Infection Control Prevention Prog Mgr

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Are you a seasoned Infection Prevention professional with a passion for patient safety and a knack for applying sound epidemiological principles? Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Infection Prevention Program Manager to oversee and optimize our comprehensive infection prevention and control program at our assigned facility. This is a critical leadership role in safeguarding the health of our patients, staff, and community.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As the Infection Prevention Program Manager, you will be instrumental in minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and improving patient safety across our facility. You will be responsible for a robust program designed to protect our diverse population, including patients, employees, volunteers, students, and visitors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Oversight & Evaluation: Lead and continuously evaluate a comprehensive Infection Prevention/Control program.
• Epidemiological Application: Apply sound epidemiologic principles, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and develop and evaluate prevention and control tactics for local application based on Pacific Northwest Division strategies and priorities.
• Patient-Focused Prevention: Develop and implement risk assessment and reduction strategies for infectious disease transmission, construction/renovation projects, water events, and air quality.
  Oversee hospital-acquired infection (HAI) surveillance and significant organism surveillance (including emerging pathogens). Manage environment of care surveillance. Coordinate education initiatives and ensure timely reporting of notifiable diseases for inpatients.
• Annual Risk Assessment & Planning: Research and develop a comprehensive annual risk assessment for the assigned facility, prioritizing risks, evaluating the achievement of previous years’ plans, and creating a future plan with stated goals.
• Proactive Intervention & Collaboration: Maintain frequent communication with managers, providing timely feedback on infection prevention issues. Develop and implement proactive preventative and corrective action plans in response to actual and potential infection control concerns.
• Documentation & Reporting: Ensure meticulous documentation and reporting in compliance with all relevant standards.
  Change Management & Technology Integration: Actively promote utilization of EMR technologies and contribute to the transition to new healthcare delivery systems, requiring strong change management skills.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilize judgment, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills to deal with complex data and dynamic situations, ensuring efficient and effective application of infection control procedures and protocols.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Expert Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of professional public health/epidemiology standards, practices, and tools.
Analytical Prowess: Strong analytical ability to assess complex data, identify trends, and develop actionable strategies.
Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to navigate and resolve complex issues in a dynamic healthcare environment.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, from frontline staff to senior leadership.
Change Management: Proven ability to drive change and facilitate the adoption of new practices and technologies.
Leadership: A proactive and results-oriented leader capable of inspiring adherence to best practices in infection prevention.
Regulatory Acumen: Solid understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

Education/Work Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, medical technology program, or other healthcare related field, and five years of recent related healthcare work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.

OR

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, and five years of recent related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities.
Master’s degree in a related discipline may be substituted for two years of the experience requirement.

Licensure/Certification:

Depending on qualifying degree:

In Nursing: Current licensure by the Washington State Nursing Commission, OR

Other qualifying degree:

National Registration as an MLS (ASCP);
Certification with the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
Certification in Infection Control (CBIC).
Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA)
Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRST)
Certified Board of Infection Control