Infection Preventionist

Job Title: Infection Preventionist

Location: Main Hospital - New Brunswick

Department Name: Infection Control

Req #: 0000254155

Status: Salaried

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $107,900.00 - $140,400.00 per year

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated annual salary range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Job Overview:

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a highly dedicated Infection Preventionist for our Infection Control Department at the New Brunswick campus.

The Infection Preventionist (IP) supports the Infection Prevention and Control Program by promoting patient, staff, and visitor safety through infection surveillance, prevention, education, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement activities. The IP collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to identify, investigate, and prevent healthcare-associated infections while ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards, including Department of Health regulations, The Joint Commission, CDC/NHSN guidelines, and hospital policies.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Microbiology, Public Health, or another Health Science-related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of clinical experience in an acute care setting required.
• Previous Infection Prevention experience preferred.

Certification

• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) preferred upon hire.
• CIC certification required within two years of employment or eligibility.

Scheduling Requirements :

• Day Shift, 40 hours per week
• Full-Time

Essential Responsibilities

Infection Surveillance & Prevention

• Conduct ongoing surveillance of healthcare-associated infections through review of microbiology, virology, laboratory, and patient care data.
• Investigate infection clusters, outbreaks, epidemics, and unusual infection occurrences.
• Analyze, interpret, and present infection prevention data, trends, and reports.
• Prepare and submit required infection surveillance reports to internal stakeholders, public health agencies, and CDC/NHSN within established timelines.
• Participate in epidemiologic studies and performance improvement initiatives.
• Assist with patient placement recommendations related to infection prevention concerns.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and departmental files.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and infection prevention standards.
• Participate in tracer rounds, audits, and evaluations to support Joint Commission and regulatory readiness.
• Develop, review, and update infection prevention policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Report communicable diseases to appropriate public health authorities in accordance with reporting requirements.
• Participate in Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings and other assigned committees.

Education & Consultation

• Provide infection prevention education and training for clinical and non-clinical staff, including orientation and targeted educational sessions.
• Serve as a resource for staff, patients, and families regarding infection prevention practices.
• Interpret and support implementation of infection prevention policies throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with nursing, physicians, laboratory services, Employee Health, and other departments to improve infection prevention outcomes.

Communication & Professional Practice

• Communicate significant infection prevention findings, trends, and concerns to leadership.
• Share relevant data and information with the Infection Prevention team and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, initiative, and accountability in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as assigned by the Director of Infection Prevention.

Safety & Confidentiality

• Adhere to Standard Precautions, infection prevention practices, and safety policies.
• Support a safe, clean, and compliant patient care environment.
• Follow incident reporting procedures and emergency preparedness protocols.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Conduct all activities in an ethical and professional manner that supports the best interests of patients and the organization.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer