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JOB SUMMARY: In collaboration with the Director of Infection Control and Prevention, the Infection Preventionist will assist with implementation of the hospital-wide infection control program . The Infection Preventionist responsibilities include but are not limited to: investigating healthcare-associated infections, serving as a subject matter expert; implementing interventions; providing feedback to staff; and participating in the Infection Control Committee.

Surveillance and Data Analysis:

+ Reviews hospital on-going surveillance using appropriate IC criteria, documentation and investigation of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) through review of IMPRO online documentation.

+ Evaluates effectiveness of the Hospital Infection Control Program, modifying when necessary

+ Ensures daily rounding at local hospital to identify procedures and processes associated with risk of infection and implements best practice strategies to reduce risks.

+ Reviews and interprets data in support of epidemiological studies of specific problem areas to determine the source of the problem and to make recommendations at the local hospital infection control committee.

+ Conducts analysis of the hospital infection control data to include risk assessment, prevention and control strategies.

+ Supports and oversees hospital infection control committee meetings to support program progression and compliance with identified strategies to reduce risk from infections

+ Supports and attends hospital HAI committees to ensure performance improvement strategies are consistent with system plans and goals.

+ Oversees function of reporting of communicable disease to local and state regulating bodies to ensure compliance at local hospital.

+ Works with hospital risk manager to report infection outbreaks to the appropriate regulating bodies.

Performance Improvement:

+ Leads quality improvement activities by assessing, monitoring, and measuring HAI rates and evaluating outcomes on a continuous basis

+ Participates in hospital organized pi activities specific to infection reduction strategies.

+ Implements task forces to address infection clusters to ensure rapid improvement.

+ Supports infection control activities as it relates to other improvement strategies, ie immunization programs, hand hygiene, surgical care, pneumonia and sepsis reduction strategies, etc

Education:

+ In conjunction with Hospital HR and Education Department(s), plans, organizes implements and evaluates educational programs for Hospital personnel, including administrative and ancillary staff, to enhance skills, knowledge and awareness of HAIs, avoidance techniques, and preventative measures.

+ Conducts regular training sessions to ensure consistent implementation of IC practices at local hospital.

+ Works with corporate Infection Control Committee to develop educational materials that are relevant, useful and easily understood by both clinical and non-clinical personnel.

+ In consultation with the System Leadership, advises and consults with physicians, nurses and contracte4d personnel concerning precautions for patients, staff and others to prevent infection transmission.

+ Serves as a knowledgeable and available resource on IC practices and policies for patients, families and staff.

Regulatory:

+ Maintains compliance with all standards from CDC, TJC, CMS, DPH, Local Boards of Health, OSHA, etc.

+ Assists with licensing/accreditation survey preparation as needed.

+ Maintains an updated Infection Control Manual at local hospital that is consistent with system standards, policies and procedures.

Required:

Minimum Education:

+ Bachelor of Science in healthcare field of study.

+ RN or MT preferred- MS preferred

+ Certification Board for Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) required.

Minimum Experience:

+ Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in hospital infection control.

Lawrence General Hospital is a private, non-profit community hospital providing the Merrimack Valley & southern New Hampshire regions with patient-centered, compassionate, and quality health care for the whole family. For over 140 years, the dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff of Lawrence General have been committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve.

LGH offers competitive pay, a robust benefit package, generous paid time off and free parking. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.