Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

Through cooperative effort Nursing, the Infection Preventionist/Quality Assurance Specialist ( IP QA Specialist) assumes the responsibilities related to the identification and reporting of infectious diseases and infective situations throughout the LTACH. Evaluates quality of patient care and patient outcomes as they relate to health care associated infections, collects, prepares, analyzes and presents healthcare-associated infection data. The IP QA Specialist monitors quality indicators and develops plans to improve quality metrics.

• Participates in the investigation and implementation of control measures for outbreaks. 2.Participates in activities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to infection prevention and control.
• Reviews daily new admissions for any significant diagnosis of infections or communicable diseases. Reviews microbiological data and advises of any unusual or significant finding and reports clusters of infection appropriately.
• Participates with all aspects of hospital functions as related to Infection Prevention. Responsible for clinical quality metrics and quality assurance reporting.
• Manages quality data management activities.
• Completes monthly quality related data entry, analysis and reporting
• Leads hospital team in the performance of RCA at least annually and for every level 3-4 incident, unless otherwise indicated.
• Develops quality goals and objectives in collaboration with the leaders and provides periodic status reports.
• Directs, handles and coordinates all regulatory surveys and plans of correction in conjunction with the nursing team.
• Reports any pertinent problems, evaluates and assists in the follow-up as necessary.
• Oversees and monitors referral/admission process, maintains customer service program on unit and in hospital, and ensures the unit has a comprehensive quality management program.
• Proposes department objectives and reviews and implements policies and procedures designed to decrease the risk of transmission of infection to patients, staff and visitors.
• Assures that surveillance is accomplished as recommended by the Infection Prevention Committee. Assists departments in establishing, reviewing, revising and updating policies and procedures as related to infection control.

• Records and reports on communicable diseases to local and state health departments as required.
• Submit monthly reports, quality indicators and statistical data for the Infection Control Committee.
• Attends management meetings, when scheduled and serves on hospital committees, as assigned.
• Performs Infection Prevention Committee duties and responsibilities.
• Participates in special studies deemed appropriate by the committee.
• Participates in unit safety committee activities. a. Develops and continually ensures that a planned, systematic and on-going processes 
• Assists Medical Director with development and implementation of medical staff quality improvement activities.
• Consults and communicates with Nursing staff regarding the planning of infection control measures for patient care and Physicians, family, nursing and other allied health professionals regarding infection prevention in the care of patients.
• Work with local and state health departments concerning reportable diseases and problems.
• Works with the Occupational Health Department in the management of infections and team members exposed to patients with infections.
• Performs other duties as requested and covers for manager when necessary

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Graduate of a NLN/AACN accredited program in nursing OR a graduate of a baccalaureate degree program and certified as MT (ASCP)- Medical Technologist
• Related experience in a health care/acute setting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills
• Detail oriented, problem-solving skills and ability to identify needed information/research

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Bachelors degree in nursing.
• Four years in med and surgical nursing or microbiology and two years in infection prevention
• Experience in patient quality
• Completion of APIC Basic Infection Control Course.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License or Medical Technologist Certification or Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred:

• Certified in Infection Control.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality.