Kristina A. Clement
Cohoes,New York
Summary
Infection Preventionist who is proficient in successful strategies for preventing infections such as CAUTI, MDRO, and VAE. Detail-driven and focused on supporting patients and staff with effective protections. Proven effectiveness in leading teams and public health initiatives in epidemiology, statistical data review and literature analysis. Capable of managing projects and collaborating effectively with teams. Committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry trends to contribute to organizational success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Infection Preventionist
Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH) at Saratoga Hospital
Saratoga Springs, NY
05.2023 - Current
- Establish professional role as the go-to person for IPCP (Infection Prevention and Control Program) knowledge and assistance to residents, families, staff, and visitors
- Maintain knowledge of current state and federal regulations and clinical standards of practice that are relevant to the IPCP
- Conduct outbreak investigations by identify, initiate and coordinate investigations of exposures and outbreaks of communicable diseases and implement appropriate interventions
- Investigated potential sources of infectious disease transmission in the facility
- Responded to suspected or confirmed cases of communicable diseases within the facility setting
- Collect and report data to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
- Perform routine surveillance of nosocomial infections using the National Health and Safety Network Guidelines
- Create policies and procedures for surveillance, pandemic preparedness, hand hygiene, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, employee health, outbreak management, water management, antibiotic stewardship
- Facilitated coordination and collaboration with other department heads to ensure effective implementation of relevant IPCP procedures
- Contribute to the completion of the annual community-based infection risk assessment and utilizing its outcomes in developing action plans to mitigate potential risks identified in the Facility Assessment
- Implemented updated policies and procedures to ensure compliance with IPCP obligations
- Performed routine environmental rounds to assess potential risks to IPCP maintenance of sanitary conditions as well as equipment cleaning and disinfection
- Work closely and report communicable diseases to local, state, or national agencies as required
- Survey inpatient units and practice sites, advise on achieving and maintaining approved infection control practices
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to infection prevention and control
- Evaluated new technologies that could help reduce the risk of HAIs
- Assisted in developing strategies to reduce health care-associated infections
- Created and implemented new and improved procedures for controlling infections
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, reviewing professional publications, and attending activities
- Investigated clusters and outbreaks to identify source of infection, educating healthcare personnel regarding short- and long-term control measures
- Collaborated with other departments such as laboratory services and pharmacy services regarding issues related to infection prevention
- Ensured compliance with regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Provide or coordinate the required annual IPCP training for staff
- Assess educational and competency development needs routinely and provide training as needed to staff
- Attend and actively participates in multidisciplinary committees
- Prepare and present reports to appropriate committees and make recommendations for improvement
- Provide educational programs related to infection prevention and control to various disciplines
- Actively participated in the review and planning of new construction projects
- Provided comprehensive education to enhance the skillset of healthcare providers
- Provided guidance on proper use of personal protective equipment by healthcare personnel
- Analyzed data from various sources such as laboratories and public health agencies to monitor emerging threats from infectious agents
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness regarding infection prevention protocols
- Provided education to staff on the principles of infection prevention and control
- Monitored hand hygiene practices across the healthcare facility
- Participated in committees responsible for monitoring trends in HAI rates across departments
- Conduct the annual community-based infection risk assessment, use the results to complete the Facility Assessment, and develop action plans to mitigate the risks
- Conduct an annual review of the IPCP and antibiotic stewardship program that considers: the facility characteristics, facility population, antibiotic stewardship data, and the results of the community-based infection risk assessment
- Update all relevant policies and procedures and develop an action plan to address annual IPCP needs
Infection Preventionist/Employee Health Director
Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center and Rehab
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Provided educational support to healthcare professionals
- Demonstrated strong communication skills when explaining infection control procedures to the public and patients
- Monitored and ensured compliance with safety standards, giving special attention to handwashing practices
- Successfully coordinated and executed internal infection prevention campaigns
- Evaluated instances of infection and proposed measures to minimize further incidents
- Performed ongoing surveillance of nosocomial infections based on the National Health and Safety Network Guidelines
- Performed ongoing surveillance of nosocomial infections based on the National Health and Safety Network Guidelines
