Infection Preventionist

Clinical Epidemiology and Infection Prevention- ( Full-time, Day-shift),

Our mission is to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Our core values are compassion, excellence, humility, integrity, justice, teamwork and wholeness.

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.

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.

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. Valid Driver’s License and automobile insurance required at time of hire.

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. Must have highly developed oral and written communication skills in English and make public presentations. Demonstrates a high degree of social skills in obtaining cooperation and support from a broad range of people with various levels of responsibility and ability to work effectively with physician, nursing, administrative, student, volunteer and ancillary staff. Able to inspire and motivate others. Knowledge and application of adult learning principles. Must demonstrate advanced computer skills and proficiency in Windows environment (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Internet Explorer, Outlook, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program, spreadsheets and graphics. Must be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; work calmly and respond courteously when under pressure; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; use sound judgment based on factual information and clinical knowledge; set goals and work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision; meet aggressive deadlines; perform basic math and statistical functions; demonstrate expert time management and prioritize fluctuating workload and to meet position demands; utilize problem-solving methodologies in a proactive and creative manner; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records, and written documents necessary to position. Exhibits professional behavior at all times and displays personal qualities such as kindness, compassion, understanding, integrity, respect, sense of humor, discretion and confidentiality.