Infection Preventionist

Overview

The Infection Preventionist helps to coordinate all aspects of the Infection Control Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) with the goal of reducing the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among patients, staff, and visitors. Locations include the inpatient hospital, the Longwood Ambulatory clinics, the Ambulatory Satellites and the Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care sites. The scope of practice includes meeting the infection control needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct on-going surveillance using Center of Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation, and investigation of nosocomial infections through review of admission diagnoses, microbiology culture results, isolation orders, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings
• Apply epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target population, analyze trends and risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Investigates outbreaks/exposures of communicable diseases and recommends control measures in Hem/Onc/BMT inpatients.
• Coordinate inpatient and outpatient infection control activities for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute including the inpatient hospital, the Longwood Ambulatory clinics, the Ambulatory Satellites and the Dana-Farber Community Cancer Care sites.
• Recommend isolation precautions as required.
• Assist in the organization of regularly scheduled Hospital Infection Control meetings and dissemination of recommendations hospital-wide
• Enforce infection control policies and procedures as designated by the DFCI Infection Control Committee.
• Initiate quality improvement activities as indicated.
• Assess environmental control through surveillance of water supply systems as needed, air pressure relationships for high-risk environmental monitoring
• Conduct environmental rounds in the outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Serve as a resource to the Occupational Health Services.
• Perform periodic analysis of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids in collaborations with OHS and the Biosafety Officer, and recommends change in practice, equipment, etc., as indicated.
• Monitor infections in staff members.
• Assure compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Develop and implement programs in collaboration with the Hospital Epidemiologist and Director, Patient Safety & Infection Control in response to new regulations.
• Develop infection control policies and procedures and revises them as indicated.
• Recommend infection control procedural changes and new products.
• Report communicable diseases to the Boston Public Health Commission, the MA Department of Public Health and other public health agencies as required.
• Participate in providing all education activities for infection control which include:
  • General Orientation, Nursing and Patient Care Services, and Bone Marrow Transplant classes monthly,
  • Provide infection control education to clinical staff.
  • Collaborate with staff in providing formal and informal patient education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Organizational and interpersonal skills to facilitate teams.
• Public speaking skills to present information at meetings and education programs.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards including: TJC, OSHA, CDC, CMS and MA Department of Public Health requirements.
• Writing skills to prepare manuals, documents, and reports.
• Knowledge of epidemiology and educational theories.
• Ability to participate in continuing educational activities at the department, state, and national levels to promote personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base commensurate with latest research and scholarly knowledge.
• Exhibit an attitude which promotes harmony and goodwill among patients, caregivers, and co-workers.
• Enthusiasm for infection control activities.

• Maturity, initiative and ability to be self-directed.
• Proficiency with computer software applications including Outlook, Word, EPIC and Excel

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved school of nursing, medicine, medical technology or public health required; BSN preferred.
• 2 years of Infection Control experience required; 5 or more years in acute care hospital preferred.
• Oncology experience preferred.
• Current CIC certification preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

PATIENT CONTACT:

• Yes, adult and pediatric

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).