Infection Prevention Coordinator

Education/Training:

• Bachelor of Science in nursing, medical technology, or other healthcare field required.
• Master’s degree in Infection Control, Public Health, Epidemiology or other related healthcare field preferred.
• Participates in continuing educational activities at the department, state, and national levels to promote personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base commensurate with latest research and scholarly knowledge.

Licenses/Certification:

•    Professional Licensure in related field, (RN, MT, etc) must be maintained if applicable.          

•    Certification in Infection Control (C.I.C.) preferred upon hire but must be achieved within two years of hire.                                                    

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of related work experience is preferred.
• Experience in infection prevention or infection control related activities required.
• Strong knowledge of infection prevention principles, epidemiology, and regulatory standards.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop action plans.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to educate and influence staff at all levels of the organization.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with electronic health records, Microsoft office programs, and data reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience supporting DNV CMS, and state regulatory surveys
• Familiarity with NHSN reporting and other infection surveillance systems
• Experience participating in outbreak investigations and root cause analyses
• Knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship principles
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret surveillance and clinical data
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; ability to influence without authority
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospital environment
• Strong written communication skills for policy development and regulatory reporting
• Demonstrated judgment, discretion, and professionalism

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops, implements, and maintains the hospital-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Conducts active surveillance and reporting of HAIs, communicable diseases, and epidemiologically significant organisms (e.g., MDROs, C. difficile, SSIs, CLABSIs, CAUTIs).
• Investigates suspected or confirmed infection outbreaks; leads root cause analysis and implements corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyzes infection data, identifies trends, and prepares reports for Quality, Medical Executive, Infection Control, and Performance Improvement Committees.
• Provides real-time consultation to clinical leadership, physicians, nursing staff, EVS, and ancillary departments regarding infection prevention practices.
• Oversees compliance with isolation precautions, hand hygiene, PPE use, sterilization, high-level disinfection, and environmental cleaning standards.
• Reviews, develops, and updates infection prevention policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory and evidence-based standards.
• Supports regulatory surveys and audits (DNV, DPH, CMS), including preparation, on-site support, and corrective action planning.
• Collaborates with Employee Health on exposure management, immunization compliance, and communicable disease follow-up.
• Participates in emergency preparedness and response activities related to infectious disease events and public health emergencies.
• Educates hospital staff, providers, patients, and visitors on infection prevention policies and best practices.

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AGE AND DIVERSITY RELATED CRITERIA: Consistently treats patients, colleagues and visitors with dignity and respect, while being sensitive to the differing needs of all age groups, backgrounds, characteristics and cultures.

ABILITY TO FULFILL JOB EXPECTATIONS: Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including required work hours, locations and physical demands, without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or other individuals in the workplace, and with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess sound dexterity and visual acuity. Requires mental alertness and stamina to work in a fast-paced environment or in emergency situations.  Ability to move throughout inpatient units, procedural areas, and ancillary departments. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift or carry materials consistent with a hospital environment. Potential exposure to infectious agents; adherence to PPE and safety protocols required. May be exposed to all patient care elements within the hospital setting. Must meet annual safety training requirements. Risks of exposure: BFEs, electrical, mechanical and chemical hazards, ionizing radiation. Works within hospital policies and procedures to minimize/prevent risk of exposure.

Reports to: Director of Nursing, QI

Manages: N/A

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Sturdy Memorial Hospital is an equal employment opportunity employer. There is no discrimination because of race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status or disability.