POSITION OVERVIEW

The Infection Preventionist (IP) reports to the Director of Nursing and collaborates closely with the Medical Director, Medical Director for Antimicrobial Stewardship, Quality Officer, and other key stakeholders to develop and maintain a system of care rooted in sound, evidence-based infection prevention practices.
This position is responsible for reducing the incidence and transmission of infectious diseases among patients, staff, visitors, and the broader community. Through strategic planning, leadership, and consultation, the Infection Preventionist leads a comprehensive program aimed at identifying, implementing, and monitoring infection prevention and control (IPC) initiatives across the facility.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Clinical license (RN, LPN, or other relevant healthcare credentials) preferred.
• Training and/or certification in Infection Control (e.g., CIC® – Certification in Infection Control) is highly desirable or may be required within a set timeframe of employment.
• Proven knowledge of infection prevention principles, public health guidelines, and relevant federal/state regulations.
• Experience in healthcare settings, particularly long-term care or post-acute care, strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and teaching skills.

• Partner with the Medical Director for Infectious Disease/Epidemiology to develop, implement, and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plans.
• Collaborate with facility leadership, physicians, and local, state, and national agencies on infection prevention initiatives and regulatory activities.
• Lead and oversee the operations of the Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Stewardship Programs.
• Conduct surveillance and reporting of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections.
• Manage goal-setting processes for system-wide, departmental, and physician-level objectives related to infection prevention and reduction of HAIs.
• Oversee and coordinate facility immunization programs (staff and residents).
• Lead the interdepartmental infection control program, focusing on the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, mitigation, and control of infection risks in the workplace.
• Participate in national collaboratives and submit required data to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other post-acute care-specific quality reporting organizations.
• Ensure appropriate interventions and education are provided in response to identified infection trends, outbreaks, or non-compliance with infection control and OSHA standards.
• Ensure continuous education and counseling in infection prevention practices is available and delivered to all staff, volunteers, patients, and their representatives.