Travel Nurse RN - Infection Control
Sitka, AR
First Connect Health
4x10 hrs
Referral Bonus

Infection Preventionist (IP) – Job Description

Position Overview

SEARHC is seeking an experienced Infection Preventionist to support the development and implementation of infection prevention and control programs across its healthcare facilities. The ideal candidate will have strong acute care and infection control experience, expertise in data collection and analysis, and the ability to educate staff and promote compliance with regulatory standards and evidence-based practices.

Important: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is required.

Key Responsibilities

Infection Prevention and Control

• Develop, implement, maintain, and update infection prevention and control plans, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), reportable conditions, and infection control outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and evidence-based guidelines.
• Support infection prevention initiatives across SEARHC facilities.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect, analyze, trend, and interpret infection prevention data and statistics.
• Maintain accurate infection control records and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support timely reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies.
• Apply epidemiological principles and basic statistical methods to identify risks and guide improvement initiatives.

Education and Training

• Provide infection prevention education to employees, patients, families, and visitors.
• Conduct new-hire and annual infection prevention training.
• Keep current with infection prevention research, guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with public health organizations and regional, state, and national partners to share relevant guidance.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Infection Prevention and Control Manager and Performance Improvement team.
• Participate in infection prevention committees and other organizational teams.
• Serve as a resource and liaison for infection prevention matters across the healthcare system.
• Conduct site visits to assess compliance, provide education, and support infection prevention initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field, such as Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or a similar discipline.
• Certification: Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is mandatory.
• BLS: Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of acute care/infection control experience, including data collection and performance improvement or risk management experience.
• Knowledge of basic statistics and epidemiological principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a healthcare-related field, such as MPH or MSN.
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
• At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Long-term care infection prevention and control experience.

Reporting Structure and Work Environment

• Reports to: Infection Prevention and Control Manager.
• Team: Collaborates with the Performance Improvement team and the Infection Prevention and Control Committee.
• Travel: Required between various SEARHC locations for assessments, education, and staff training.
• Housing and transportation: SEARHC does not provide housing or transportation for travelers. The staffing agency is responsible for assisting its employees with these arrangements.

Ideal Candidate

A qualified Infection Preventionist with the required CIC certification, a strong background in acute care infection prevention, and demonstrated experience in surveillance, data analysis, reporting, and staff education. Candidates with leadership experience, performance improvement expertise, and advanced healthcare-related education are highly desirable.

301271

Harris