Infection Preventionist

Job Summary:

Provides education and consultation to staff regarding policies and practices related to infection prevention and control. Performs specialized surveillance including investigation and analysis of infections to identify opportunities for improving processes that reduce the risk for hospital acquired infections. Responsible for ensuring that Infection Control processes and policies are effectively implemented within the health care system. Maintains competence at an advanced level of practice and uses expertise to serve as a resource person for staff, administrators, physicians and surgeons on infection prevention and control issues. Represents departments at hospital committee meetings as assigned and prepares reports for those committees.

Required Qualifications:

• Require a bachelor’s degree in nursing or related healthcare field. Relevant work experience will substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required degree.
• Require a minimum of two (2) years of related healthcare experience, preferably in infection prevention and control.
• Require certification in Infection Control (CIC); or must be obtained within two (2) years.
• Require Florida Registered Nurse license or Florida Medical Technologist license; or master's degree in public health or healthcare related field with Certification in Infection Control (CIC).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer functional knowledge of epidemiological principles, infectious disease, sterilization, sanitation, disinfection practices and principles of aseptic and sterile technique.
• Prefer demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal communication skills.
• Prefer demonstrated working knowledge of commonly used computer applications and office equipment.
• Prefer the demonstrated ability to relate well to others in a variety of functional areas and to problem-solve and think both creatively and analytically.
• Prefer the demonstrated ability to function in multiple tasks, prioritize duties and demonstrate initiative and self-direction.
• Prefer the demonstrated effective public relations skills.

Employment Screening Requirements: As part of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s commitment to keeping people safe, all individuals providing care to vulnerable populations are required to undergo background screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.