Infection Preventionist

Infection prevention is a cornerstone of safe, high-quality care, and this role sits at the center of that mission across UVA Health. As an Infection Preventionist, you will directly shape how care is delivered by identifying risk, influencing clinical practice, and advancing system-wide infection prevention strategies that protect patients, staff, and the community. This is a highly specialized, consultative role within a leading academic medical center, offering the opportunity to partner with multidisciplinary teams, develop deep expertise in ambulatory and procedural infection prevention, and drive meaningful outcomes across a complex health system. The Role This position blends clinical insight, epidemiology, and operational partnership in a fast-paced, highly interactive environment. You will function as both a subject matter expert and a collaborator, working across units, clinics, and departments to ensure best-in-class infection prevention practices are consistently applied. On a day-to-day basis, your work is both analytical and highly visible, requiring strong communication, relationship-building, and the ability to influence diverse clinical stakeholders. In an average day, you will: Continuously monitor and analyze infection data Review microbiology and laboratory reports to detect potential hospital-acquired infections and emerging trends Investigate infection events and assess patterns that may require intervention Translate data findings into actionable insights for clinical teams Guide isolation and transmission-based precautions Evaluate patient cases to determine appropriate isolation protocols Ensure alignment with regulatory standards and evidence-based practices Provide real-time consultation to frontline clinicians on infection risk Conduct proactive rounding and environment assessments Perform routine rounds in clinical and ambulatory areas to assess infection prevention practices Identify gaps in workflow, sanitation, or compliance and recommend improvements Partner with staff to reinforce best practices in real time Serve as a key partner to ambulatory and procedural clinics Collaborate closely with clinics utilizing scopes, probes, and sterilized instruments Provide oversight and guidance on high-level disinfection and instrument processing workflows Help standardize processes to ensure consistency in clean versus contaminated workflows Lead infection prevention efforts related to construction and facilities Participate in Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRA) for construction and renovation projects Ensure appropriate infection prevention measures are in place to protect patients during environmental changes Educate, influence, and support clinical teams Deliver education sessions and just-in-time coaching on infection prevention practices Facilitate discussions and lead initiatives to drive compliance and continuous improvement Act as a trusted advisor to nurses, providers, and operational leaders Drive system-wide initiatives and compliance efforts Support infection prevention policies, regulatory readiness and accreditation standards Collaborate with epidemiologists, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams on strategic initiatives Contribute to programs such as water safety, sterilization processes, and transmission prevention protocols This role offers a unique balance of autonomy, collaboration, and influence, where your expertise directly impacts patient outcomes across the system. Why UVA Health UVA Health provides an exceptional environment for infection prevention professionals seeking meaningful work, professional growth, and a strong sense of purpose within an academic medical center. You will join a highly specialized, system-focused team responsible for infection prevention across all care settings, working alongside epidemiologists, physicians, and experienced infection preventionists. Collaborative, Mentorship-Driven Culture Work within a close-knit, supportive team that emphasizes collaboration, coaching, and continuous development Strong onboarding and peer support structure designed to help you succeed and grow Innovative and Engaging Approach to Infection Prevention Participate in creative programs that bring infection prevention to life through interactive education and engagement initiatives Blend of evidence-based practice with innovative strategies to influence frontline teams Specialization and Career Growth Opportunity to move beyond a generalist role and build expertise in ambulatory care, procedural environments, and construction-related infection prevention Support to obtain CIC certification within two years of hire, with pathways for continued advancement System-Wide Impact and Visibility Play a direct role in shaping infection prevention strategy across UVA Health Work on high-visibility initiatives including hospital-acquired infection reduction, sterilization programs, and environmental safety efforts Academic Medical Center Excellence Practice within a complex, multidisciplinary academic health system with access to leading-edge clinical practices and collaboration Engage with diverse teams across inpatient, outpatient, and procedural settings Work-Life Balance Predictable weekday schedule that supports professional sustainability and personal balance Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Why People Love Living in Charlottesville Charlottesville offers a lifestyle that balances professional opportunity with personal fulfillment. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area provides easy access to hiking, outdoor recreation, and scenic views, while also offering a vibrant cultural scene with locally renowned restaurants, wineries, music, and arts. With a welcoming community, excellent schools, and a pace of life that supports both career growth and time outside of work, Charlottesville is an ideal place for healthcare professionals to build a meaningful career and a great life. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Experience: 2 years of Infection Prevention experience Education: One of the following programs required depending on specialty: Graduate of an accredited nursing program, Bachelor's of Sciences in Nursing preferred, Medical tech program (MT - ASCP); OR Masters in Public Health (MPH). Required Clinical experience in critical care, emergency or perioperative fields Completion of a hospital infection control course, e.g., APIC or SHEA fundamentals course Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint (create, edit and present PowerPoint slideshows), enter, manipulate and extract database information, and basic descriptive statistics e.g., Chi square, frequency analysis Licensure: One of the following options depending on specialty: RN: Licensed to Practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia, MT (ASCP), MPH or healthcare related Bachelor’s degree: None required. Certifications Required: BLS certification (if working with patients). Must successfully obtain Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology within two years of hire. Recommended National and local APIC membership PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is primarily sedentary in nature, but does require frequent walking throughout UVA Health. The job involves extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and clinic rounds. Benefits Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts Certification and education support Generous Paid Time Off UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr