Infection Prevention Specialist - Full Time

Pay Rate Type: Biweekly
Salary Range (Depending on Experience): $47.56 - $73.72

About the Role

The Infection Prevention Specialist, working under the direction of an Infection Preventionist, is responsible for implementing and maintaining a system for prevention, surveillance, investigation, and control of infection within Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital (MLKCH). In alignment with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other licensing, accrediting, and regulatory agencies, the hospital-wide infection prevention system will include staff education regarding products or procedures with special infection-related potentials. The specialist will consult with physicians, administration, and staff for the management of infections and/or patients at risk. The Infection Prevention Specialist reports to the Director of Infection Prevention and Control and collaborates with key members of the administrative team as well as directors, managers, and supervisors across all hospital departments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the infection prevention and control policies and procedures for all departments.
• Monitor surveillance systems for detecting and tracking hospital-acquired and community infections.
• Collect and analyze infection prevention data as required by federal, state, and local mandates.
• Provide physicians and staff with updates on infection prevention and control policy changes.
• Consult with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious patients and/or those at risk.
• Collaborate with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases.
• Participate in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including hand hygiene, tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, and universal precautions.
• Educate patients as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, or Public Health (preferred). Master’s Degree is desired.
• Current California Registered Nurse license (preferred, if applicable).
• More than 5 years of experience in nursing, Medical Technology (Microbiology), or Public Health (required).
• Supervisory or charge nurse experience (preferred).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Skills

• Working knowledge of epidemiological principles, infectious disease, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices.
• Ability to manage and evaluate infection control functions, identify improvement opportunities, and implement appropriate actions.
• Basic knowledge of CDC, CMS, TJC, and other regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of CDC criteria for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), hospital-onset, and community-onset infections.
• Proficiency in data management and understanding of statistical reports, including the use of statistical methods in reporting formats.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.