Infection Prevention Specialist

General Summary The Infection Prevention Specialist applies principles of hospital epidemiology to support safe, high-quality patient care across the health system. This role is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs); educating staff on infection prevention practices; and developing policies and procedures that uphold rigorous infection control standards. The specialist ensures compliance with Joint Commission, OSHA, CMS, CDC, and other nationally recognized guidelines and regulatory requirements. Work Performed Perform, coordinate, and direct surveillance activities to identify healthcare-associated infections and other adverse outcomes that impact patient safety. Utilize the electronic medical record and surveillance systems to review clinical and laboratory data, identifying infectious conditions requiring reporting, intervention, or implementation of transmission-based precautions. Serve as a subject matter expert on infection prevention for clinical staff, performance improvement teams, and hospital committees. Demonstrate proficiency and application of current regulatory standards, professional society guidelines, and evidence-based practices. Conduct literature reviews to support performance improvement initiatives and practice changes. Assess clinical situations from an infection prevention perspective and recommend appropriate actions to ensure safe and high-quality patient care. Round regularly in assigned inpatient units, outpatient areas, perioperative suites, and ancillary departments to evaluate compliance with infection prevention practices, policies, and regulatory requirements. Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs on infection prevention for staff at all levels; conduct new employee orientation on infection prevention principles. Assist with preparing agendas, reports, graphs, and materials for the Infection Control Committee and performance improvement teams. Participate in epidemiological studies and projects aimed at advancing infection prevention knowledge and outcomes. Collaborate on academic and professional presentations/posters for local, regional, and national conferences and pursue publication opportunities. Demonstrate professionalism, strong interpersonal skills, and positive working relationships with staff, providers, patients, visitors, contract workers, and community agencies. Maintain current knowledge of infection prevention guidelines, best practices, and regulations through continuing education, literature review, and collaboration with internal and external infection prevention professionals. Perform other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to build strong relationships with providers and staff and deliver effective solutions. Strong decision‑making skills with a track record of timely, forward‑moving decisions. Effectiveness in complex and rapidly changing environments; action‑oriented with high energy and enthusiasm. Strong planning, organizational, and prioritization abilities aligned with departmental and system goals. Skill in developing and maintaining formal and informal networks across the organization to support shared goals. Effective communicator capable of tailoring messages for diverse audiences. Ability to engage others, build support, and gain commitment to infection prevention initiatives. Resilient and resourceful, able to navigate setbacks and overcome obstacles. Demonstrates agility and adaptability in approach and demeanor. Participation in on‑call schedule required. Working knowledge of: Patient care practices Microbiology, asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization Adult education principles Infectious diseases and disease transmission Surveillance techniques Performance measurement and improvement Licensing standards and regulatory requirements Computer proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; applied knowledge of biostatistics; strong written and graphical presentation skills. Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology, or a Master of Public Health (MPH) required. Experience Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in an acute care hospital or similar setting required. 1 year of Infection Prevention experience preferred. Degrees, Licensures, Certifications If BSN: Current or compact RN licensure in the State of North Carolina required. If Medical Technology degree: Current generalist or specialty certification by a nationally recognized board/agency required. CIC (Certification in Infection Control) required within 2 years of hire if not already certified. Essential Physical Job Functions Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department. Equal Opportunity Employment Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status. #J-18808-Ljbffr