Infection Preventionist (RN/BSN/LPN) Position Available In Watauga, North Carolina

Position Overview The Infection Preventionist supports the Infection Prevention Program Manager by assisting with infection prevention efforts across the organization. This role is responsible for organizing files, inputting and extracting data, screening lab reports, and helping identify potential infection control and prevention issues. The assistant plays a key role in maintaining regulatory documentation and contributes to infection control and prevention education, surveillance, and compliance with established protocols. Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $36.28 per hour . The Perks and Benefits Collaborative environment

• Join a multidisciplinary team focused on safety and prevention. Growth potential
• Gain experience in infection control with advancement opportunities. Critical impact
• Help safeguard the health of patients, staff, and visitors. Scenic location
• Boone, NC offers a welcoming community and outdoor lifestyle. Mission-driven system
• Work in a healthcare organization committed to excellence and integrity. Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience
• range is $36.

28 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position with shift differential. Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA. Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc. Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees. 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off

• front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire)
• paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria. Paid parental leave
• qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child
• to be taken consecutively. Employee Wellness program
• Love Your Life
• award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees.

Employees enrolled on the organization’s health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization’s health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings. Employee to Employee (E2E) program

• Caring for our own.

Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Employee perks to include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change). Key Responsibilities Support infection surveillance, control, and prevention processes. Including audits within the EMR and physical environment. Maintain organized records, electronic data entry, and report preparation. Assist in regulatory compliance efforts and infection prevention program operations. Including reporting to the Health Department any reportable diseases. Help identify and escalate preliminary infection concerns. Perform education and communication support under the supervision of the Infection Prevention Program Manager. Participate in emergency response planning and training activities as needed. Position Requirements Minimum Education Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required, BSN or RN preferred. Completion of NC Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (Parts 1 & 2 for Acute Care) within three years of hire, if not already obtained. Experience Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting. Previous experience in nursing education or infection prevention preferred. Required Registration/License/Certification Current North Carolina LPN or RN license. Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association at time of hire. Completion of SPICE certification (Part 1 and Part 2) required within three years of hire, if not previously obtained. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent verbal and written communication and customer service skills. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry/reporting tools. Understanding of infection prevention principles and care delivery continuum. Physical Demands Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds Manual dexterity and mobility Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less Working Conditions Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc. May be subject to irregular hours Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 4 hours per shift Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 30 lbs.

Frequently per hour:

bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave About UNC Health Appalachian UNC Health Appalachian, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation . We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community. About UNC Health UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system , operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics . Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400+ million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents. UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process . Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening . For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu .