Infection Preventionist

Sanford Health • Sioux Falls, SD

6d

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist works collaboratively with Infection Prevention and Control staff under leadership to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Infection Prevention program. The role evaluates infection control trends and practices and provides educational programs for employees. It requires a basic understanding and working knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology, along with the ability to use computer programs and applications for data collection and analysis.

The Quality team in Sioux Falls is an interdisciplinary group focused on safety, high reliability, performance improvement, and improving the care and wellbeing of patients and employees. The team collaborates with operational groups and continually evaluates processes. Team members have broad exposure to stakeholders, teams, and departments across the Sioux Falls region and the enterprise, with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The team offers a flexible schedule and a work environment that supports work/life balance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; in lieu of education, leadership may consider an Associate’s degree and 5 years of applicable experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a clinical, nursing, healthcare safety, infection prevention, accreditation, or healthcare management setting.
• Basic understanding and working knowledge of microbiology and epidemiology.
• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to seek out new information and knowledge.
• Ability to think critically and solve problems effectively.
• Obtain and subsequently maintain required department-specific competencies and certifications.
• If licensed as a registered nurse (RN), hold a current unencumbered RN license with the State Board of Nursing where nursing practice occurs and/or possess multistate licensure if in a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Nice To Haves

• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC®) or equivalent.
• If the degree is in nursing, graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program is preferred, including CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Infection Prevention and Control staff under leadership to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Infection Prevention program.
• Evaluate infection control trends and practices and provide educational programs for employees.
• Conduct surveillance of health care associated infections and reportable illness.
• Evaluate and report statistical information.
• Provide consultation on asepsis, disinfection, sterilization, isolation, disease transmission, and related issues.
• Monitor compliance standards and regulations, strategies, and evidence-based aspects.
• Evaluate and improve performance of patient/resident outcomes.
• Assist with research needs and assigned special projects.
• Use or learn computer programs and applications necessary for data collection and analysis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time