Location: Chicago, Illinois
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Infection Prevention & Control
Work Type: Full Time
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $43.55 - $61.05 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. This role has a corresponding incentive plan based on multiple factors. incentive compensation and additional benefits can be found on our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits)
Summary:
The Infection Preventionist is responsible for activities related to infection prevention, surveillance and control throughout the Rush University Medical Center (RUMC). The Infection Preventionist coordinates investigations of patient, staff or visitor infections and/or suspected exposures and reports to appropriate internal personnel or departments and external agencies. Collaborates with the Director, Infection Prevention and control and the Hospital Epidemiologist to reduce the risk of healthcare associated infection and ensure the safety and health of all personnel. The Infection Preventionist participates in the conduct of research. The Infection Preventionist exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
- Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse licensure.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Able to analyze data and prepare concise reports using software such as Microsoft office or other statistics program.
- Demonstrates the ability to work in complex clinical or administrative systems or programs.
- Excellent communication skills; interacts effectively with others even in difficult situations.
- Skilled in making presentations with PowerPoint or other presentation software.
- Project management skills.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- Experience in Infection Control.
- Certification or eligible for certification in Infection Control.
Physical Demands:
- Able to move throughout the Medical Center and ambulatory care sites.
- Able to lift or carry objects up to 25lbs.
- Use a keyboard to enter or retrieve data.
- Closely examine specimen or images.
Responsibilities:
1. Carries out the RUMC program to prevent infections in the hospital, ambulatory care sites, university, and research laboratories.
2. Implements the annual Infection Prevention and Control program and plan which includes prioritized risks, goals and review of activities.
3. Contributes to the annual review of the Infection Control and Prevention program.
4. Reviews policies and procedures from the perspective of infection prevention and control.
5. Implements infection prevention and control measures recommended by the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC), Health Alert Network (HAN) and the department of health.
6. Participates in the assessment of new products or equipment for potential risk of spreading infection prior to purchase.
7. Participates in programs to vaccinate or medicate medical center and university staff against influenza or other communicable disease (HDVRT).
8. Acts as a consultant to address cleaning, disinfection and sterilization practices.
9. Conducts infection surveillance activities throughout the medical center.
10. Implements a priority-directed methodology for surveillance.
11. Inspects patient care environments to detect possible infection hazards.
12. Evaluates compliance with medical center infection control policies.
13. Communicates with employee health staff to monitor and treat personnel for actual or potential exposure.
14. Evaluates new construction or renovation projects and communicates strategies to minimize dust contamination and identifies design decisions that may increase risk of infection.
15. Represents Infection Prevention and Control on task forces and committees.
16. Investigates and takes action to minimize potential outbreaks of infectious diseases.
17. Investigates clusters of infections, documents the infection, and determines if cluster is beyond an acceptable level.
18. Develops reduction strategy, assists with implementation and reports findings/outcomes.
19. Analyzes data on epidemiologically significant organisms and nosocomial infections.
20. Participates in special studies under the direction of the IPCC or the Director, Infection Prevention and Control.
21. Advises clinical staff on the appropriate utilization of isolation.
22. Responds to and identifies emerging pathogens and threats in concert with the Hospital Epidemiologist and Section of Infectious Diseases.
23. Collaborates with Employee and Corporate Health Services (ECHS) to develop and implement strategies that reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission to healthcare providers.
24. Investigates infections, as necessary, in employees, university staff and student populations.
25. Contributes data to reports on infections and surveillance activities to departments, medical center quality committees, public health agencies and centers for disease control.
26. Enters data into the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and verifies data prior to submission to NHSN.
27. Extracts preliminary and/or final reports.
28. Prepares reports on infection prevention and control activities for the IPCC.
29. Supports the IPCC as a member and subject matter expert.
30. Participates in response to Infectious Disease emergencies at the medical center or in the community.
31. Participates in the planning and development of infectious disease related emergency response plans.
32. Represents Infection Prevention and Control in emergency response.
33. Participates in the post-event evaluation of the event or drill.
34. Teaches educational programs for volunteers, staff, faculty, and students on infection prevention and management.
35. Supports annual organizational initiatives as assigned.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
