Infection Prevention Specialist

Meritus Health • Hagerstown, MD

9h • $82,202 - $123,302

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Infection Preventionist to lead and enhance our organization-wide infection prevention and control program. This critical role works collaboratively with clinical leaders, providers, staff, and public health partners to promote patient safety, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and ensure compliance with regulatory and evidence-based standards. The ideal candidate is a proactive healthcare professional with expertise in infection prevention, epidemiology, surveillance, and quality improvement who is passionate about driving positive outcomes across the continuum of care.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelor's degree in a related healthcare field required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience in infection prevention, epidemiology, public health, or a related field.
• Current Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) license or professional license applicable to educational background required.
• Strong knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, epidemiology, and surveillance methodologies.
• Familiarity with CDC reporting requirements and healthcare-associated infection reporting standards.
• Working knowledge of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, including basic statistical measures.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to educate, influence, and build relationships with clinical and non-clinical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience leading projects, implementing process improvements, and driving organizational change preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the medical center's Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Conduct surveillance, analysis, reporting, and documentation of healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections.
• Establish infection prevention standards and monitor compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, evidence-based guidelines, and organizational policies.
• Coordinate and facilitate Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert by providing consultation, guidance, and education to leadership, committees, providers, and staff on infection prevention and control practices.
• Act as a liaison between healthcare providers, public health agencies, regulatory organizations, and community partners.
• Integrate infection prevention initiatives into quality improvement, patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Lead and manage special projects, including outbreak investigations, sentinel event reviews, focused studies, and infection prevention initiatives.
• Evaluate the impact of new products, technologies, and clinical procedures on infection prevention practices.
• Conduct environmental rounds, inspections, and risk assessments to identify infection prevention opportunities and ensure a safe patient care environment.
• Monitor and support compliance with CDC, state, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Benefits

• health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire
• life insurance
• short and long-term disability coverage
• Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one
• 401k plan
• education assistance program
• employee assistance program
• shift differential for evening, night, or weekend shifts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior