Infection Preventionist -Sign On and Relo!

Holland America-Princess (Holland America Dawson City Inn); Sitka (AK); On-site; USD 71,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Life insurance

Long and short-term disability

Job summary

SEARHC is seeking an Infection Preventionist to lead data-driven infection prevention, surveillance, and training across SEARHC sites in Alaska. The role emphasizes collaboration with the IPC Committee, regulatory compliance, and continual program improvement.

The IP will monitor data, provide education to staff and communities, and work with leadership to align the IPC program with CMS, CDC, and accreditation standards. Travel to various SEARHC sites is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field.
• Master’s in healthcare-related field preferred.
• CIC certification required within 6 months of hire.
• CPHQ preferred.
• BLS certification current within 3 months of hire.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months and every 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, maintain SEARHC IPC Plan and Program.
• Collects trends and prepares infection control data and NHSN reporting.
• Education and training of SEARHC staff and communities on IPC.
• Lead IPC committee collaboration and travel to sites.
• Support performance improvement and data analysis.

Skills

Infection control

Data analysis

Epidemiology

MS Office

Training & education

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Pay Range:

Pay Range:$34.15 - $47.93

The Infection Preventionist (IP) is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); monitoring reportable conditions, educating employees about infection prevention; and developing health system policies and procedures to ensure rigorous infection prevention and control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid / Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and other nationally recognized agencies and evidence-based infection prevention and control practices. Ensures timely reporting of infection prevention and control measures and outcomes based on CMS requirements.

The IP is responsible for providing infection prevention and control education to all areas of SEARHC. The IP assists in planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive consortium-wide infection prevention and control program. Sets goals based on risk assessments, evidence-based practices, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Infection Prevention & Control Committee. Conducts evidence-based research to determine appropriate actions by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Facilitates and supports the process of educating staff, patients, and visitors on matters of infection prevention and control.

The IP works in collaboration with the entire Performance Improvement team and is cross-trained to assist in the department’s needs. The IP reports to and takes direction from the Infection Prevention & Control Manager.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job Infection Prevention and Control Program:

Responsible for supporting the development, implementation, maintenance, and updating of the SEARHC Infection Prevention and Control Plan and Program in alignment with all IPC regulatory agencies and leading practices. Appropriate policies and procedures are written, approved, and implemented that support the IPC program and initiatives using CDC, OSHA, FDA, TJC, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) guidelines.

Data/Reporting:

Collects trends, prepares, and maintains all infection control data and statistical reports and records, providing appropriate reports as needed to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies.

Provides support and resource assistance to all areas in the Consortium regarding infection prevention, control, and surveillance.

Education/Training:

Serves as an expert for Infection Prevention and Control, staying abreast of the most current literature and leading practices; facilitates and promotes IPC education and training of all SEARHC staff, patients, families, and communities; maintains a strong working relationship with Public Health and other regional, state, and national entities to ensure up-to-date information is being distributed to SEARHC constituents. Conducts new and annual employee IPC orientation and training.

Leadership and Teamwork:

Serves as a role model and liaison for IPC to others; strives to maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible teamwork. Serves as a co-chair for the IPC committee and participates in other committees/teams as needed. Travel is required to various sites within SEARHC to assess, educate, and train.

Other duties as assigned.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required:

Bachelor’s degree in healthcare-related field of study (Nursing, Public Health, Epidemiology, Microbiology, or similar).

Master’s in healthcare-related field (MPH, MSN) preferred.

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) required within 6 months of hire or when qualified to take the examination.

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) preferred.

Basic Life Support (BLS) current within 3 months of hire, and biannually thereafter.

Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years.

Experience Required:

Minimum 3 years of acute care/infection control experience and/or data collection and performance improvement/risk management experience.

Experience with basic statistics and epidemiological principles.

Long-Term Care IPC experience a plus.

Knowledge of working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease.

Working knowledge of project management and performance improvement methodology.

Understanding of data analysis and statistics.

Skills:

Accurate, precise, and timely data entry and reports.

Proficient computer skills in MS Office and database applications.

Ability to synthesize regulatory requirements and evidence-based practices from a variety of professional and accrediting organizations and translate knowledge into policy, implementation, and staff education.

Communicate appropriately with consideration of health literacy needs for specific audiences in multicultural settings.

Manage programs and evaluate effectiveness.

Collect, analyze, trend, and report data accurately and effectively.

Work in a team environment and independently as necessary.

Maintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly with staff and leadership.

Required Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association, Certification In Infection Control - Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - National Association for Healthcare Quality, Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.