Infection Preventionist

UPMC•Altoona, PA

About The Position

UPMC Altoona is seeking a motivated and detail‑oriented Infection Preventionist to join our team! Step into a position where your work has a direct and meaningful impact on the safety and well‑being of every person who enters our facility. As an Infection Preventionist, you’ll help shape a safer, higher‑quality care environment by monitoring infection trends, applying evidence-based prevention strategies, and partnering with teams across the hospital. This role blends scientific curiosity with meaningful collaboration—contributing to outbreak investigations, staff education, and continuous improvement efforts that reduce risk and elevate outcomes. For someone passionate about protecting patients, supporting healthcare workers, and driving system‑wide improvement, this is an opportunity to make a measurable difference every day.

Requirements

Bachelor's in Nursing, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology or related field preferred.
Two years of infection control/related relevant experience required OR completion of Infection Prevention Fellowship in lieu of the two years of experience.
Basic computer skills required and data management/analysis experience preferred.
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Nice To Haves

Current Certified in Infection Control (CIC) certification preferred.
Registered Nurses are required to maintain current RN licensure.

Responsibilities

Infection Surveillance & Data Analysis
Conduct ongoing surveillance of hospital units to detect healthcare‑associated infections (HAIs).
Review electronic health records, microbiology, radiology, and lab data to identify potential infections.
Analyze infection trends and produce reports for leadership and committees.
Document infection data in the electronic surveillance system per state regulations.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
Ensure policies and practices align with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and Department of Health guidelines.
Conduct environmental rounds and construction/renovation inspections for DOH, Life Safety, and TJC compliance.
Facilitate state‑required infection reporting, including NHSN submissions and communication with physicians and patients.
Serve as liaison to local and state health departments for notifiable disease reporting and communicable disease investigations.
Outbreak Investigation & Prevention
Investigate infection clusters and outbreaks to determine sources and contributing factors.
Recommend and evaluate short‑ and long‑term control measures.
Collaborate with hospital management to identify opportunities to reduce HAIs and enhance safety.
Education & Training
Develop and deliver infection prevention education for hospital staff, patients, and families.
Provide consultation and support for departments implementing infection prevention practices.
Maintain ongoing professional development through education, publications, and professional organizations.
Committee & Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Serve on the Infection Prevention & Control Committee.
Participate in hospital committees requiring infection‑prevention expertise.
Work closely with interdisciplinary teams on quality‑improvement initiatives and disease-specific prevention efforts.
Program Support
Assist in implementing systemwide infection‑prevention initiatives related to quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Support operational planning, policy development, and process improvement in all aspects of the Infection Prevention & Control Program.