Infection Preventionist

Department :

10121 Advocate Aurora Health Corporate - Infection Prevention

Status : Full time

Benefits Eligible : Yes

Hou rs Per Week : 40

Schedule Details / Additional Information :

This is an IP position covering the IL Continuing Health space (home care and hospice). This position is hybrid and requires travel throughout the IL service area during normal business hours Monday -Friday. This position partners with the WI Continuing Health IP.

Pay Range

$37.50 - $56.25

The Infection Preventionist (IP) leads and implements the system Infection Prevention Program at their respective site. This position is highly visible within the Advocate-Aurora hospital site and across the ambulatory / outpatient continuum, in which the primary goal is to support the Infection Prevention vision, to prevent pathways to infection and proactively manage infection risk across the care continuum. This role will support home care, hospice, home medical equipment (HME) warehouse, pharmacy, Advanced Care at Home, and rehabilitation services across the IL Division.

Major Responsibilities :

• Works collaboratively with MS Director and AAH Surveillance team members to develop a site Infection Prevention Plan using a risk based approach to prevention and transmission of infections. Collaborates between the hospital based and ambulatory / outpatient infection prevention teams on issues related to infection prevention and surveillance. Shares resources as appropriate.
• Serves as a consultant to physicians, associates, patients, families and the community on issues regarding infection prevention and best practice principles for all levels of personnel, patient and visitor to provide pathways to prevent infections in the health care environment. Works collaboratively with nursing team to identify opportunities from an evidenced based perspective with new infection prevention products. Contributes to product innovation and evaluation.
• Effectively manages the sites in collaboration with departments / physicians transmission based isolation program. Identify strategies to improve health outcomes as it relates to preventing hospital acquired infections or transmission of infections. Participates in the completion of an annual site risk assessment for Infection Prevention, including identification of measurable goals. Performs annual TB risk assessments to accurately determine prevention control strategies to reduce the risk for TB acquisition or transmission among patients or health care workers.
• Demonstrates high visibility and accessibility through unit rounding and off site visits to detect gaps and / or deficiencies regarding infection prevention practices and the environment of care and to identify and address potentially unsafe practices. Makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds and assurance with National and or professional standards.
• Participates in investigations of unusual infection outbreaks in consultation with an infection Prevention physician, local and state health departments and when necessary in consultation with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Identifies exposures to communicable diseases and works with Employee Health, Managers, and physicians on post-exposure follow-up.
• Designs, implements, monitors and evaluates infection prevention programs using a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the practice of evidenced based guidelines and standards of care. Assists and supports the hospital / site hand hygiene program.
• Develops and / or reviews hospital or system policies and procedures using evidenced based practices with appropriate references. Participates in the identification of opportunities for cost saving initiatives.
• Participates in continuing education activities at the department, State and National Levels to promote personal growth and to maintain current knowledge based on the latest scientific research and evidence. Plans, organizes, develops and implements education programs using appropriate informational materials at appropriate level of understanding and need for associates, licensed independent practitioners and volunteers. Leads or actively participates in team development, achieving targets and in accomplishing department goals and objectives.
• Plans and chairs the infection prevention committee. Provides information to hospital committees and department managers to formulate changes in the policies, procedures and / or processes which could reduce the spread of infection.
• Ensure compliance of their respective site with all infection prevention requirements outlined by key regulatory agencies.

Licensure, Registration, and / or Certification Required :

Education Required :

Experience Required :

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You :

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards : benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including :

Compensation

Benefits and more

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.