Infection Preventionist
Washington, DC 
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Posted 10 days ago
Job Description

General Summary of Position
The Infection Preventionist uses current epidemiologic principles to develop and implement key infection prevention strategies and to conduct surveillance for healthcare associated infections and outbreak investigations. The Infection Preventionist uses relevant data, epidemiologic methods and appropriate external resources to align the Annual Infection Control and Prevention plan with organizational strategic priorities.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conducts surveillance using definitions and methodologies from the CDC National Healthcare Safety Network to appropriately evaluate individual cases and trends and to meet Corporate, local and federal reporting requirements.
  • Analyzes surveillance data using appropriate epidemiologic methods to determine incidence and prevalence patterns and prevention program effectiveness.
  • Communicates surveillance findings with recommendations to appropriate individuals, departments, units and committees using ad hoc and routine reporting structures.
  • Identifies and participates in outbreak investigations, assisting in the design of complex studies and collaborating with the local state/state health departments as needed.
  • Develops reviews and revises infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
  • Implements infection control strategies related to personnel behavior, isolation placements for patients, cleaning and disinfection of equipment and reduction of environmental hazards related to construction, ventilation systems and water supply.
  • Collaborates with public health agencies in planning community responses to biologic agents (e.g. anthrax, influenza and/or influx of communicable diseases).
  • Oversees the communicable disease component of the Occupational Health program to insure compliance with the CDC recommended screening and immunization guidelines. Collaborates with Occupational Health staff to plan and conduct post exposure investigation and follow up.

  • Minimum Qualifications
    Education

    • Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Microbiology or related science field required

    Experience

    • 3-4 years of progressively more responsible job-related experience with knowledge of nursing theory, microbiology, epidemiology and statistics required

    Licenses and Certifications

    • CIC - Certified in Infection Control preferred
    • RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia licensure if RN preferred

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Ability to successfully handle multiple projects and prioritize and schedule accordingly.
    • Must be able to successfully and effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with a variety of personnel, patients and physicians.


    Why MedStar Health?
    At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

    • Strong emphasis on teamwork - our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
    • Strategic focus on equity, inclusion, & diversity - we are committed to equity for all people and communities. We continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to equitable care delivery and improved community health outcomes at all levels of the organization.
    • Comprehensive total rewards package - including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
    • More career opportunities closer to home - as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.

    About MedStar Health
    MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

    MedStar Health is an Equal Opportunity (EO) Employer and assures equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. We hire people to work in different locations, and we comply with the federal, state and local laws governing each of those locations. MedStar Health makes all decisions regarding employment, including for example, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefit eligibility, discipline, and discharge without regard to any protected status, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local EO laws. If you receive an offer of employment, it is MedStar Health's policy to hire its employees on an at-will basis, which means you or MedStar Health may terminate this relationship at any time, for any reason.

     

    Job Summary
    Company
    Start Date
    As soon as possible
    Employment Term and Type
    Regular, Full Time
    Required Education
    Bachelor's Degree
    Required Experience
    3 to 4 years
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