- Engaged in collaborative efforts within diverse multidisciplinary committees
- Delivered comprehensive reports to appropriate committees, offering insights and suggestions for improvement
- Conducted thorough reviews of Infection Control policies and implemented necessary revisions to develop new policies
- Successfully improved the management and control of communicable diseases through effective investigation and intervention efforts
- Collaborated with local and state health departments
- Delivered educational programs on infection prevention and control to diverse disciplines
- Survey inpatient units and practice sites, advise on achieving and maintaining approved infection control practices
- Actively assist in new construction reviews and planning
- Ensured compliance with new Employee's health screen, vaccination, and immunization criteria
- Perform yearly TST and assessments screening
- Managed and coordinated organization-wide Influenza clinic
- Performed and managed vaccines administration
- Conducting COVID-19 surveillance and investigating outbreaks
- Developed infection control policies and procedures for healthcare facilities
- Analyzed laboratory and public health agency data to constantly monitor and stay informed about potential dangers posed by infectious agents
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness regarding infection prevention protocols
- Monitored hand hygiene practices across the healthcare facility
- Collaborated with other departments such as laboratory services and pharmacy services regarding issues related to infection prevention
- Provided guidance on proper use of personal protective equipment by healthcare personnel
- Developed educational programs for healthcare workers on preventing the spread of infectious diseases
Infection Preventionist
Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH)
Albany, NY
07.2015 - 07.2020
- Investigated potential sources of infectious disease transmission in the facility
- Responded to suspected or confirmed cases of communicable diseases within the facility setting
- Analyzed data from various sources such as laboratories and public health agencies to monitor emerging threats from infectious agents
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements related to infection prevention and control
- Assisted in developing strategies to reduce health care-associated infections
- Developed infection control policies and procedures for healthcare facility
- Created reports summarizing data on HAIs, antimicrobial usage, and other related topics
- Communicated trend data and analysis to implement process improvement initiatives
- Created and implemented new and improved procedures for controlling infections
- Investigated clusters and outbreaks to identify source of infection, educating healthcare personnel regarding short- and long-term control measures
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to control specific disease entities and support quality initiatives
- Conducted renovation inspections to comply with health requirements and assessed infection control and safety issues
- Utilized graphic tools to present quality performance improvement projects
- Implemented CDC and OSHA driven infection prevention and control policies to guide hospital departments
- Consulted with local and state health departments to report infectious cases
- Led working groups, investigations and continuous surveillance with specific focus on minimizing or eliminating infection spread
- Trained staff on strategies for preventing outbreaks and procedural complications
- Maintained continuous and stringent safety levels and took preventive measures to avoid the spread of disease and infection
- Monitored procedures for hospital staff regarding sterilization, disinfection and decontamination of personnel, instruments and equipment
- Compiled, reviewed and modeled diverse infection information
- Wrote and submitted final reports detailing successes and failures in each investigation and recommended corrective actions
- Identified key findings for each case, including location, severity and clinical findings
- Compiled and arranged case data to complete weekly summaries
- Upheld requirements for data collection, reporting and quality control for duration of investigations
- Conferred with health department, industry personnel and physicians to plan, administer and evaluate health safety standards and programs that improve public health
- Completed extensive surveillance on notifiable infections in region with population of many people
- Developed educational programs for hospital personnel, patients and families to enhance knowledge of infection control
- Recognized areas for improved performance to protect employees, patients and visitors from infectious and communicable conditions
- Participated in continuing education opportunities, reviewing professional publications, and attending activities
- Evaluated new technologies that could help reduce the risk of HAIs
- Developed educational programs for healthcare workers on preventing the spread of infectious diseases
- Provided education to staff on the principles of infection prevention and control
- Provided guidance on proper use of personal protective equipment by healthcare personnel
- Conducted audits of patient care practices to ensure compliance with hospital policy and procedures related to infection prevention and control
- Monitored hand hygiene practices across the healthcare facility
- Communicated regularly with department heads about changes in regulations or guidelines related to infection control
- Collaborated with other departments such as laboratory services and pharmacy services regarding issues related to infection prevention
- Participated in committees responsible for monitoring trends in HAI rates across departments
Registered Nurse
AMCH
Albany, NY
09.2013 - 07.2015
- Explaining the procedure and fielding patient questions before an endoscopy
