Infection Prevention Specialist

At York Hospital, we're more than a hospital. We are a team of providers, clinicians and staff members offering expertise within a Hospital setting, our community sites, and physician practices located throughout Southern Maine and the NH seacoast. Our caregivers' commitment is to make a positive difference in the lives of one another, our patients and our community by instilling our vision of Loving Kindness for all.

Come join our collaborative Quality Improvement Team! We have an exciting, new opportunity for an Infection Prevention Specialist. This is a full time, 36 hour per week RN position working weekdays, during daytime hours.

Primary Job responsibilities include:

• Maintains a surveillance program for collecting data on communicable disease and hospital associated infections inclusive of rounding and review of microbiology reports and the medical record.
• Identifies nosocomial and community acquired infections based on CDC guidelines and ensures proper precautions and unit controls are implemented and maintained.
• Monitors microbiology reports for clustering of organisms, unusual pathogens or infections that require special precautions for notification to public health agencies.
• Maintains accurate, timely records of epidemiologic investigations, surveillance data and problems requiring resolution.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports infectious and communicable disease data internally and to mandatory reporting agencies.
• Provides guidance to Environmental Services and Facilities to ensure implementation of required infection prevention controls using infection control risk assessments.
• Serves as a resource to Facilities in the surveillance of water supply systems and air pressure relationships.
• Utilizes appropriate resources as needed such as County/State Public Health Departments or Centers for Disease Control.
• Provides anticipatory guidance and makes recommendations for management of emerging infections.
• Rounds across the organization to provide just in time education and to monitor for compliance to infection prevention practices.
• Participates in New Hire Orientation and provides education on infection prevention strategies, infection control, disease-specific care, appropriate precautions and assessments.
• Conducts training sessions to ensure consistent implementation of infection prevention practices or the prevention of hospital associated infections as needed.
• Provides consultation to caregivers, patients and families on pertinent issues related to infection prevention.
• Participates in the development and revision of infection prevention program policies and procedures.
• Participates in, or leads, quality improvement activities related to infection prevention.
• Participates in CMS and other regulatory surveys.
• Assists the Epidemiologist with the Antibiotic Stewardship program.
• Co-Chairs the Infection Control Committee and prepares statistical information for presentation at monthly meetings.
• Participates in continuing educational activities and reviews current literature to stay informed of new developments in infection prevention and updates to national standards.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical skills necessary for interpreting data and preparing reports.
• Knowledge of regulations and guidelines governing infection prevention (OSHA, State and local Public Health Departments, CMS, CDC).

Education/Licensure/Certifications/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing, public health, or another related field required.
• Current professional licensure in the State of Maine, if applicable.
• Two years' experience in infection control/prevention in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Certification in infection control preferred.

York Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.