Infection Preventionist

Responsibilities

• Program Management: Develop, implement, and evaluate the organizational infection prevention program.
• Surveillance: Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the populations served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data. Utilize epidemiologic principles to conduct surveillance and investigations. Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary. Develop, interpret, and assist with implementation of infection prevention and control policies and protocols. Communicate infection prevention and control information and data to various committees and healthcare workers across the organization as assigned.
• Design and Deliver Education: Assess and address learning needs of those served. Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and learner outcomes.
• Regulatory Requirements: Comply with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels. Facilitate compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards. Stay current on infection prevention and control regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Performance Improvement (PI): Utilize PI methodology to enact change. Define project scope and select appropriate PI tools to improve efficiency, reliability, effectiveness, and sustainability. Ensure customer needs and expectations are considered in process, product, and service development. Monitor and analyze process and outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness and sustainability. Participate in PI committees, teams, and initiatives as indicated.
• Professional Accountability: Pursue professional growth and development of required knowledge and skills. Maintain certification and licensure requirements. Establish at least one professional goal per year. Advocate for patient safety, health‑worker safety, and safe practices. Participate in an infection prevention and control professional organization/association (e.g., APIC).
• Collaboration: Consult and collaborate with local, state, and federal public health officials and community health organizations. Involve multidisciplinary teams to ensure changes are vetted by all stakeholder groups.
• Leadership: Apply principles of influence, leadership, and change management. Bring enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation to practice. Work collaboratively, providing direction when necessary. Share knowledge and expertise readily. Contribute to the development of less‑experienced healthcare providers through education and mentorship. Prepare and deliver infection prevention presentations to external groups.
• Research and Implementation Science: Critically evaluate research and evidence‑based practices and incorporate appropriate findings into routine practice. Integrate evidence‑based practices into policies, guidelines, protocols, and educational strategies. Identify barriers to implementation and develop strategies to minimize or remove them. Implement strategies to sustain efforts such as audit tools and meaningful feedback.
• IPC Informatics: Be familiar with infection prevention software and other technology. Collaborate with IT to create meaningful electronic reports to enhance infection prevention initiatives.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Consider financial/safety implications and clinical outcomes when making recommendations, evaluating technology and products, and developing policies and procedures. Use a systematic approach to evaluate costs, benefits, and efficacy. Incorporate fiscal assessments into program evaluations and reports.

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing, public health, epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related field.
• Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC® preferred) or attainment within 18 months after employment.

Benefits

• Benefits begin on the first day of the month after the first calendar month of employment.
• Programs to reduce share of deductible and total out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• Metro Health Incentive Program – access to high‑quality healthcare without incurring out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability – up to 60 % of eligible weekly pay.
• Life insurance – basic life and AD&D coverage equal to $50,000 (or $32,500 if age 65 or older) at no cost.
• Retirement plan – eligible up to IRS maximum limits with company contribution.
• Shift and weekend differential pay – offered on nights and weekends.
• Tuition reimbursement for employee and dependents.
• 12 paid holidays (any holiday worked is banked for another holiday).
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Free parking for all employees.

Nashville General Hospital (NGH) is Nashville’s original community‑based hospital. Joint Commission accredited, NGH provides a wide range of services from emergency and acute care to ancillary and ambulatory care, maintaining a strong commitment to the healthcare needs of Nashville and Davidson County’s underserved populations while serving all community segments.