Infection Prevention Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for an Infection Prevention Specialist to ensure rigorous infection control standards. This role involves conducting surveillance on healthcare-acquired infections, educating staff, and developing policies that align with national guidelines. The ideal candidate will possess strong decision-making and communication skills, along with a solid understanding of microbiology and infection prevention practices. Join a team dedicated to patient safety and quality care in a supportive and inclusive environment. This opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact in healthcare while advancing your professional development.

Benefits

Relocation Assistance

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a hospital setting.
• Current RN licensure in North Carolina required for RNs.
• Certification in infection prevention (CIC) within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Perform surveillance to identify healthcare-acquired infections.
• Educate employees about infection prevention principles.
• Develop health system policies to ensure infection control.

Skills

Infection Prevention

Communication

Decision-Making

Adaptability

Microbiology

Surveillance Techniques

Patient Care Practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology

Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology

Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology

Master's in Public Health (MPH)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is a 123-bed acute-care hospital that has been serving the greater Lake Norman area, Iredell County, and surrounding communities since 1926. The facility offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, women's services, and surgical specialties.

Duke Nursing Highlights

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000+ registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

Summary

The Infection Prevention Specialist is trained in hospital epidemiology principles and is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of hospital-acquired infections (HAI); educating employees about infection prevention; and the development of health system policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection control standards that meet Joint Commission, OSHA, Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services, CDC, and other nationally recognized recommendations and requirements.

Work Performed

1. Performs, coordinates, and directs surveillance to identify healthcare-acquired infections and other adverse outcomes to ensure safe patient care.
2. Uses electronic medical records and surveillance systems to review clinical and laboratory findings in assigned areas to identify infectious conditions requiring reporting or further action.
3. Serves as a content expert in infection prevention, supporting clinical staff, performance improvement teams, and hospital committees.
4. Demonstrates knowledge of current regulatory and professional guidelines, performing literature reviews to support practice changes.
5. Assesses situations from an infection prevention perspective and recommends appropriate actions.
6. Rounds in inpatient units, outpatient, perioperative, and ancillary departments to evaluate compliance with infection prevention practices.
7. Develops and provides educational programs on infection prevention for all personnel levels.
8. Conducts new employee education on infection prevention principles.
9. Assists in assembling agendas, graphs, and materials for infection control and performance improvement teams.
10. Participates in epidemiological projects/studies and collaborates on academic and professional presentations and publications.
11. Maintains current knowledge of guidelines, best practices, and regulations through conferences, literature, and networking.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong relationship-building, decision-making, adaptability, planning, communication, resilience, quick learning, flexibility, and participation in on-call schedules. Working knowledge of patient care practices, microbiology, asepsis, infection transmission, surveillance techniques, performance improvement, licensing standards, and computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Biology, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Epidemiology, or MPH required. Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a hospital setting, with 1 year preferred in infection prevention. Current RN licensure in North Carolina required for RNs. Certification in infection prevention (CIC) within 3 years if not already certified.

Additional Information

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All community members should feel secure and respected, contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment. Physical job functions may require specific abilities, with accommodations available upon request.