Infection Preventionist

Harris Regional Hospital - A Duke LifePoint Hospital; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

PTO & leave options

Tuition assistance & loan support

401(k) with company match

Wellness programs

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Harris Regional Hospital - A Duke LifePoint Hospital in Sylva, NC seeks a Registered Nurse (RN) in a full-time role within the Quality Department, focusing on infection control and hospital-acquired infection prevention. You will develop policies, perform surveillance, and collaborate with Employee Health to protect patients and staff.

The position requires a current RN license with BSN preferred or MPH, and at least five years of clinical or public health surveillance experience.

Qualifications

• Requires current RN license with BSN preferred - or MPH, certified medical technologist, or a BS in microbiology or epidemiology.
• Infection control certification within 3 years of employment.
• Minimum of five years clinical or disease surveillance experience in hospital or public health setting.
• AHA Basic Life Support certification within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements policies governing control of infections and communicable diseases.
• Develops systems for identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections and communicable diseases.
• Assists Employee Health Nurse and other staff as time/workload permits.
• Provides concurrent surveillance of infection control activities
• Develops and implements appropriate infection control measures throughout the hospital.
• Provides assistance to/collaboration with the Employee Health Nurse as needed.
• Maintains a log of incidents related to infections and communicable diseases.
• Monitors infections in the hospital and evaluates as to hospital acquired infection.

Skills

Infection surveillance

Infection control

Policy development

Team collaboration

Critical thinking

Data basics

Education

BSN preferred

MPH

Certified Medical Technologist

BS in microbiology or epidemiology

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Type: Full Time | Days

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday. This is a salaried position and may require working holidays and weekends.

Your Experience Matters

Harris Regional Hospital is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Registered Nurse (RN) joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier.

Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More About Our Team

Working in a Quality Department means being at the heart of how a hospital ensures patients receive the safest, most effective, and compassionate care possible. It's a dynamic environment where clinical excellence, data, and teamwork intersect every single day.

How You'll Contribute

• Develops and implements policies governing control of infections and communicable diseases.
• Develops systems for identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections and communicable diseases.
• Assists Employee Health Nurse and other staff as time/workload permits.
• Provides concurrent surveillance of infection control activities
• Develops and implements appropriate infection control measures throughout the hospital.
• Provides assistance to/collaboration with the Employee Health Nurse as needed.
• Maintains a log of incidents related to infections and communicable diseases.
• Monitors infections in the hospital and evaluates as to hospital acquired infection.

Why join us

We Believe That Investing In Our Employees Is The First Step To Providing Excellent Patient Care. In Addition To Your Base Compensation, This Position Also Offers

• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage - with medical plans starting at just $10 per pay period - tailored benefit options for part-time and PRN employees, and more.
• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well‑being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Applicants Should Have

• Requires current RN license with BSN preferred -or-Master's in Public Health (MPH), certified medical technologist, or a BS in microbiology or epidemiology.
• Acquires Infection Control Certification within 3 years of employment.
• Minimum of five years clinical experience in a hospital setting or disease surveillance experience in a public health setting. Computer skills and basic statistical is preferred.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support certification is required within 30 days of hire.
• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

More About Harris Regional Hospital

Harris Regional Hospital is an 86-bed acute care hospital that has been offering exceptional care to the Western North Carolina community for over 90 years. We are proud to offer five major service lines, including orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery, women's care, and emergency medicine, as well as many other areas of subspecialty care.

EEOC Statement

"Harris Regional Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Harris Regional Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.