Public Health/Infection Control Nurse

Infection PreventionistShift Information: Day ShiftMinimum Years of Experience: 3 yearsGuaranteed Hours: 40 hoursJob DescriptionThe Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring, and reporting healthcare-associated infections. The IP works collaboratively with teams and individuals to create and sustain infection prevention strategies.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesSupport and promote the organization's mission and values.Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.Establish an annual surveillance plan based on the populations served and services provided.Conduct an annual risk assessment and set goals based on previous activities.Modify the surveillance plan as necessary.Develop and implement organization-wide infection surveillance, prevention, and control policies that comply with nationally recognized guidelines.Interpret and assist in implementing infection prevention and control protocols.Evaluate the financial and safety implications of recommendations and new technologies.Communicate infection prevention and control information to various committees and healthcare workers.Utilize epidemiological principles in conducting surveillance and investigations.Apply healthcare-associated infection criteria for reporting.Perform audits to ensure adherence to infection prevention policies by personnel.Communicate with healthcare providers regarding patient exposures to infections during hospitalization.Engage in the infection control risk assessment process for construction and renovation projects.Collaborate with clinical teams to set practice standards in infection prevention.Work with education teams to develop training regarding infection prevention guidelines for staff.Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure thorough vetting of changes.Coordinate with quality team members to integrate infection prevention within performance improvement initiatives.Consult with public health officials and community health organizations as needed.Complete additional duties as required by the role.Job RequirementsKnowledge and SkillsAnalytical and problem-solving abilities.Strong collaboration and communication skills.Capability to implement evidence-based guidelines.Conflict resolution skills.Program and project management experience.Expertise in data collection, analysis, and report writing.Leadership capabilities.Familiarity with relevant software technologies.Education and ExperienceBaccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related field is preferred.Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC) is preferred or must be obtained within two years from the date of hire.