Infection Preventionist I - Epidemiology

The Cedars-Sinai Hospital Epidemiology Department is committed to promoting the safe delivery of healthcare and becoming a recognized leader in Infection Prevention and Control. We strive to achieve this by instilling best practices in infection prevention and fostering a culture of expertise to safeguard both patients and staff and to minimize or eliminate Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). Our goal is to reduce HAIs through proactive measures and evidence-based practices. As leaders and educators in infection prevention, we support Cedars-Sinai’s mission to deliver exceptional, equitable, and compassionate healthcare. Our work is grounded in the values of excellence, integrity, diversity, respect, compassion, innovation, and teamwork.

Hospital Epidemiology is seeking a novice Infection Preventionist (IP) to join our dynamic team. Under the guidance of experienced team members, the IP I will learn to identify, investigate, monitor, and report healthcare associated infections and collaborate to promote, implement, and sustain effective infection prevention and control strategies which contribute to the provision of high-quality patient care. The Infection Preventionist I ensures compliance with laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices related to infection prevention and control using appropriate guidance documents and resources.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs surveillance & investigation using epidemiologic principles and consistent application of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) National Health & Safety Network (NHSN) definitions to identify and report healthcare associated infections.
• Reports communicable diseases and supporting laboratory data to the local, state and national health departments as required.
• Uses surveillance technology to monitor data and report significant findings to department leadership of gaps in processes or trends that require intervention
• Participates in epidemiological investigations of significant clusters of infections above established standards and of unusual isolates as directed by the Infection and Control leadership
• Assists in implementing and monitoring the Infection Prevention and Control program throughout the medical center.
• Conducts unit rounds to evaluate the environment of care, ensure isolation precautions are adhered to, and performs direct observations of infection prevention measures & compliance of healthcare workers and physicians. Serves as a resource to advise staff on infection control practices in patient care areas.
• Ensures compliance with laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices related to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Assesses the educational needs of hospital and clinical staff and delivers basic educational offerings.
• Participates in and contributes to department IPC quality improvement projects, focused studies, research, and test of change initiatives

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field required.

Experience:
3 years experience in Clinical experience in nursing, public health, epidemiology, or other healthcare-related field required.

Physical Demands: 

Standing, Walking, Sitting, Lifting 50 lbs. Carrying 50 lbs. Pushing 75 lbs. Pulling 75 lbs. Balancing, Stooping, Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination, Reaching, Handling, Grasping, Feeling, Talking, Hearing