INFECTION PREVENTION


assist with temperature screening at hospital entrances.


Bassett believes COVID-19 has “really opened people’s eyes to the potential for more pandemics or outbreaks of diseases in the future” and prompted her medical center to explore new technologies aimed at infection prevention. “A lot of exploration has been conducted on utilizing non-shared or touchless technology for patients to register for appointments, check in, receive discharge instructions, etc.” said Bassett. “Anything that can be implemented where less touch occurs seems to be on the horizon; touch- less checkout in the cafeteria, electronic temperature checking stations, anything like that seems to be on people’s wish lists. Also, a move to, or increase in other things like disposable items, UV light dis- infection, machines that can kill airborne bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as the way rooms and buildings are designed to keep people at a distance from each other and directional airfl ow technology. I think that healthcare leaders understand the value of having a high-quality IP team who can objectively evaluate the risk versus


benefi t of new systems and technology for disease reduction.”


The future of the IP profession hile ID has presented signifi cant challenges to those in IP positions, neces- sitating long hours, greater responsibilities, struggles with PPE and staff shortages, and myriad other pandemic related factors, this past year has also shined a light on the importance of IP practitioners. There’s hope that increased awareness for the dangers of infection and the need for a preventative approach – for not just COVID-19 but all HAIs – will continue well into the future. “I feel that the IP role is understood to a very limited degree,” said Bassett. “How- ever, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more people have become familiar with the words ‘infection prevention.’ People in gen- eral seem to have developed a new interest and knowledge of hand hygiene, disinfec- tion of surface and disease transmission, amongst other infection prevention-related items. Since we are essentially the experts on COVID recommendations within the hospi- tal, we receive calls and emails frequently for guidance on this topic.”


SALARY BY REGION WITH BREAKOUTS BY GENDER US TERRITORIES - 2% 2%


0% Pacifi c $136,077


Mountain $88,035


PACIFIC - 7%


7% $136,077 0% n/a


MOUNTAIN - 7%


7% $88,846 1% $77,500


1% of survey respondents chose not to disclose their gender


AVERAGE PAY BY GENDER


FEMALE - $95,755 96%


$


MALE - $91,687 4%


Survey respondents who chose not to disclose their gender are excluded in the averages above


CENTRAL - 30%


29% $82,892 2% $84,166


SOUTHEAST - 14%


13% $84,420 1% $106,750


Central $82,957


Northeast $104,480


Southeast $87,857


NORTHEAST - 40%


$58,333 n/a


38% $104,966 1% $95,000


URBAN 23% $104,431


RURAL 38% $79,763


SUBURBAN 39% $106,296


“In addition to COVID though, we have seen throughout the country, increases in hospital acquired infections due to many different factors, like proning of COVID patients, isolation of patients, increases in the number of patients, supply shortages and changes, along with alterations to processes of care,” continued Bassett. “So these increases in other infections have also raised awareness about the IP’s role. I also believe that the cost related to these infec- tions is on people’s radars, so we are seeing more guidance requested from IP on what can be done to mitigate these issues. I feel like more front-line staff are also familiar with terms like CLABSI, CAUTI, MDROs and SSI because of general awareness of infections and more discussions on infection related topics.”


“Infection prevention is one of the keys to


quality healthcare, good patient outcomes and cost savings,” said Conley. “Although, infection preventionists are well known in many ways for this, I think the pandemic has shown what infection prevention- ists can bring to the table and I hope this acknowledgement continues long past this pandemic.” HPN


SALARY BY TYPE OF FACILITY Hospital, standalone


IDN/Alliance/Multi-group health system/VHA


60% $92,616 32% $104,341


Behavioral/Psychiatric health facility 3% $92,700 Surgi-center/Ambulatory center 3% $85,100 Clinic


2% $63,333 Long term acute care facility (LTAC) 1% $90,000


SALARY BY TITLE Infection Preventionist


Infection Prevention/Control Director Infection Prevention/Control Manager


26% $92,019 23% $114,177 15% $99,655


Infection Prevention/Control Coordinator 16% $88,612 Infection Prevention/Control Nurse


Infection Prevention/Control Practitioner 3% $85,500 Quality, Risk Manager Employee Health


14% $80,037 2% $86,500


1% $86,750 24 May 2021 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • hpnonline.com


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