Mgr Infection Prevention

Wellstar Health System • Marietta, GA

9d

About The Position

The Manager Infection Prevention organizes and manages integrated infection prevention activities for the organization, aligning department goals with hospital and system strategic goals under the direction of the Executive Director of Infection Prevention or a hospital designee. This facility-based leader manages daily operations of the infection prevention and control program and oversees infection surveillance and analysis to advance operational performance. The role ensures accurate data collection and reporting for national public reporting and audit requirements, while maintaining the skills and competency to perform the daily functions of an Infection Preventionist.

The manager supports compliance with The Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, NHSN, and state regulations; leads outbreak investigations; and educates physicians and team members on CDC and state health department guidance. The role builds strong working relationships with nursing and quality leaders, influences protocols and outcomes, presents information to guide operational decisions, and supports consistent practices across the organization. The manager is a visible facility leader, may cross-cover other facilities as a subject matter expert, and mentors team members in current infection prevention concepts and processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Health Science, or another related field; a master's degree in another related field is listed as preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required upon hire.
• At least 2 years of experience in a healthcare leadership role, such as project, oversight, or lead experience.
• At least 5 years of infection prevention experience in an acute care setting or equivalent.
• Leadership, interpersonal, time management, and change management skills.
• Solid understanding of team dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong experience with The Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, NHSN, and state regulations.
• Proven expertise in outbreak investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in another related field.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Infection Prevention Department, including interviewing, hiring, orientation, performance reviews, payroll, personnel actions, performance management, feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Participate in the Quality and Patient Safety leadership team.
• Lead survey readiness for the Infection Prevention and Control Program in accordance with CMS conditions of participation and accreditation standards.
• Ensure accurate and timely data submission to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for public reporting.
• Lead and author the annual Infection Prevention and Control risk assessment.
• Author and implement annual Hospital Infection Prevention and Surveillance Plans, and analyze and author their annual evaluation.
• Identify and respond to hospital and Hospital Outpatient Department risks and vulnerabilities.
• Develop and approve evidence-based Infection Prevention and Control policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with System Infection Prevention and Emergency Preparedness to develop mitigation measures, emergency procedures, and education for emerging infectious diseases.
• Participate in developing and implementing system operational plans to mitigate harm to patients, visitors, medical providers, and team members.
• Co-facilitate the Infection Prevention and Control committee where applicable.
• Prepare and present reports and statistical data to Nursing and Ancillary Support, Medical Staff committees, the Quality Review Committee, and Medical Executive Committees.
• Validate infection prevention-related data for submission.
• Participate in the system-wide infection prevention collaborative.
• Mentor infection prevention team members on Healthcare Associated Infection definitions and annual NHSN definition modifications.
• Analyze healthcare-associated infections for root causes and develop action plans with nursing units to mitigate future patient harm.
• Participate in construction risk analysis by recommending barriers for construction and renovation to ensure appropriate infection prevention controls.
• Monitor and advise on infection prevention practices; collaborate with leaders and escalate concerns.
• Serve as the infection prevention subject matter expert on performance improvement teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

What This Job Offers

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