Job Information
Tufts Medicine Infection Prevention Specialist in Melrose, Massachusetts
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Job Profile Summary
This role focuses on developing and implementing programs to establish, maintain, and improve patient quality care standards. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Infection Control duties: Prevents healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by isolating sources of infection and limiting their spread. Responsibilities also include systematically collecting, analyzing and interpreting health data in order to plan, implement, evaluate, and disseminate appropriate health practices. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems.
Job Overview
This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring a system-wide infection prevention program which includes the surveillance of health care associated and community acquired infections in patients and employees and the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections. Functions as a consultant and advisor to clinical personnel to solve infection control problems.
Job Description
Minimum Qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare, Public Health, Nursing, or Behavioral Science.
Appropriate professional license or certification based on educational background.
Certified in Infection Control (CIC) OR Obtain within one (1) year of hire.
Three (3) years of clinical experience, including performing surveillance for health care associated infections.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Healthcare, Public Health, Nursing, or Behavioral Science.
Five (5) years of clinical experience.
Formal training in epidemiology/infection prevention.
Duties and Responsibilities : The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
Develops comprehensive infection control policies and procedures for the medical center and/or all departments from published guidelines, standards, and research.
Performs necessary epidemiological investigation.
Identifies and implements infection control strategies according to specific topics: Hand Hygiene; Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization; Environmental Hazards; Use of patient care products, equipment and devices; Construction and renovation; Influx of patients with communicable diseases; Use of barrier precautions when indicated; Patient immunization programs; and Reduction of hospital acquired infections.
Recognizes outbreaks of healthcare associated infections through reviewing cultures, medical records, attending laboratory rounds, consulting with nursing and medical staff.
Makes recommendations for improvement and works with relevant departments and staff to implement and monitor improvements.
Investigates patient, visitor, and employee exposure to infectious diseases and follows-up with appropriate infection control procedures.
Leads Performance Improvement (PI) teams.
Provides and develops orientation and training for medical center staff, licensed independent practitioners, students/trainees, and volunteers and as appropriate to visitors, patients and families.
Acts as a consultant to employees, medical and nursing staff, Employee Health and various other Hospital departments regarding infection control problems and policies.
Evaluates infection control aspects of patient care products, equipment, and supplies.
Collaborates and consults with Emergency Management, Safety Officer, Design and Construction and Supply Chain.
Actively leads and participates on the Infection Control Committee.
Actively participates in JCAHO preparedness and survey readiness efforts.
Collaborates with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to coordinate reporting of communicable diseases to appropriate local and state health departments and agencies.
Actively keeps current with evolving field of infection prevention through networking opportunities, publications, collaboratives and certifications.
Assists in monitoring compliance of staff to infection control procedures.
Demonstrates use of PI tools and methods to achieve reliability in systems and processes.
Physical Requirements :
Frequent sitting, occasional standing & walking, and lifting of 5-10 lbs.
Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard.
Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.
Skills & Abilities:
Knowledgeable of Joint Commission accreditation standards and CMS Conditions of Participation.
Ability to serve as content expert for development and implementation of infection control standards.
Ability to develop and deliver training sessions according to principles of adult learning.
Ability to apply critical reading skills to evaluate published research findings.
Proficient in Windows-based operating software and systems that include MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and MS PowerPoint and ability to learn and use infection control software or other databases.
Analytical abilities needed to apply and use surveillance data.
Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with physicians, nurses, and a variety of medical center personnel, and to provide formal instruction.
Must be a team player and have proven success applying a team approach and ability to work in conjunction with physicians, clinical managers, directors, and front-line staff in a supportive way to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
Ability to address difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
Maintains sensitivity, maturity, and flexibility in coping with difficult situations.
Ability to adapt quickly to changes within the work environment.
Highly motivated, success oriented, organized and strong work ethic, with ability to work under minimal supervision.
Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org .