Director, Infection Prevention

Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we help our patients live better, healthier lives and support one another to succeed. Our culture is built on connection and collaboration, where competitive benefits are just the beginning. We advance our mission to transform healthcare and lead positive change.

Responsibilities

• Analytical Problem solving
• Collaboration
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to implement evidence-based guidelines
• Conflict resolution
• Program and project management
• Expertise in data collection and analysis, report writing, and data presentation
• Leadership
• Familiar with software technologies (e.g. Excel, MS Word, NHSN, etc)

Develops, implements, and evaluates the organizational infection prevention program. Conducts an annual risk assessment and develops annual Infection Prevention plan based on population(s) served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data. Designs, implements, and leads organizational performance improvement initiatives, evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention program and oversees outbreak investigations and educational programs for Team Members (TMs) and patients.

Design and Deliver Education

• Develops written education and information documents about infection prevention and control
• Affords assistance in the development of employee, volunteer and clinical staff orientation and continuing education programs regarding infection prevention
• Includes but is not limited to communicable diseases, microbiological hazards, blood borne pathogens, tuberculosis and regulatory agency standards
• Assesses learning needs of those served
• Create education goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology
• Evaluates the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes

Regulatory Requirements

• Ensures compliance with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state and federal levels
• Facilitates compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g. NHSN, Joint Commission, etc.)
• Aids the organization in evaluating and maintaining readiness for state, federal, and accrediting agency surveys
• Maintains an updated knowledge of all infection prevention regulatory and accreditation standards per CMS, NJ DOH, Joint Commission, OSHA, CDC

Performance Improvement (PI)

• Utilizes PI methodology and High Reliability principles as a means of enacting change
• Defines the scope of the project and selects appropriate PI tools to aid in efficiency, reliability, effectiveness and ensure sustainability of the initiative
• Makes sure customer needs and expectations are considered in the development of and continuous improvement of processes, products, and services
• Makes sure process and outcome measures are monitored and analyzed using appropriate analytical tools and statistical process control
• Demonstrates use of appropriate methodologies to identify improvement opportunities and use of rapid cycle improvement tools (i.e. PDSA, FMEA, reliability science, bundle science, process flows)
• Participates in PI committees, teams and initiatives as indicated

Occupational Health

• Participates in the development/review of occupational health policies and procedure related to Infection Prevention
• Assesses risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease
• Affords assistance in the development of rates/trends of occupational exposure if indicated
• Affords assistance in the development of immunization and screening programs if indicated
• Collaborates with team member work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure
• Collaborates with Occupational Health for exposures to communicable diseases and Team Member safety

Human Resource

• Directly supervises and manages Infection Prevention team members
• Provides introductory and annual performance appraisals of infection prevention personnel
• Identifies and provides learning opportunities and career advancement
• Coaches and counsels team members and institutes appropriate corrective action
• Responsible to hire and coordinates orientation of new team members
• Maintains documentation of team member compliance with required programs

Professional Accountability

• Pursues professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills
• Maintains certification and licensure requirements if indicated
• Establishes at least 1 professional goal per year
• Advocates for patient safety, high reliability practices, team member safety, and safe practices
• Participates in an infection prevention professional organization/association (e.g. APIC)
• Attends and demonstrates compliance with required programs

Collaboration

• Works closely with all clinical and non-clinical team members in the development and implementation of programs directed at prevention of health care associated infections and infection prevention
• Provides coaching and hands-on support as needed
• Consults and collaborates, as needed, with local, state, and federal public health officials, and community health organizations
• Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure changes are vetted by all stakeholder groups
• Participates in Network meetings/projects
• Participates/Supports emergency preparedness to ensure organizational readiness for emerging infectious diseases, bioterror and influenza

Leadership

• Utilizes principles of influence, leadership, and change management
• Bring enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to practice
• Work collaboratively with others, providing direction when necessary
• Readily share knowledge and expertise
• Contribute to the development of less-experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship
• Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations to external groups

Research and Implementation Science

• Evaluate (critically) research and evidence-based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice
• Integrate evidence-based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols and educational strategies
• Identify barriers for implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove barriers
• Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback

IPC Informatics

• Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology (e.g. NHSN, CDRSS)
• Collaborate with IT and Data Science to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives

Fiscal Responsibility

• Consider the financial/safety implications and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures
• Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy
• Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and/or reports
• Develop and maintain departmental budget

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical/patient care services or relevant health care position
• B.S. Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health, Medical Technology, Health Care Administration or related field required
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Infection Prevention
• Licenses and Certifications Required: Certified in Infection Control