Infection Prevention Specialist

Meritus Health; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short/Long-term disability coverage

401k plan

Education assistance program

Employee assistance program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Meritus Health seeks an experienced Infection Preventionist to lead the system‑wide infection prevention and control program. The role collaborates with clinical leaders to promote patient safety and reduce healthcare‑acquired infections while ensuring regulatory compliance and evidence‑based practices.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in infection prevention, epidemiology, surveillance, and quality improvement, and a passion for driving outcomes across the continuum of care.

Qualifications

• BSN in Nursing or related healthcare field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and evaluating the infection prevention program.
• Conduct surveillance and reporting of infections.
• Establish and monitor infection prevention standards and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings.
• Provide guidance to leadership, committees, and staff on infection prevention practices.
• Collaborate with public health agencies and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Infection prevention

Epidemiology

Surveillance

Quality improvement

Data analysis

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Collaboration

Education

BSN in Nursing or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Infection Preventionist

Make a Difference in Patient Safety and Quality Care

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Infection Preventionist to lead and enhance our organization‑wide infection prevention and control program. This critical role works collaboratively with clinical leaders, providers, staff, and public health partners to promote patient safety, reduce healthcare‑associated infections, and ensure compliance with regulatory and evidence‑based standards.

The ideal candidate is a proactive healthcare professional with expertise in infection prevention, epidemiology, surveillance, and quality improvement who is passionate about driving positive outcomes across the continuum of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the medical center's Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Conduct surveillance, analysis, reporting, and documentation of healthcare‑associated and community‑acquired infections.
• Establish infection prevention standards and monitor compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, evidence‑based guidelines, and organizational policies.
• Coordinate and facilitate Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert by providing consultation, guidance, and education to leadership, committees, providers, and staff on infection prevention and control practices.
• Act as a liaison between healthcare providers, public health agencies, regulatory organizations, and community partners.
• Integrate infection prevention initiatives into quality improvement, patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Lead and manage special projects, including outbreak investigations, sentinel event reviews, focused studies, and infection prevention initiatives.
• Evaluate the impact of new products, technologies, and clinical procedures on infection prevention practices.
• Conduct environmental rounds, inspections, and risk assessments to identify infection prevention opportunities and ensure a safe patient care environment.
• Monitor and support compliance with CDC, state, and regulatory reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelor's degree in a related healthcare field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of recent experience in infection prevention, epidemiology, public health, or a related field.
• Experience leading projects, implementing process improvements, and driving organizational change preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) license or professional license applicable to educational background required.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of infection prevention and control principles, epidemiology, and surveillance methodologies.
• Familiarity with CDC reporting requirements and healthcare‑associated infection reporting standards.
• Working knowledge of quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, including basic statistical measures.
• Strong communication, presentation, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to educate, influence, and build relationships with clinical and non‑clinical stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

As an Infection Preventionist, you will play a vital role in protecting patients, supporting staff, and advancing a culture of safety and quality throughout our organization. Your expertise will directly contribute to improved patient outcomes and regulatory excellence.

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well‑being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long‑term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality‑driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.