Merraine Group, Inc.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Infection Prevention professional to strengthen a system-wide infection control program within a mission-driven healthcare environment. The Senior Infection Preventionist plays a key role in reducing hospital-acquired infections, advancing evidence-based practice, and improving patient outcomes. With a focus on surveillance, education, and regulatory compliance, this position allows the right candidate to make a meaningful impact across clinical and non-clinical teams.
Key Responsibilities The Senior Infection Preventionist supports organizational quality and regulatory initiatives by: Leading system-wide surveillance, analysis, and reporting of hospital-acquired infections using NHSN definitions and standards. Serving as the facility’s NHSN administrator, ensuring accurate, timely data submission and compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Developing the annual infection prevention work plan, annual report, and risk assessment, and communicating these to key stakeholders. Monitoring pathogen trends, interpreting infection statistics, and recommending strategies to mitigate risks and prevent transmission. Conducting infection control risk assessments (ICRA), documenting findings, and providing actionable feedback to departments. Providing expert guidance on cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices based on evidence-based guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions for use. Supporting outbreak investigations and advising units on containment strategies and root-cause analyses. Facilitating educational programs for staff, including new employee orientation and ongoing infection prevention training. Creating, updating, and reviewing rounding tools, while mentoring new infection prevention personnel on effective use and follow-up. Assisting antibiotic stewardship efforts by tracking infection trends, reviewing antimicrobial use, and maintaining related records. Promoting compliance with hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and organizational infection prevention standards. Contributing to policy development and committee activities within Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Stewardship programs. Performing additional duties as assigned that align with safety guidelines and organizational values.
Qualifications & Experience Minimum Education Required Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (with active nursing license), Public Health with an epidemiology focus, Microbiology, or another relevant health-related field. Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) or ability to obtain within two years of hire. Minimum Experience Required Nursing applicants: at least five years of acute care clinical nursing experience;
or Non-nursing applicants: at least two years of acute care experience using epidemiology and surveillance principles;
or Prior infection prevention experience in an acute care setting (minimum two years). Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Proficient in written and verbal communication, with ability to present findings clearly. Advanced computer skills for statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis. Ability to synthesize and create reports on infection prevention performance metrics. Commitment to organizational priorities and professional behavioral expectations, including teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Competencies & Attributes Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and operational teams. Detail-oriented approach to surveillance and documentation. Skilled educator capable of engaging diverse audiences. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Professional integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to patient safety.
Key Responsibilities The Senior Infection Preventionist supports organizational quality and regulatory initiatives by: Leading system-wide surveillance, analysis, and reporting of hospital-acquired infections using NHSN definitions and standards. Serving as the facility’s NHSN administrator, ensuring accurate, timely data submission and compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. Developing the annual infection prevention work plan, annual report, and risk assessment, and communicating these to key stakeholders. Monitoring pathogen trends, interpreting infection statistics, and recommending strategies to mitigate risks and prevent transmission. Conducting infection control risk assessments (ICRA), documenting findings, and providing actionable feedback to departments. Providing expert guidance on cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices based on evidence-based guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions for use. Supporting outbreak investigations and advising units on containment strategies and root-cause analyses. Facilitating educational programs for staff, including new employee orientation and ongoing infection prevention training. Creating, updating, and reviewing rounding tools, while mentoring new infection prevention personnel on effective use and follow-up. Assisting antibiotic stewardship efforts by tracking infection trends, reviewing antimicrobial use, and maintaining related records. Promoting compliance with hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and organizational infection prevention standards. Contributing to policy development and committee activities within Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Stewardship programs. Performing additional duties as assigned that align with safety guidelines and organizational values.
Qualifications & Experience Minimum Education Required Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (with active nursing license), Public Health with an epidemiology focus, Microbiology, or another relevant health-related field. Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) or ability to obtain within two years of hire. Minimum Experience Required Nursing applicants: at least five years of acute care clinical nursing experience;
or Non-nursing applicants: at least two years of acute care experience using epidemiology and surveillance principles;
or Prior infection prevention experience in an acute care setting (minimum two years). Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Proficient in written and verbal communication, with ability to present findings clearly. Advanced computer skills for statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis. Ability to synthesize and create reports on infection prevention performance metrics. Commitment to organizational priorities and professional behavioral expectations, including teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key Competencies & Attributes Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with clinical and operational teams. Detail-oriented approach to surveillance and documentation. Skilled educator capable of engaging diverse audiences. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Professional integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to patient safety.