Infection Preventionist - St. Francis Medical Center

Bon Secours Mercy Health • Midlothian, VA

3d • $39 - $62

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist manages Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities under the guidance of the Manager of Infection Prevention. The role coordinates and supports a system-wide infection control and prevention program to identify, prevent, eliminate, or reduce sources of infection; assists with implementing and monitoring processes to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAIs); and ensures compliance with infection control standards and local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.

The position applies epidemiologic principles and statistical methods to surveillance, trend analysis, outbreak investigation, and prevention planning. It collaborates with clinical and public health partners, contributes to quality improvement initiatives and environmental risk assessments, advises on disinfection and sterilization practices, and provides education and guidance to staff, patients, families, and the public. The Infection Preventionist also supports employee exposure follow-up and evaluates infection prevention technology and products as part of fiscal and program management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a healthcare-related field.
• Two years of experience in direct clinical patient care or a related healthcare field.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (CBIC), required within three years.
• Knowledge of improvement science.
• Demonstrated ability or experience leading and facilitating multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated performance improvement experience.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• In-depth knowledge of computer systems and various software programs.
• Ability to work independently and self-directed.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, teamwork, conflict resolution, active listening, relationship building, and communication with professionals at all levels.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Nursing or a healthcare-related field.
• CIC certification upon hire.
• Completion of advanced education in Infection Prevention.
• Certification as a Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), endoscope preprocessor (CER), or Instrument Specialist (CIS).
• Infection control or prevention experience.

Responsibilities

• Apply epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Conduct surveillance using NHSN criteria and investigate HAIs through reviews of diagnoses, laboratory results, isolation, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings.
• Use computer-based programs to track, report, and disseminate surveillance information; prepare statistical reports; and investigate, document, and report infection control issues to the manager and IPC/Quality Committee.
• Investigate infection outbreaks using laboratory results in consultation with the IPC Manager, Infectious Disease Physician, public health departments, and, when necessary, the Center for Disease Control.
• Implement mitigation strategies during communicable disease outbreaks in healthcare facilities or the community.
• Participate in quality and performance improvement initiatives.
• Conduct environmental rounds and construction risk assessments in inpatient, outpatient, and off-site patient care areas; identify infection prevention issues and recommend interventions to maintain safety.
• Provide expert IPC and epidemiology guidance using evidence-based practices, policies, procedures, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Guide high-level disinfection and sterilization practices, including proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical instruments and equipment.
• Collaborate with Employee Health to evaluate employee exposures to communicable diseases and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
• Educate healthcare providers, ancillary staff, patients, families, and the public about HAIs and IPC measures.
• Serve as a leader, mentor, and role model by collaborating and sharing knowledge with facility personnel and other healthcare professionals.
• Collaborate in fiscal management by evaluating infection prevention technology and products and incorporating fiscal assessments into program evaluation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time