Description

UPMC Jameson and UPMC Horizon is looking for an Infection Control Preventionist Fellow to join our team! This position will support our Quality and Risk Management team by planning, developing, conducting and documenting educational programs for hospital personnel, patients and families using age and education level appropriate venues to maintain or enhance knowledge of infection control. This position will primarily work Monday through Friday during the day and will support UPMC Jameson located in New Castle, PA, UPMC Horizon Shenango Valley located in Farrell, PA, and UPMC Horizon Greenville located in Greenville, PA

Purpose:
The Infection Control Preventionist Fellow is a six-month rotational position providing opportunities for nurse development and exposure into Infection Control. The Fellow spends time learning how to perform surveillance for detection and prevention of infections occurring in the healthcare system through investigation, consultation, and education of healthcare personnel. Upon completion of the fellowship, individuals will be prepared for an entry-level role as an Infection Control Preventionist.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, conduct and document educational programs for hospital personnel, patients and families using age and education level appropriate venues to maintain or enhance knowledge of infection control.
• Facilitate operational responsibilities of infection prevention and control in mandatory reporting as outlined in Pennsylvania State law (ACT 52) including identification of infections, reporting through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), contacting physicians of patients with infections to inform them of notification process and fielding questions from patients with infections reported under ACT 52.
• Provide leadership for interdisciplinary teams to control specific disease entities and support quality initiatives.
• Identify trends in hospital infections through review and interpretation of surveillance data to develop risk reduction strategies and implement process improvement initiatives. Provide analysis and interpretation of data collected during surveillance activities. Develop reports to communicate trend data and analysis.
• Conduct construction/renovation inspections and rounds to ensure compliance with PA DOH requirements and assess for any infection control/ safety issues.
• Act as liaison with local and state health departments and other healthcare facilities by reporting notifiable diseases and investigating communicable conditions.
• Demonstrate ongoing continuing education by reviewing professional publications and participating in educational programs and professional organization activities.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary health care professionals, administrators, health system personnel and local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Learn the day-to-day responsibilities of an Infection Control Preventionist; including: - Document infection data in an electronic surveillance system as required by PA DOH ACT 52.
• Completes a rotation in an area of infection control where he/she will be have the hands and theory learning opportunities to the detection of healthcare acquired infections through electronic review of patient records, microbiological, radiological, and other laboratory data, patient treatment plans and communication with hospital personnel.
• Investigate clusters and outbreaks for sources of infection, educate healthcare personnel regarding short and long term control measures and assist in evaluation of the effectiveness of such controls.
• Serve on the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and represent Hospital Epidemiology in hospital committees requiring Infection Prevention and Control input.
• Conduct environmental rounds as appropriate to assess compliance with PA DOH, Life Safety and TJC requirements.
• Support the departmental objective of quality services, system improvement, and cost containment by contributing to the successful implementation of recommended initiatives.
• Facilitate implementation of infection prevention and control policies/guidelines for all hospital departments that reflect current standards of practice and compliance with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and the Department of Health guidelines.
• Work with hospital management to identify areas for improved performance to prevent HAIs and/or protect employees, patients and visitors from infectious/communicable conditions.

Qualifications

• One year of nursing experience and 1 year related experience and/or a degree in infectious disease or related field.
• Basic computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure
 

• Act 34


• UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

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Our Values

At UPMC, we’re driven by shared values that guide our work and keep us accountable to one another. Our Values of Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, Excellence & Innovation play a vital role in creating a cohesive, positive experience for our employees, patients, health plan members, and community. Ready to join us? Apply today.