INFECTION PREVENTIONIST

Methodist Hospitals•Gary, SD

About The Position

The Infection Preventionist (IP) develops, implements, and evaluates the hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Program. The role conducts surveillance, identifies and investigates healthcare-associated infections, and ensures accurate reporting through NHSN and state systems. The IP collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop evidence-based policies, provide staff education, and sustain infection prevention strategies aligned with CDC, CMS, OSHA, Joint Commission, and state health department requirements. The position oversees infection prevention activities across all hospital departments and care settings. The IP also supports performance improvement, serves as a subject matter expert for infection control practices, and integrates evidence-based practices into policies, protocols, and educational materials. The role contributes to regulatory readiness and responds to emerging issues, organizational priorities, and public health concerns. All employees are expected to conduct themselves according to Methodist Hospitals’ Model of Care and Conduct.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Medical Technology, or a related field is required.
Certification in Infection Control is required within one year of employment.
Knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, and infection control practices.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Proficiency in NHSN reporting and infection prevention software.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and educate staff at all levels.
Commitment to professional development and participation in APIC or similar organizations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Medical Technology, or a related field.
Two years of Infection Control experience.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate the hospital-wide infection prevention program and surveillance plan based on annual risk assessment, populations served, services provided, and surveillance data.
Conduct surveillance for healthcare-associated infections using NHSN definitions and established protocols.
Analyze infection data and trends, and provide reports and recommendations to leadership and committees.
Ensure timely and accurate NHSN and state reporting of healthcare-associated infections and reportable diseases.
Assess and address infection prevention learning needs of staff, providers, and students.
Develop and deliver education on infection prevention standards, isolation precautions, and aseptic technique.
Plan, organize, and implement educational programs to improve staff knowledge and skills in preventing healthcare-associated infections and promoting a safe environment.
Conduct rounds to observe infection control practices, provide education, and recommend improvements.
Provide real-time coaching during rounds and evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions and programs.
Use performance improvement methodologies to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Participate in committees and quality initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare-associated infections.
Monitor infection prevention indicators and provide data-driven recommendations to improve outcomes.
Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, and support departments to sustain infection prevention compliance.
Serve as a subject matter expert on infection control practices for clinical and administrative leadership.
Provide leadership and mentorship to less experienced healthcare professionals in infection prevention principles.
Review and integrate evidence-based infection prevention practices into policies, protocols, and educational materials.
Identify and mitigate barriers to implementing best practices.
Collaborate with Quality and IT teams to create meaningful reports supporting data-driven infection prevention initiatives.
Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned to support departmental goals, regulatory readiness, and the hospital’s quality, safety, and infection prevention mission.