Infection Prevention Specialist (Epidemiologist/Microbiologist)

Infection Prevention Specialist Epidemiologist/Microbiologist

Position Summary:

The Infection Prevention Specialist (IP) in a nursing home setting is responsible for managing infection prevention and control programs, with an additional focus on antibiotic stewardship. This role combines the principles of epidemiology and microbiology to minimize infection risk and promote appropriate antibiotic use, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes. The ideal candidate will have expertise in infection control, antibiotic stewardship, epidemiology, and microbiology.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Infection Surveillance & Epidemiological Analysis:

• Conduct surveillance to identify infection trends and outbreaks, using epidemiological principles to analyze patterns and make recommendations.
• Collect, interpret, and report infection data to leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain accurate records of infection data, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal reporting standards.
• Completes data entry into the National Health Safety Network (NHSN) on a timely basis.

1. Infection Control Program Management:

• Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive infection prevention and control program based on current epidemiological trends and microbiological data.
• Develop protocols for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections.
• Ensure the nursing home adheres to infection prevention and control guidelines, including policies on hand hygiene, isolation precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning, and disinfection.

1. Antibiotic Stewardship:

• Lead and participate in the facility's antibiotic stewardship program, ensuring the appropriate use of antibiotics to reduce resistance and improve patient outcomes.
• Monitor antibiotic prescribing patterns and collaborate with the healthcare team to implement evidence-based practices for antibiotic use.
• Develop and implement guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use in collaboration with the medical director.

1. Staff Education & Training:

• Provide ongoing education to staff members, including nurses, physicians, and ancillary staff, about infection prevention, appropriate antibiotic use, and best practices.
• Organize and deliver in-service training sessions on infection control measures, antibiotic stewardship, outbreak response, and the handling of infectious materials.

1. Outbreak Response & Management:

• Lead the investigation and control of infection outbreaks within the facility, coordinating efforts with local health authorities.
• Ensure that infection control measures are immediately implemented and adjusted during outbreaks.
• Develop outbreak response protocols and assist in coordinating testing, patient isolation, and contact tracing efforts.

1. Collaboration & Regulatory Compliance:

• Work closely with medical and nursing staff to ensure infection control and antibiotic stewardship are integrated into clinical practice.
• Ensure compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and state health department regulations.
• Participate in facility-wide quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives related to infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship.

1. Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain thorough documentation of infection prevention activities, surveillance data, antibiotic use, training programs, and policy updates.
• Prepare reports for facility management, governmental agencies, and regulatory bodies as required.

1. Continuous Improvement & Research:

• Stay updated on current infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship practices, and control methodologies through continuous education, literature review, and research.
• Evaluate and recommend new infection prevention strategies, including advancements in antibiotic resistance management.

Qualifications:

Education:

• : A Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology or Microbiology
• Preferred: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).

Preferred Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of experience in infection control, epidemiology, microbiology, or antibiotic stewardship, ideally within a healthcare setting, nursing home, or long-term care facility.
• Experience in outbreak management, surveillance methods, and antibiotic stewardship programs is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antibiotic resistance, and evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic use.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, infection control methodologies, and antibiotic stewardship practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis and epidemiological surveillance.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory standards, such as CDC and state health department guidelines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for training and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, especially in outbreak investigation, infection control, and antibiotic stewardship.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with healthcare privacy regulations (HIPAA).

Certifications:

• : Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or ability to obtain within a specified time frame.
• Preferred: Certification or training in Antibiotic Stewardship.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position; may require occasional on-call hours.
• Work is performed in a nursing home setting, requiring interaction with staff, patients, and occasionally family members.
• Exposure to infectious diseases, though proper PPE is provided.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, and transport materials related to infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.

Compensation $65,000-$68,000 annually depending on qualifications/experience