Infection Preventionist, Adventist Health Central Coast

LOCATION SUMMARY:

Sierra Vista

Nestled on the Central California Coast, Adventist Health Sierra Vista has been providing care to our community since 1959. Our 162-bed acute care facility includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and county designated trauma center. San Luis Obispo offers the excitement of a lively community while being a fifteen-minute drive from the serenity of Avila Beach, known for their natural hot springs, and Pismo Beach, known for their sand dunes and eucalyptus trees. Featuring a charming downtown, comfortable coastal weather, idyllic views, and an active lifestyle San Luis Obispo offers much to be had.

Twin Cities

Located in Templeton amongst the oak trees, Adventist Health Twin Cities has been serving northern San Luis Obispo County since 1977. Comprised of a 122-bed acute care facility, our team provides exceptional care in emergency medicine, orthopedics, obstetrics, digestive disorders, wound care, and various medical, surgical and outpatient services. Locals enjoy weekly farmers markets in downtown Templeton, farm-to-fork dining, beautiful landscapes for hiking and biking, and beach days just fifteen minutes away at Cambria and Morro Bay.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) and infection prevention education. Writes and updates infection prevention policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards of The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other nationally organized agencies recommendations and requirements. Is proficient in hospital epidemiology principles and s responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of hospital acquired infections.

FLSA Status: Exempt

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN): Preferred
• Two years' experience in acute care setting: Preferred

Licenses and Certifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice: Preferred
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS OR HS-BLS OR RQIBLS) certification: Preferred
• Certified Infection Control (CIC): Required within three years of hire

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Adheres to the Adventist Health Mission, Vision and Values statements. Complies with behavioral standards, policies, procedures and handbooks established by the organization and their respective ministries. Abides by the guiding principles of the Code of Conduct.

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts ongoing surveillance investigation and follow up of infections through review of admission diagnoses, microbiology culture results, isolation orders, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings. Conducts environmental rounds in all inpatient and outpatient care areas. Analyzes trends and risk factors and designs and evaluates prevention and control strategies. Participates in investigation and reporting of unusual hospital infection outbreaks.
• Compiles and interprets surveillance reports for committees and specialty areas on a regular basis. Collects data in support of epidemiological studies. Determines the source of problems and makes recommendations for correction and improvement.
• Assists in the organization of regularly scheduled infection control-related meetings and dissemination of recommendations hospital-wide. Participates in quality/performance improvement activities by assessing, monitoring, and measuring nosocomial infections and evaluating outcomes on a continuous basis.
• Plans, organizes, develops and implements new employee orientation and educational programs for employees (including administrative and ancillary services) to convey specialized knowledge and skills of awareness of existence of infections. Includes techniques for avoidance and preventive measures to ensure an infection-free environment for hospital employees, patients and visitors.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

8 Hour Work Schedule, Full Time Exempt