Infection Preventionist, 40 hours, Days, Quality/Risk Management

Infection Preventionist

Day Kimball Health is seeking an Infection Preventionist to join our Quality/Risk Management Department in Putnam, Connecticut! If you're looking for a rewarding healthcare career with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Infection Preventionist Benefits & Perks

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with eligible employer contributions
• Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Earned Time Off (ETO), paid holidays, and sick time
• Paid Leave
• Educational Assistance & Student Loan Reimbursement Up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
• Pay-for-Performance opportunities
• Career Growth, Leadership Development, and Mentorship
• Employee Wellness Programs, Recognition Events, Food Truck Fridays, and Weekly Pay

Infection Preventionist Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for utilizing expertise to develop, implement, and manage an effective Day Kimball Health Infection Prevention program. Other responsibilities include gathering data on infections and interpreting that data to facilitate improvement in the outcome of patient care, collaborating with Employee Health to provide and maintain a safe environment for employees, and initiating measures to prevent and control infectious diseases. The Infection Preventionist consults with and serves as a resource for departments and committees on matters pertaining to infection prevention and control and emerging infectious diseases (i.e. COVID/MonkeyPox/EBOLA), plans and presents educational programs to all departments to promote the exchange of relevant and new Infection Prevention information to hospital personnel. As well as monitors and evaluates the efficacy of infection prevention and control strategies.

Infection Preventionist Essential Responsibilities

• Responsible for the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of healthcare acquired infections among patients and employees and analyzes this data with the assistance of the Infection Prevention Committee Chairperson. Prepares a monthly healthcare acquired infection report for the Infection Prevention Committee.
• Develops Day Kimball Health policies and procedures to incorporate change when necessary and informs others regarding this information. Develops policies and procedures addressing surveillance, prevention and control of infection cooperatively with all appropriate departments and services. Updates Infection Prevention policies and procedures every three years or as needed to maintain compliance with regulations standards and evidence-based guidelines. Updates OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan and TB Infection Control Plan annually.
• Coordinates and manages the daily multi-disciplinary activity related to the prevention and control of infections and infectious diseases. Disseminates information to medical staff, nurses and support staff, as appropriate.
• Plans, presents and documents all educational programs, with the assistance of the Education Department and Department Directors, which relate to reducing the risk of infection between and among patients and employees.
• Utilizes expertise to advise others regarding transmission of infections or infectious diseases in the workplace.
• Monitors compliance of standard Infection Prevention practices and investigates deviation from the standard.
• Monitors intervention strategies on infection rates; i.e., changes in procedures, use of new patient care equipment, introduction of new technology.
• Conducts special studies when a cluster of infections is above the usual baseline levels. Investigates single cases of unusual or epidemiologically significant healthcare acquired infections.
• Consults with Employee Health on matters pertaining to exposures, infectious diseases and immunizations status of employees.
• Assists Employee Health with counseling and follow-up for employees who have an occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.
• Complies with CMS data collection requirements through NHSN. Collaborates with IT and Medical Records to assist in identifying cases to be manually abstracted and entered into NHSN data base.
• Collaborates with Director of Pharmacy, Quality Leadership, Infectious Disease physician and medical staff in Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.

Infection Preventionist Qualifications

1. Graduate of an accredited college/university. Minimum of Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, nursing, public health or healthcare related field required.
2. Related license or certification as required (i.e. nursing license or laboratory certification).
3. CIC Certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology preferred. Eligibility to take certification examination within two years of employment required.

1. Minimum of three years of experience in clinical/patient care services or relevant health care related position.
2. Background in Infection Prevention preferred.
3. Membership in The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) preferred.

Why Choose Day Kimball Health?

The Care You Need. Close to Home. For over 130 years, Day Kimball Health has been a trusted, nonprofit healthcare provider serving Northeastern Connecticut. What began as a small infirmary has grown into the region's leading integrated healthcare system - recognized for delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Today, our team of over 1,100 dedicated employees - including more than 300 skilled physicians, surgeons, and specialists - proudly deliver a full continuum of care, from primary and specialty services to homecare and hospice, meeting the evolving needs of our patients at every stage of life. What sets us apart is our commitment not only to the communities we serve, but also to the people who power our mission. At Day Kimball Health, we cultivate a supportive, inclusive workplace culture where healthcare professionals are empowered to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful difference every day. Every voice is valued. Every contribution matters. Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or seeking your next opportunity, a career at Day Kimball Health offers more than a job - it's a chance to build lasting relationships, give back to your community, and create impact beyond your shift. Come grow with a team that calls this community home. Join us in our mission to elevate community-driven healthcare and be part of an organization that values both personal and professional development.

Make a real impact on your career, your team, and your community. Apply today.

Day Kimball Health is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal laws. Day Kimball Health is a smoke free environment.