Infection Preventionist

OSF HealthCare•Alton, IL

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for infection prevention, control, and education at the individual entity level in support of a robust Quality and Safety program. As a member of patient care and Quality & Safety teams, the role conducts patient reviews, analyzes clinical care, and promotes evidence-based practices to prevent hospital-acquired infections. The Infection Preventionist develops, delivers, monitors, and reinforces educational programs related to infection prevention and control, and coordinates process-improvement initiatives. Working collaboratively with facility leadership, Mission Partners, nursing, medical staff, and ministry stakeholders, the role supports continuous regulatory readiness and equips teams with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve zero harm and optimal patient outcomes. The Infection Preventionist identifies and reports communicable diseases, including extremely drug-resistant organisms, to local and state health departments as required by state and federal regulations. The role investigates emergent or unusual clusters and pathogens and consults with state and local health departments, ministry infection prevention leadership, and entity leadership. The Infection Preventionist participates in infection prevention and control councils and contributes to developing, reviewing, and managing infection prevention policies, procedures, and the annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a clinical field, public health, or a related field.
Five years of experience in a relevant healthcare or clinical environment.
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within three years of hire and maintained thereafter.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Solid computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft software.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Demonstrated knowledge of infection prevention principles, surveillance, and regulatory standards.
Ability to work collaboratively across interdisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Two years of direct Infection Prevention experience.
Experience working within acute care or complex healthcare environments.
Registered Nurse (RN) license in the current state.

Responsibilities

Conduct patient reviews and analyze clinical care to promote evidence-based practices that prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Develop, deliver, monitor, and reinforce infection prevention and control education programs.
Coordinate infection prevention and control process-improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with facility leadership, Mission Partners, nursing, medical staff, and ministry stakeholders to support regulatory readiness and optimal patient outcomes.
Identify and report communicable diseases, including extremely drug-resistant organisms, to local and state health departments as required by regulations.
Investigate emergent or unusual clusters and pathogens, consulting with health departments and organizational infection prevention and entity leadership.
Participate in infection prevention and control councils.
Contribute to the development, review, and management of infection prevention policies, procedures, and the annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan.