How to Be Hospital Hygienist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The absence of hospital hygienists can lead to an increased risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are serious, potentially deadly infections that can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and equipment. Without hospital hygienists to ensure proper cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection protocols are followed, the risk of HAIs increases.

In addition, hospital hygienists help enforce infection prevention and control policies, as well as train and educate healthcare providers on best practices. By educating healthcare personnel on proper hand hygiene, disinfection techniques, and other infection control measures, hospital hygienists can help reduce the spread of HAIs. Furthermore, hospital hygienists can help protect the health and safety of all patients by minimizing the risk of exposure to infective agents.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. The first step to becoming a hospital hygienist is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. This will provide the necessary foundation for the advanced training and certification required for the profession.
Earn an Associate Degree. Hospital hygienists typically need to have an associate degree in order to practice in hospitals. Most programs are two years in length and offer a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience.
Obtain Certification. Most states require hospital hygienists to be certified in order to practice. Certification exams are administered by the American Dental Hygienists' Association and require a certain number of hours of clinical experience.
Maintain Certification. In order to maintain certification, hospital hygienists must complete additional continuing education courses every year. These courses are typically offered by professional organizations, universities, and other institutions.
Advancement Opportunities. Experienced hospital hygienists may choose to pursue higher levels of certification, such as advanced hygiene practitioner or hygiene specialist. These certifications require additional training and experience, as well as successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

Poor hospital hygiene can lead to an increased risk of contracting infections and diseases. Unsanitary conditions can cause contamination of medical instruments and surfaces, allowing bacteria, viruses, and fungi to spread from one patient to another. Unhygienic practices can also result in the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which are difficult to treat and can have serious consequences.

To ensure a safe and healthy environment, hospitals must employ reliable and qualified hospital hygienists who possess the knowledge and skills to ensure the highest standards of sanitation. Hygienists are responsible for regularly cleaning and disinfecting patient rooms, medical equipment, and any other areas used for patient care. They must also be knowledgeable about current infection control measures and practices as well as be able to identify potential health hazards.

By employing qualified hygienists, hospitals can protect their patients from infectious diseases and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

You may want to check Food Hygienist, Podiatry Hygienist, and Clinical Hygienist for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct routine inspections of hospital areas for proper cleanliness and sanitation.
Monitor and document the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection processes.
Educate staff, patients, and visitors on proper hygiene and infection control techniques.
Prepare and analyze reports on infection and hygiene-related issues.
Create and implement plans for improving hygiene standards and reducing the spread of infection.
Coordinate with vendors to restock necessary hygiene supplies.
Develop and implement safety protocols for hazardous waste storage, handling, and disposal.
Maintain records of patient's hygiene and health condition.
Assist with the implementation of new policies and procedures related to hygiene and infection control.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards related to hospital hygiene and sanitation.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to use cleaning supplies and equipment safely
Ability to assess risk and prioritize tasks
Good organizational and communication skills
Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards
Ability to maintain accurate records
Ability to follow directions and complete tasks quickly
Ability to work autonomously
Good problem solving skills

Good hospital hygiene is essential to providing safe and quality care to patients. One of the most important skills for a hospital hygienist is the ability to recognize and respond quickly to potential health hazards. This includes identifying and removing sources of infection, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

It also involves maintaining a clean and sanitary environment and ensuring that all medical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized. Furthermore, hospital hygienists must be highly knowledgeable about the latest regulations and protocols related to patient safety, infection control, and the use of personal protective equipment. By possessing these skills, they can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care.

Clinical Dental Hygienist, Public Health Hygienist, and Safety Hygienist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in hospital hygiene?
What challenges have you encountered in the past with hospital hygiene?
What strategies do you use to ensure that hospital hygiene standards are met?
How do you handle difficult situations related to hospital hygiene?
What methods do you use to educate patients about proper hygiene practices?
How do you prioritize tasks related to hospital hygiene?
What strategies do you use to motivate staff to follow hygiene protocols?
How do you stay up to date on the latest hospital hygiene standards?
How do you handle emergency situations related to hospital hygiene?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients or staff related to hospital hygiene?

Common Tools in Industry

Autoclave. A device used to sterilize instruments and equipment, usually using steam and pressure. (eg: An autoclave is used to sterilize instruments in a medical setting).
Disinfectant Wipes. Pre-moistened wipes used to disinfect and clean surfaces. (eg: Hospital hygienists use disinfectant wipes to clean countertops and other surfaces).
Hand Sanitizer. A liquid, gel, or foam used to reduce the number of microorganisms on the hands. (eg: Hospital hygienists often use hand sanitizer between patient interactions).
Disposable Gloves. Disposable gloves made from synthetic materials that provide a barrier between the user and the environment. (eg: Hospital hygienists wear disposable gloves when working with patients).
Masks. Masks used to protect the wearer from airborne particles and microorganisms. (eg: Hospital hygienists wear masks while interacting with patients).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES)
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)
Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN)
Association of Healthcare Educators (AHE)
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)
National Association of Hospital Hospitality Workers (NAHHW)
International Association for Healthcare Safety and Quality (IAHSQ)
National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM)

We also have Radiological Hygienist, Industrial Hygienist, and Chemical Hygienist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Infection Control. The practice of preventing the spread of infectious diseases through the use of preventive measures such as proper hand washing, disinfection, and isolation procedures.
Medical Waste. Waste produced by a hospital or medical facility that may contain hazardous materials, such as needles and other sharp objects, contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
Bloodborne Pathogens. Pathogens that are present in the blood and can cause infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Universal Precautions. Guidelines for healthcare workers to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents by using protective equipment and following specific protocols for handling contaminated items.
Disinfection. The process of killing or removing harmful microorganisms from surfaces, objects, and equipment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Protective clothing, gloves, face shields, respirators, and other items used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents.
Cleaning. The process of removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants from surfaces, objects, and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Hospital Hygienist?

A Hospital Hygienist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the prevention and control of infections and the promotion of health and safety in a hospital setting.

What qualifications do I need to become a Hospital Hygienist?

To become a Hospital Hygienist, you must have a bachelors degree in healthcare, public health, or a related field, as well as experience in infection prevention and control. You may also need to obtain certification from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

What tasks does a Hospital Hygienist typically perform?

A Hospital Hygienist typically performs tasks such as designing and implementing infection prevention and control programs, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of existing protocols, educating staff and patients about infection control practices, and providing guidance on regulatory compliance.

What type of environment does a Hospital Hygienist work in?

A Hospital Hygienist typically works in a hospital setting, where they are responsible for implementing infection prevention and control programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.