Infection Preventionist

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Infection Preventionist at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll support critical infection prevention and control initiatives that help safeguard patients, visitors, and team members. Working closely with the Infection Prevention Program Manager, you’ll assist with surveillance, regulatory compliance, data management, education, and quality initiatives that promote a culture of safety across the organization.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented healthcare professional who is passionate about quality improvement, infection prevention, and regulatory excellence.

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, certification, and internal equity.

• LPN Compensation: Hiring compensation range begins at $23.42 per hour

• RN Compensation: Hiring compensation range begins at $36.74 per hour

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; paid parental leave; wellness incentives through Love Your Life; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

Boone, North Carolina offers breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, year-round outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts and dining scene, top-rated schools, and Appalachian State University.

What You’ll Do as an Infection Preventionist

Infection Prevention & Surveillance

• Support infection surveillance, prevention, and control activities across the organization.

• Conduct audits within the electronic medical record (EMR) and physical environment to support infection prevention initiatives.

• Assist with identifying and escalating potential infection concerns to the Infection Prevention Program Manager.

• Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities as needed.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

• Assist with maintaining regulatory documentation and infection prevention records.

• Support compliance with organizational policies, state requirements, and regulatory standards.

• Assist with required reporting to the Health Department for reportable diseases.

• Participate in infection prevention program operations and quality initiatives.

Data Management & Documentation

• Maintain organized files and records related to infection prevention activities.

• Perform electronic data entry, extraction, analysis, and report preparation.

• Assist with monitoring trends and generating reports to support performance improvement efforts.

• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.

Education & Communication

• Support infection prevention education efforts under the direction of the Infection Prevention Program Manager.

• Communicate effectively with team members, leaders, and departments regarding infection prevention practices.

• Assist with educational materials, training activities, and communication initiatives.

• Promote a culture of safety and infection prevention awareness throughout the organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

One of the following is required:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, or a related field

• Completion of the North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE Part 1 and Part 2 for Acute Care) within three (3) years of hire if not previously obtained.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a healthcare setting required.

• Previous experience in nursing education or infection prevention preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) license, if applicable.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association required at the time of hire.

• Completion of SPICE Part 1 and Part 2 certification required within three (3) years of hire if not previously obtained.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal abilities.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data entry/reporting systems.

• Understanding of infection prevention principles and healthcare delivery systems.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and work independently.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality improvement principles preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer objects weighing 50 pounds or more.

• Manual dexterity and mobility required for clinical and office-related activities.

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.

• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.

• Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.

• Near visual acuity required for computer work, documentation, and detailed tasks.

• Ability to communicate effectively in person and over the telephone.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

• Frequent exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, laboratory specimens, and other healthcare-related hazards.

• Primarily works in office and clinical environments with interaction across multiple departments.

• May be subject to irregular hours based on operational or emergency needs.

• Requires prolonged periods of speaking, reading, and computer use.

• Occasional exposure to confined spaces, vibration, and ionizing/non-ionizing radiation, including X-ray and microwave equipment.

• Supports emergency preparedness and response efforts as necessary.

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.