RN-Infection Preventionist

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time Benefit Eligible

Work Shift

Day – 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America)

Department

8753 Infection Prevention Svcs

The RN-Field Infection Preventionist is responsible for assessing, developing, implementing and monitoring facility-wide infection prevention practices in designated units or locales. This includes surveillance related to community-acquired infections in patients and the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Position serves as a resource to facility staff in determining solutions to infection-related issues. Utilizes analytical abilities to ascertain infection data, identify areas of concern and formulate recommendations based on evidence-based research. Must possess interpersonal skills sufficient to develop and maintain collegial and supportive working relationships with IP Manager, Team, physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary staff facility-wide.

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required:

CA RN license

Eligibility to obtain Board Certified in Infection Control (CIC) from Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within three years of hire/transfer.

Education
Required: BSN

Experience
Required:

Minimum three years RN hospital experience

Experience with data management

Preferred: Five years RN hospital experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Ability to use PC-based information management systems and databases (proficiency with Microsoft Office).

Positive customer service skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to educate and influence staff at all levels of the organization.

Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

Leads and coordinates clinical infection prevention and control activities to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and promote patient safety outcomes.

Collaborates with physicians, nurses and interdisciplinary teams to implement infection prevention measures to improve clinical care practices.

Conducts clinical surveillance, assessment, and analysis of infection data to identify trends, evaluate patient care practices, and support evidence-based interventions.

Applies nursing knowledge and clinical judgment to evaluate infection risks, support patient-centered care, and recommend appropriate prevention interventions.

Inspects environment to identify infection improvement issues.

Investigates healthcare-associated infections, outbreaks, and exposure incidents and coordinates clinical response, reporting, and corrective action plans

Completes HAI-related reports/data and submits to Manager for further analysis if necessary.

Provides clinical consultation and guidance regarding isolation precautions, transmission-based precautions, communicable diseases, and infection control best practices.

Collaborates with others in the management of patients with special or communicable diseases.

Develops, reviews, and implements infection prevention policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards.

Educates healthcare personnel, patients, and families on infection prevention principles, safe clinical practices, and disease transmission prevention strategies.

Performs clinical audits, rounding, and compliance monitoring activities to evaluate adherence to infection prevention standards and nursing practices.

Serves as a clinical resource and subject matter expert for infection prevention practices, epidemiology principles, and healthcare-associated infection reduction strategies.

Conducts special surveys as directed by the Infection Prevention Manager.

Supports regulatory compliance and accreditation readiness activities associated with infection prevention, patient safety, and quality improvement requirements.

Actively participates in research related to infection prevention and control.

Monitors patients placed in transmission-based precautions.

Participates in organizational quality improvement, patient safety, and emergency preparedness initiatives related to infectious diseases and public health response efforts.

Acts as a liaison with public health officials in case investigation and follow up for the purpose of preventing or controlling infection transmission.

Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

$46.44 -$69.66

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.