Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist (IP) helps to plan, coordinate and implement a hospital-wide program for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Core duties include surveillance for healthcare-associated infections, development of policies and procedures to protect patients and staff from nosocomial infections, observing practice and collaborating with frontline staff to enhance protections for staff and patients, oversight of the healthcare environment as it pertains to minimizing risk of transmission, teaching hospital staff about healthcare-associated infections and how best to prevent infections, and liaising with health department authorities as needed to carry out the preceding duties.The IP should be a nurse or other health care professional (such as physician, MPH or microbiologist) who has a thorough understanding of the healthcare system. The IP reports to the Senior Project Manager of Infection Control and Compliance and functions under the supervision of the Senior Infection Preventionist and Hospital Epidemiologist.Duties include To work within a highly motivated team supporting an infection prevention and control program which assures the highest form of quality patient care and provides an environment which minimizes infection risks to patients, personnel & visitors through surveillance, education, procedure modification/implementation and consultation. Participates in the development of infection prevention and control program policies and procedures. Reviews, revises and implements the techniques used for isolation precautions for patients. Assists department heads and supervisory personnel in the development and review of specific infection prevention and control policies and procedures for all services of the hospital. Maintains a manual of policies and procedures. Participates in and leads quality improvement activities. Reviews, revises and keeps current all aseptic and sanitation techniques including hazardous waste disposal. Participates in the evaluation of products which may influence the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections. Surveillance for healthcare associated infections (HAIs); collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting of surveillance data; outbreak investigation; coordination and execution of interdisciplinary reviews of HAIs Consult to and serve as a resource person to all hospital departments whose activities relate to prevention and control of infections within the hospital to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies Maintains effective liaison with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and reports appropriate cases as required to both agencies Consults and follows up with Occupational Health concerning employee illnesses related to infections or communicable diseases as observed by the Occupation Health Service and/or Hospital Epidemiologist. Assists with employee orientation and provides in-service training programs related to infection prevention and control principles: hospital wide Available to hospital staff to assist in implementation of department specific infection control programs as needed and requested by department leadership. Provides guidance regarding infectious disease issues, emerging infectious disease management and infection prevention to committees including: Infection Prevention and Control Committee, Safety Committee and Patient Safety Committee. Assists in the education of patients and families as requested, to aid in the recovery of the patient and to enable the patient to adapt to his/her disease. Interprets hospital policy and the isolation and disposition of patients who have community acquired or nosocomial infections that require special care. Conducts on going surveillance systems which identifies infections among patients and personnel, in accordance with established surveillance techniques and applicable legal and administrative regulations in order to comply with statutory regulations. Detects and monitors nosocomial infections on a concurrent basis, analyzing such infections and presenting monthly rates to the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Investigates and reports outbreaks of infections and monitors appropriate usage of appropriate precautions on a case by case basis as observed by the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Monthly reporting of surgical site infections and rates. Performs medical record data analysis for monthly surveillance reporting. Conducts specific studies as defined by the Infection Prevention and Control Committee. Submits regulatory data externally as required using the CDC database NHSN and other reporting platforms as directed. Participates in hospital construction and environmental rounds. Participates in hospital, Brigham Health and MassGeneralBrigham committees and patient safety/quality improvement teams. Maintains departmental records to facilitate ready access to information necessary for educational purposes, procedure modifications and consultation. Participates in communication health and professional organizations activities (i.e., APIC) as indicated Evaluates literature on current infection control practices and distributes to specific hospital department/personnel when applicable. Participates in product recalls associated with potential or identified healthcare-associated infections. Keeps informed of current techniques and practices in the field, maintains a reference library of relevant material, keeps informed of The Joint Commission regulations to ensure compliance, keeps informed of pertinent federal, state, and local requirements to ensure hospital compliance. Communicates pertinent information to appropriate personnel and assists in evaluation where applicable.Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive. At Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you''re looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home.Qualifications Bachelor of Science degree with two years of hospital experience required Master''s degree in public health or epidemiology OR Certification in Infection Control (C.I.C.) OR graduate of an approved school of nursing, medicine, medical technology or public health required RN or MD required. Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred Two years or more of acute nursing experience strongly preferred. 2-5 years of healthcare experience; Preferable relevant experience within Infection Control or Infectious Disease Experience or certification in infectious disease or infection prevention/control preferred Staff adheres to all I C.A.R.E. Standards Microsoft Office required. Additional data computing and strong electronic data base skills preferred. Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills required Strong data analysis and data display skills required Demonstrated competency, leadership and teaching potential. Knowledge of quality improvement theory and methods. Ability to write concise, informative letters, memoranda and reports. Enthusiasm for infection control activities. Skill in interpersonal relationships. Maturity, initiative and ability to be self-directed. Must demonstrate maturity and discretion to handle confidential matters of a very sensitive natureWORKING CONDITIONS: Office and clinical areas of the hospital fast paced dynamic work environment.EEO StatementBrigham and Women''s Faulkner Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a 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.

Created: 2025-11-15