Job Title: Infection Prevention Practitioner
Department/Location: Quality & PS / Hinsdale, IL
Shifts: Days
Full-time (80 hours per pay period) + benefit eligible
FTE: 1.0
Req. Number: 1451
Benefits
RML offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits package. Employees can choose from a large selection of benefits that help protect their health, wealth, and well-being. Benefits include:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Account
401(k) Retirement Plan (6% company match) - For every $1 an employee contributes, RML contributes $1 to their accounts. Employees are 100 percent vested in the money both they and RML contribute.
Tuition Reimbursement up to $5k per calendar year
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) For employees who may need help managing stress, RML offers an EAP at no cost. Counselors are available 24 hours a day to both employees and their family members.
Life and Accidental
Death Insurance
Free Parking
Banking Alternatives (e.g. HealthCare Associates Credit Union)
Referral Rewards (upwards of $4k)
Employee Fitness Room
Join our team as an Infection Prevention Practitioner (IPP) and play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors at RML Specialty Hospital. Reporting directly to the Director of Quality, Patient Safety, and Infection Prevention, you will lead efforts to identify, report, investigate, and control infections and communicable diseases.
As an IPP, you will:
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Develop and implement infection prevention programs and policies.
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Conduct surveillance and data analysis to identify and mitigate infection risks.
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Educate and collaborate with healthcare staff on best practices in infection control.
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Act as a liaison between departments to maintain a safe and compliant environment.
We are looking for a dedicated professional with a strong background in nursing and infection prevention, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse healthcare team.
General Summary: The Infection Prevention Practitioner (IPP) reports to the Director of Quality and Patient Safety and is responsible for implementing the Infection Prevention Programs at RML Specialty Hospital. The IPP manages the identification, reporting, investigation, and control of infections and communicable diseases for patients and personnel, monitors visitor protocols, and serves as a liaison for infection prevention issues across departments.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
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Assist in reviewing and updating the Infection Prevention program to comply with regulatory requirements.
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Develop, revise, and implement site-specific Infection Prevention plans with the Director of Quality and Patient Safety.
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Develop and implement asepsis and infection prevention policies and procedures.
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Maintain systems to reduce infection spread among patients, visitors, and staff.
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Analyze surveillance data to identify and control epidemiologically significant problems.
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Prepare Infection Prevention reports for relevant committees.
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Investigate and report infections and outbreaks among patients and staff.
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Lead performance improvement teams related to infection prevention.
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Monitor patient care activities for infection risks and recommend improvements.
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Investigate exposures to communicable diseases and liaise with the Employee Health Nurse.
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Address epidemiologically significant issues and implement preventive measures.
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Interact with regulatory agencies on communicable disease reporting.
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Communicate public health alerts to organizational leaders.
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Ensure compliance with Infection Prevention environmental requirements.
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Disseminate current Infection Prevention information within the facility.
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Develop and present infection prevention education for healthcare workers, patients, and families.
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Maintain effective relationships with all hospital departments regarding Infection Prevention.
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Assist in department budget management.
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Pursue self-education through literature, workshops, and courses on Infection Prevention.
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Exemplify the RML REACH culture in all interactions.
Job Requirements and Characteristics:
Skills and Abilities:
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Strong interpersonal skills to interact with staff, patients, families, and medical staff.
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Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
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Ability to perform light physical work and walk briskly throughout the hospital.
Knowledge and Experience:
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Graduate of an accredited nursing school.
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Knowledge of local, state, and federal Infection Prevention laws and regulations.
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Proficiency in computer applications (word processing, database, graphics).
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Minimum of 2 years of experience in Infection Prevention in an acute care setting.
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Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field (preferred).
License/Certification:
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Illinois Registered Nurse.
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National certification in Infection Prevention (CIC) or within 12 months.
Working Conditions:
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Work performed in a patient care environment.
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Office work in a well-lit, ventilated space.
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Services provided to adult patients.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with it.
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