UnityPoint Health·Dubuque, Iowa
The Infection Preventionist performs surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and facilitates event investigations and root cause analyses. They also provide clinical education and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and infection prevention strategies.
Performs surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) utilizing the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definitions and in accordance with state and/or federal requirements and UPH infection prevention strategies and priorities as outlined by affiliate and enterprise-wide annual infection prevention plans. Reports HAIs and applicable denominator data to NHSN. Facilitates healthcare associated infection (HAI) event investigation and root cause analysis. Assesses performance of infection prevention process measures and interprets data related to infection prevention outcome measures. Performs observations to assess compliance with infection prevention-related regulatory requirements. Performs formal education, just-in-time education and coaching at the elbow. Performs outbreak investigations. Supports enterprise-wide policy and procedure implementation and compliance monitoring. Supports infection prevention teams and uses current standards, guidelines and evidence-based practice to implement improvement activities designed to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Regularly interacts, communicates and collaborates with other healthcare workers and multidisciplinary groups regarding improvement efforts. Assists with internal and external reporting of information and data. Utilizes data to make recommendations for action.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in infection prevention, health science, healthcare delivery, public health, laboratory science or related field OR Registered Nurse with 10 or more years of experience in infection prevention and control Experience: 1 year of experience in healthcare, public health, laboratory or related field required 1 year of experience in infection prevention and control preferred Credentials: Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) or Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) preferred
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or be a Registered Nurse with at least 10 years of experience. At least one year of experience in healthcare, public health, or laboratory settings is required.
Market context
In Iowa, infection preventionist openings are typically tied to hospitals, long-term care, and public health settings that need strong infection control oversight. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a relevant bachelor’s degree or an RN with extensive experience, plus prior work in healthcare, public health, or laboratory environments. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then compare your background against the experience threshold before applying.