Infection Preventionist (Full-Time), Department of Infection Prevention & Hospital Epidemiology

Infection Preventionist (Full-Time), Department of Infection Prevention & Hospital Epidemiology

Department: Infection Prevention & Hospital Epidemiology

Entity: Aga Khan University Hospital

Location: Karachi

Introduction to the Aga Khan University:

Aga Khan University Hospital invites applications for the position of Infection Preventionist (Full-Time).

As an equal opportunity employer, AKU believes in promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and is committed to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between diverse workforce of its faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment.

Job Role / Responsibilities:

This position is primarily responsible for surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of hospital acquired infections (HAIs); collecting data related to infection control and prevention as per scope of service of infection control for AKUH infection control related activities. 

• Assess isolation techniques implementation by nursing staff in assigned clinical areas and identifies areas for improvement.
• Conduct audit in patient care areas to ensure compliance with infection control policies. 
• Assess learning needs of staff related to infection control practices.
• Coordinate infection control surveillance activities for infection control link nurses in various departments and services.
• Advise and follow up on employee safety issues related to vaccinations, needle stick injuries, exposure to communicable diseases and hospital acquired infections.
• Coordinate with NES and relevant departments in conducting sessions for nursing and non-nursing staff related to infection control.
• Assist in investigation of outbreaks of hospital infections.
• Collect clinical data related to hospital acquired infection for the information of Infection prevention Control Committee and Senior Management of AKU/AKUH.
• Release daily infected and isolated patient’s report to the hospital leaders.
• Report reportable diseases to health department at government level after confirmation from infection control chair. 
• Conduct surveillance of Device associated infections e.g., CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP/VAE, Phlebitis etc. and report as dashboard indicator under the supervision of chair and/or manager infection control.
• Attend critical care committees and together with the leaders of units, departments, service lines to prevent infection data to the clinical and executive leaders of each area e.g., MICU, SICU, PICU, NICU etc.
• Carry out surveillance of SSI and SCIP indicators under supervision with infection control chair and manager. 
• Implement the infection control surveillance system based on CDC guidelines.
• Follow post exposure staff as defined in policy for blood and body fluid, airborne, droplet and keep record of follow up in collaboration with employee health nurse. 
• Carries out any other tasks assigned from time to time, in relation to Infection Control studies and epidemiological surveys. 
• Assist in publication of Infection Control surveillance reports on daily, monthly, quarterly and annual basis. 
• Conduct audits on monthly and quarterly basis as per schedule for hand hygiene, prevention and control of infection, support service audits and share results with concern department. 
• Assist infection manager and chair in reviewing of infection control policies.
• Conduct education sessions for student, orientees, employees on regular basis and as and when required. 
• Any other related tasks as assigned by chairs and manager of infection control. Acts as a resource person for all nursing and medical staff regarding the care of individual patients with infectious conditions and regulations and procedures outlined in the Infection Control Manual Professional Attributes

Eligibility Criteria / Requirements:

• At least a Graduate degree or equivalent qualification in a related field.
• Professional Certification in a relevant field the area of work will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 2-3 year post graduate experience in healthcare setting preferable in any leadership role.
• Ability to demonstrate new approaches and thinks before acting.
• Ability to break down concrete issues into parts and synthesizes succinctly along with collecting and analyzing information from a variety of appropriate sources.
• Ability to identify client needs and expectations and respond to requests efficiently and effectively while takes actions beyond explicit request within established service standards. Able to meet client needs in a respectful, helpful and responsive manner and seek feedback to develop a clear understanding of client needs and outcomes.
• Ability to listen actively and objectively without interrupting and present appropriate information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make straightforward decisions based on pre-defined options using clear criteria/procedures.
• Ability to recognize and act on present issues as well as offer ideas to address current situations or issues. Able to work independently and complete assignments without constant supervision.
• Ability to complete tasks in accordance with plans and sets priorities for tasks in order of importance.
• Ability to set goals and works to meet established expectations and adapts working methods in order to achieve objectives.
• Ability to give support to co-workers and works collaboratively rather than competitively as well as share experiences, knowledge and best practices with team members.

Note: Comprehensive employment reference checks will be conducted.