- Administering sedatives and IV drips throughout endoscopy
- Sterilizing and organizing equipment used during endoscopies
- Assisting the doctor performing the endoscopy
- Monitoring patient vital signs during and after the procedure
- Providing discharge instructions to patients before they leave the hospital, clinic or doctor’s office
- Update patient records
Registered Nurse
St. Peter’s Hospital
Albany, NY
05.2013 - 09.2013
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans
- Participated in continuing education programs related to nursing practice
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
York, ME
04.2007 - 04.2013
- Coordinating daily administrative duties, including schedules, nursing assignments, and patient care
- Recording patients’ medical records and monitoring vital signs
- Supervising nursing staff and overseeing their needs
- Creating staff schedules
- Making patient assignments
- Collaborating with other nurses and direct-care staff
- Assisting with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges
- Providing triage and prioritization of patient care and staffing needs
- Handling administrative tasks such as scheduling, patient records, and compliance reporting
- Acting as a mentor and resource for staff nurses and other healthcare team members
Infection Prevention Specialist
York Hospital
York, ME
10.2005 - 04.2007
- Perform routine surveillance of nosocomial infections using the National Health and Safety Network Guidelines
- Attend and actively participates in multidisciplinary committees
- Prepare and present reports to appropriate committees and make recommendations for improvement
- Review and revise Infection Control policies and formulate new policies as needed
- Identify, initiate and coordinate investigations of exposures and outbreaks of communicable diseases and implement appropriate interventions
- Work closely with local and state health departments
- Provide educational programs related to infection prevention and control to various disciplines
- Survey inpatient units and practice sites, advise on achieving and maintaining approved infection control practices
- Actively assist in new construction reviews and planning
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
York, ME
11.2000 - 10.2005
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures
- Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
York, ME
08.1997 - 11.2000
- Administering medications
- Assisting with patient education and care planning
- Checking a patient's vital signs
- Collaborating with patient care team members about plans and progress
- Completing admission and discharge paperwork
- Admitting and monitoring patients
- Managing medical equipment
- Providing wound care
- Updating patients’ charts
- Communicating patients’ needs to the doctor in charge of their care
- Maintained reports of patients’ medical histories, and monitoring changes in their condition
- Directed and supervised licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants
- Adhered to protocols, norms, rules and regulations to maintain complete medical records
- Maintained hygienic and safe working environment in compliance with healthcare procedures
- Discussed treatment with pharmacists and physicians in the critical cases
- Provided necessary guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention
Education
Bachelor Degree of Science - Nursing
Southern New Hampshire University
01.2021
Associates Degree - Nursing
University of New England
01.1997
Biddeford High School
01.1985
Skills
- Conducting investigations
- Surveillance
- Overseeing isolation procedures
- Revising policies
- Leading meetings
- Developing prevention policies
- Outbreak Management
- Epidemiology knowledge
- Collaboration Abilities
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Microbiology Understanding
- Infection prevention education
- Surveillance and Monitoring
- Infection control expertise
- Outbreak case definition
- Testing management
- Time management abilities
- Attention to Detail
- Team Collaboration
Additional Information
- LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS , 2012—Present Certification in Infection Control (CIC) 2012—Present APIC Member 2013 – Present New York State Nursing License 1997 - 2014 Maine State Nursing License 2014 – Present Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) 2013 – Present Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 2013 - Present Basic Life Support (BLS)
Affiliations
- I participate yearly in the Boston Children's Hospital Eversource Walk for Kids.
Certification
2012—Present Certification in Infection Control (CIC)
2012—Present APIC Member
2013 – Present New York State Nursing License
1997 - 2014 Maine State Nursing License
2013 - Present Basic Life Support (BLS)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Infection Preventionist
Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH) at Saratoga Hospital
05.2023 - Current
Infection Preventionist/Employee Health Director
Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center and Rehab
07.2020 - 07.2023
Infection Preventionist
Albany Medical Center Hospital (AMCH)
07.2015 - 07.2020
Registered Nurse
AMCH
09.2013 - 07.2015
Registered Nurse
St. Peter’s Hospital
05.2013 - 09.2013
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
04.2007 - 04.2013
Infection Prevention Specialist
York Hospital
10.2005 - 04.2007
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
11.2000 - 10.2005
Registered Nurse
York Hospital
08.1997 - 11.2000
Bachelor Degree of Science - Nursing
Southern New Hampshire University
Associates Degree - Nursing
University of New England
Biddeford High School
2012—Present Certification in Infection Control (CIC)
2012—Present APIC Member
2013 – Present New York State Nursing License
1997 - 2014 Maine State Nursing License
2013 - Present Basic Life Support (BLS)
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