist is responsible for the effective direction, management, and operation of the infection prevention program, including the education of DRH Health team members and providers, and consulting with the county and state department of health. The Infection Preventionist utilizes evidence-based practices, such as those published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the Infection Preventionist ensures compliance with regulations and requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state regulations and other accrediting and/or regulatory organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS):

• Reviews, updates, and implements infection prevention risk assessment and programs for DRH Health annually.
• Conducts ongoing review of policies, procedures, and guidelines to identify infection prevention discrepancies and implement revisions, if necessary.
• Reviews relevant public health issues to integrate into practice.
• Serves as a consultant and resource person regarding infection prevention issues for DRH Health.
• Collaborates with healthcare professionals within and outside of DRH Health and community partners.
• Systematically collects and analyzes healthcare-associated infection data to identify trends and risk factors and reporting incidents to the appropriate person, department, and/or agency.
• Maintains records of and performs reporting of healthcare-associated and other infections per various DRH Health, county, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Develops reports and statistical data for committees as needed.
• Trains team members on implementation of infection prevention practices.
• Conducts rounds, discusses, and monitors infection prevention practices with team members, vendors, and providers.
• Ensures the availability of supplies required for infection prevention activities.
• Leads the Infection Prevention Hospital Committees with the Infection Prevention medical team members and participates in other committee meetings as appropriate.
• Acts as a liaison to the Team Member Health Nurse regarding relevant team member health issues.
• Works closely with Facilities Management during all construction developing infection control risk assessments.
• Regular attendance and punctuality for scheduled shifts.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continuing education opportunities including internal and external educational offerings.
• Appropriately adapts assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the physical, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each person served, if involved in patient care.
• Utilization of assistive devices for lifting is mandatory.
• Must adhere to safety protocols at all times.
• Per DRH policy, all required conditions of employment must be met and maintained including required vaccinations.
• This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.
• Implement DRH Standards of Behavior and exhibit behaviors consistent with DRH core values.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge of nursing, infection control, or related practices. Skill in thinking critically, analyzing data, working independently, and collaborating with a team. Skill in providing clear guidance. Communication skills including fluency in oral and written English. Basic computer skills including the ability to send/receive/email and navigate information technology associated with the position including basic database management. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Ability to remain flexible to quickly adapt to urgent situations. Ability to adapt procedures, processes, tools, equipment, and techniques to accomplish the requirements of the position.

Education and/or Experience: Bachelors degree in nursing, epidemiology, public health or related field. Three years of relevant acute care experience preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: Current, unencumbered professional licensure in the State of Oklahoma or Multistate Licensure in a Party state in compliance with primary residency rules and requirements if appropriate to the primary discipline. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required; May have up to 2 years from date of hire or transfer to obtain. For those positions requiring travel, a current valid drivers license and automobile liability insurance must be maintained. FEMA ICS 100, 200, and 700 certifications required; May have up to 90 days from day of hire or transfer to obtain.

• Safety-Sensitive Position -This is a Safety-Sensitive Position as defined by Oklahoma law. As such, please be advised that applicants for this position cannot test positive in pre-employment drug tests (or any drug tests administered after employment begins) for the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of cannabis. This is true even if the applicant is in possession of a valid medical marijuana card that otherwise allows the license-holder to legally use and consume medical marijuana. Team Members in Safety-Sensitive positions are not permitted to test positive for the presence of THC in any pre-employment drug test, or any other drug test administered after employment begins. This information is provided to applicants as a resource to the application process. This is not a request for any applicant to disclose personal medical information during the application process. If you have any questions about the information in this disclaimer please direct these questions to a member of Human Resources.

**This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.

***As a condition of employment, vaccinations are required per DRH Policy. Medical and Religious Exemptions are available upon request.