Full Job Description
Nuvance Health has a network of convenient hospital and outpatient locations — Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut, and Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center, and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York — plus multiple primary and specialty care physician practices locations, including The Heart Center, a leading provider of cardiology care, and two urgent care offices. Non-acute care is offered through various affiliates, including the Thompson House for rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, and the Home Care organizations.

Summary:
Responsible for the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of the infection prevention program throughout the Nuvance Health system in accordance with the Regulating Agencies (CMS, OSHA, State of Connecticut, State of New York, Joint Commission) in collaboration with Nuvance Health system and hospital leadership. Oversees Infection Control Managers and Officers, ensuring monitoring and surveillance is occurring and identifies opportunities for improvement in infection control and prevention activities throughout the system.
This position reports directly to the Chief Quality Officer and consults with the Hospital Infectious Disease Physician Director as needed. Population served based on the scope of services in the department.

Responsibilities:
1. Directs all activities related to Infection Control and Prevention Program (IC) for the system based on national standards. Ensures all local infection prevention leaders in hospitals are working collaboratively with physicians, local Quality/PI/Risk Management, Safety, Facilities, and Patient Care departments.
2. Sets IC policy and practice standards for the system based upon best practices and industry trends. Responsible for oversight of the development/review/revision of the Nuvance Health system infection control policies for the Infection Control Programs at each hospital, employee health departments, prevention of infection measures, equipment disinfection, and cross infection for all system clinical departments.
3. Directs a standard approach to Infection Control and Prevention activities at all hospitals. Provides consultative services for all system approaches related to infection control and prevention for staff, patients, and visitors. Ensures local infection preventionists are interfacing and communicating with local leadership, performance improvement, nursing, providers, construction and renovations, and environmental services for aspects of practice related to the infection control standards.
4. Develops and monitors system quality management indicators related to Infection Control. Develops and oversees the implementation of strategies to reduce/eliminate barriers and identify gaps in relation to infection control standards. Co-chairs the Infection Control Committees for the system.
5. responsible for overseeing the monitoring and tracking of process and outcome indicators related to infection control standards implementation. Ensures clusters of infections and nosocomial infections are investigated by hospital infection prevention leaders with hospital epidemiologists. Provides consultative services to support local IC leaders as needed.
6. Ensures the timely and accurate reporting of state and federally mandated infections and rates throughout the system. Ensures the communication of reportable diseases on a timely basis to the Local and/or State Department of Health.
7. Identifies opportunities and leads system-level projects from development to completion, inclusive of planning, implementation, and evaluation. Directs the planning and oversees the implementation of practices related to infection prevention and emergency preparedness related to infectious processes.
8. Directs the management of databases and reporting required by regulatory agencies – Joint Commission, OSHA, State, and Federal Regulations. Maintains infection control and prevention systems by working collaboratively with Service Line Executives, Directors, Managers, and staff to adapt, develop and implement the infection control standards at the facility/department/unit level.
9. Develops, coordinates, and implements staff education and competency validation related to infection control standards and guidelines and outcomes throughout the system. Has direct responsibility for hiring, termination, and PEP evaluations for IC leaders at each facility. Manages the capital and operating budgets for the Infection Control and Prevention Department.
10. Maintains current qualifications through continuing education opportunities.
11. Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:
Master’s Degree in Nursing or Related Health Care required.
Requires 7 – 10 years of experience in infection control in an acute care setting.
Requires 3-5 years of previous management/leadership experience.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:
Leadership, communication, presentation, and computer skills.
Knowledge of Joint Commission, OSHA, AIA, CT DPH, NY DOH regulatory requirements related to infection control.

License, Registration, or Certification Requirements:
Current license issued by Connecticut and/or New York State as Registered Nurse.
Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) required.
Lean Six Sigma preferred.
COVID-19 considerations: COVID Vaccination required

Location: Danbury-24 Hospital Ave
Work Type: Full-Time
Standard Hours: 40.00
FTE: 1.000000
Work Schedule: DAY 5
Work Shift: Monday – Friday full time
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Danbury, CT 06810
Department: Perf Improvement/Quality
Medical specialties: Infectious Disease
Exempt: Yes

EOE, including disability/vets.
We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at 203-739-7330 (for reasonable accommodation requests only). Please provide all information requested to assure that you are considered for current or future opportunities.

About Nuvance:
Nuvance Health is an integrated health system with more than 15,000 caregivers providing high-quality care through community hospitals, primary care and specialty practice locations, outpatient settings, home care services, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, and telehealth visits. Our network also includes a well-known research institute, which brings breakthroughs from the lab directly to the bedside. We take research to heart and focus on treatments and cures that will benefit our community.

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