Job Description Summary
The Infection Preventionist I (IP I) reports to the Manager of Infection Prevention. Under general supervision, the Infection Preventionist I utilizes evidence-based practices/guidelines with the ultimate goal of preventing healthcare-associated infections. This role collects, analyzes and reports surveillance data for healthcare-associated infections and identifies and investigates clusters or outbreaks of infection. This role evaluates patient care and hospital infection prevention practices in MUSC outpatient and inpatient settings to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, hospital policies/procedures and evidence-based practices. The IP I reviews policies, protocols, and scientific literature and educates MUSC staff, patients and visitors on infection prevention recommendations. The IP I works collaboratively with other departments to ensure staff, patient and visitor public health safety. The IP I collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams for implementation of evidence-based guidelines and performance improvement and implements plans, projects and programs to reduce healthcare-associated infections.Entity
Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA)Worker Type
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type
RegularCost Center
CC003694 KER - Quality (KMC)Pay Rate Type
SalaryPay Grade
Health-28Scheduled Weekly Hours
40Work Shift
Job Description
Entity/Organization: MUHA (Medical University Hospital Authority/Medical Center)
FLSA Status:Hourly
Hours Per Week:
Job Description/Summary:
The Infection Preventionist I (IP I) reports to the Manager of Infection Prevention. Under general supervision, the Infection Preventionist I utilizes evidence-based practices/guidelines with the ultimate goal of preventing healthcare-associated infections. This role collects, analyzes and reports surveillance data for healthcare-associated infections and identifies and investigates clusters or outbreaks of infection. This role evaluates patient care and hospital infection prevention practices in MUSC outpatient and inpatient settings to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines, hospital policies/procedures and evidence-based practices. The IP I reviews policies, protocols, and scientific literature and educates MUSC staff, patients and visitors on infection prevention recommendations. The IP I works collaboratively with other departments to ensure staff, patient and visitor public health safety. The IP I collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams for implementation of evidence-based guidelines and performance improvement and implements plans, projects and programs to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
Minimum Training and Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (i.e. microbiology, nursing, public health, etc.) and a minimum of two years of healthcare related experience or a Master’s degree in a science related field and a minimum of one year of healthcare work experience. Previous Infection Prevention experience is preferred, but not required. Computer/internet skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is essential.
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations:
Certification in Infection Control is required within 2 years after employment. Candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Individual will portray professionalism, positive attitude, enthusiasm and be team oriented in all interactions.
Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required
Physical Requirements:Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent) Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous) Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent) Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent) Examples include: To transfer a 100 lb. patient that cannotassistin the transfer requires 50 lbs. of force. For every 100additionalpounds,assistancewill berequiredfrom another healthcare worker. 20 lbs. of forceisneeded to push a 400 lb. patient in a wheelchair on carpet. 25 lbs. of forceisrequired topush a stretcher with a patient with one hand. Ability tomaintain20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objectsclose at handor at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability todeterminedistance/relationshipbetweenobjects;depthperception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability tomaintainhearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous) Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent) Ability to work overtime asrequired. (Frequent) Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous) Ability tomaintaintactile sensory functions. (Continuous) (Selected Positions) *Ability tomaintaingood olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) *(Selected Positions) *Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and asrequired. (Continuous) (Selected Positions)
Additional Job Description
Minimum Training and Education:
Bachelor’s degree in a science related field (i.e. microbiology, nursing, public health, etc.) and a minimum of two years of healthcare related experience or a Master’s degree in a science related field and a minimum of one year of healthcare work experience. Previous Infection Prevention experience is preferred, but not required. Computer/internet skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is essential.
Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations:
Certification in Infection Control is required within 2 years after employment. Candidate must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Individual will portray professionalism, positive attitude, enthusiasm and be team oriented in all interactions.
Current American Heart Association (AHA)