Infection Preventionist - FT - Days - JDCH

About the role

The entry-level Infection Preventionist supports the organization’s mission to reduce healthcare associated infections (HAI) by performing ongoing surveillance, data collection, and routine rounding. This role requires mastery of established infection prevention and control standards, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based protocols. The specialist will impact performance improvement through accurate monitoring, documentation, staff education, and participation in audits and outbreak investigations under guidance of senior infection preventionists.

Responsibilities

• Plans and completes assigned work efficiently, demonstrating accountability and time management skills.
• Conducts healthcare associated infection (HAI), multidrug resistant organism (MDRO), and communicable disease surveillance with an understanding and application of standard methods and criteria by developing foundational epidemiologic and infection control competencies.
• Performs daily rounding to monitor and reinforce, discuss, and train staff members on implementation of infection prevention practices while fostering collaboration with frontline staff.
• Participates in performance improvement and process optimization activities at the unit level with committee participation and projects.
• Provides staff training and education using established materials and explains core prevention concepts tailored to specific audience.
• Maintains and works within electronic databases and records related to infection prevention.
• Collects, tracks, and trends data concerning infections and infectious diseases using the organization's databases and electronic health records and communicates effectively through verbal and written reports to leadership, physicians, and staff.
• Follows structured mentorship and guidance from senior infection preventionists and incorporates feedback for professional growth while working toward independence in IP activities with accuracy and reliability.

Requirements

• Accredited Program (Required).
• One of the following licenses:
  • Clinical Lab Technologist License (TN LICENSE) - State of Florida (FL).
  • Registered Nurse Compact License (RN LICENSE COMPACT) - Compact RN Multistate.
  • Registered Nurse License (RN LICENSE) - State of Florida (FL).
• Florida State licensure required for Registered Nurse or Clinical Lab Technologist. Licensure not required for Master of Public Health.
• One (1) year of relevant healthcare experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and EHR systems.
• Requires critical thinking skills, effective communications skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Qualifications

Additional education options: Registered/Professional Nursing, Epidemiology, or Microbiology program, or a Master's Degree in Public Health (MPH).

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Keyboard Entry: 80%
• Lifting/Carrying Patients 35 Pounds or Greater: 40%
• Lifting or Carrying 0 - 25 lbs Non-Patient: 60%
• Pushing or Pulling 0 - 25 lbs Non-Patient: 60%
• Pushing or Pulling 26 - 75 lbs Non-Patient: 60%
• Reaching: 60%
• Repetitive Movement Hand/Arm: 80%
• Sitting: 80%
• Standing: 80%
• Walking: 80%
• Audible Speech: 80%
• Hearing Acuity: 80%
• Depth Perception: 80%
• Distinguish Color: 60%
• Seeing - Far: 80%
• Seeing - Near: 80%
• Exposure to:
  • Bio hazardous Waste: 60%
  • Biological Hazards - Respiratory: 60%
  • Biological Hazards - Skin or Ingestion: 60%
  • Blood and/or Bodily Fluids: 60%
  • Communicable Diseases and/or Pathogens: 60%
  • Dust: 60%
  • Gas/Vapors/Fumes: 60%
  • Hazardous Chemicals: 60%
  • Hazardous Medication: 40%
  • Latex: 60%
  • Computer Monitor: 80%
  • Domestic Animals: 60%
  • Needles/Sharp Objects: 60%
  • Potential for Physical Assault: 60%
  • Wet or Slippery Surfaces: 60%

Shift: Primarily for office workers - not eligible for shift differential.