Infection Preventionist

Description

At SageWest Health Care , we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality, family-friendly care available. SageWest Health Care is located in Fremont County, Wyoming, encompassing two hospitals, one in Riverton and one in Lander. Each offers a wide range of healthcare services, including inpatient medical services, emergency room services, surgical services, imaging services, laboratory diagnostic services, primary care, infusion services, and women’s health.

Job Summary

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs); the education of staff on infection prevention practices; and the development, implementation, and evaluation of infection prevention policies and procedures. This role collaborates with clinical and non-clinical departments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and evidence-based guidelines to promote patient and staff safety across the facility.

Essential Functions

• Conduct ongoing surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) using standardized definitions and criteria.
• Analyze infection data, identify trends, and communicate findings with leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Serve as a resource and subject matter expert for infection prevention policies, practices, and regulatory standards.
• Lead or participate in performance improvement initiatives related to infection prevention.
• Educate and train healthcare personnel on infection prevention and control practices.
• Monitor and support compliance with standard and transmission-based precautions.
• Collaborate with Occupational Health regarding employee exposures and communicable diseases.
• Assist in outbreak investigations and implement control measures.
• Maintain records, documentation, and reports in accordance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in environment of care rounds and construction/renovation planning to identify potential infection risks.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of infection prevention principles, epidemiology, microbiology, and public health practices.
• Familiarity with CDC, OSHA, TJC, and CMS guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHRs), infection surveillance software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrates professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all interactions.
• Ability to walk, sit, and stand for prolonged periods.
• Requires visual acuity and manual dexterity to operate a computer and perform observations.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and transport light objects (up to 25 pounds).
• Work is performed in a hospital environment with exposure to infectious diseases and clinical settings.
• May be exposed to stressful conditions, including handling of emergencies and crisis situations.
• Must adhere to facility safety policies and procedures, including use of PPE as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related healthcare field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing with applicable clinical experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, based on facility policy and requirements.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current professional licensure (e.g., RN, MT, MPH, or equivalent) as applicable to degree required.
• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred upon hire or required within time frame required by facility policy.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience in an acute care hospital setting required.
• Previous experience in infection prevention and control preferred.