Infection Preventionist

Sanford Health•Sioux Falls, SD

7d•$31 - $50

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. The position includes surveillance of health care-associated infections and reportable illness; evaluation and reporting of statistical information; consultation on asepsis, disinfection, sterilization, isolation, disease transmission, and related issues; and monitoring compliance with standards, regulations, strategies, and evidence-based practices. The Infection Preventionist evaluates and improves patient and resident outcomes, assists with research needs and assigned special projects, and uses or learns computer programs and applications for data collection and analysis. The role calls for strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to seek new information and knowledge, critical thinking, and effective problem solving. The Quality team seeks an RN or LPN with previous Infection Prevention experience. The Sioux Falls Quality team works collaboratively with operational teams and other stakeholders to advance performance improvement, patient and employee wellbeing, and high reliability. The role offers a flexible schedule and exposure to different areas of healthcare across the Sioux Falls region and the enterprise.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; leadership may consider an Associate’s degree and 5 years of applicable experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of two years of experience in a clinical, nursing, healthcare safety, infection prevention, accreditation, or healthcare management setting.
If the degree is in nursing, graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program is preferred, including CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA.
If a licensed registered nurse, hold a current, unencumbered RN license with the State Board of Nursing where nursing practice occurs and/or possess multistate licensure if in an NLC state.
Obtain and maintain required department-specific competencies and certifications.
Demonstrate interpersonal skills, willingness to seek new information and knowledge, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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