Infection Prevention RN Program Manager

Overview

The Infection Prevention (IP) RN Program Manager supports the development, implementation, and oversight ofcomprehensive infection prevention and control programs across the health system. The IP Manager serves as asubject matter expert for staff education and assists with outbreak investigations, competency assessments, andthe integration of best practices to promote patient and employee safety. Leveraging clinical nursing expertise, thisrole focuses on daily surveillance, training, policy execution, enforcement, and compliance with infection controlstandards. The role supports policy enforcement, education, and quality improvement efforts to reduce infectionrisk across the health system. The IP Manager collaborates closely with clinical operations, providers,environmental services, and quality teams to ensure regulatory compliance and uphold a culture of safety.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: Monitor infection prevention programs aligned with CDC, OSHA, CMS, HRSA, and Joint Commission standards.Conduct surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and investigate outbreaks or exposure events.Collaborate with nursing leadership, quality teams, and safety personnel to ensure compliance and drivecontinuous improvement.Maintain infection prevention documentation, audit tools, and dashboards; provide reports to leadership asrequired.Participate in quality control initiatives and clinical policy development related to infection control.Serve as an infection control consultant to clinics, providing technical assistance and on-site support when issuesarise.Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization’s Infection Control Program.Responsible for maintenance and updating the organization’s Infection Control Manual.Conduct site-specific Infection Prevention Risk Assessments (IPRAs).Ensure that all personnel involved in infection control activities are appropriately trained and competent ininfection control and coordinates the organization’s on-going surveillance of established infection controlpractices/procedures.Perform direct competency assessments of Infection Control Program Trainers and CompetencyReviewers/Auditors.Support the standardization of infection control practices through CommUnityCare’s network of healthcenters/operations.Make recommendations regarding real or potential problems and improvement activities, including appropriate andcost-effective solutions to resolve them.As directed, may participate in and/or lead committees related to and directly impacted by infection control.Support organizational quality improvement initiatives with data support, analysis, and internal consulting.Act as a resource for team members and leaders for all infection control-related activities.Identify, investigate, and report health care associated infections among patients and team members.Maintain documentation of surveillance and audit activities.Provide infection prevention orientation and other in-service programs related to infection prevention.Collaborate and work with the Employee Health Nurse to provide direction regarding team member health issues,such as exposures, communicable diseases, or other infection prevention or control-related issues.Collaborate and report to appropriate agencies and regulatory agencies.Complies with the organization’s core values.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong knowledge of infection prevention practices, regulatory standards, and healthcare safety protocolsAbility to educate and influence clinical and non-clinical staffSkilled in data interpretation and report development for clinical quality metricsStrong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities across locationsKnowledge of infection control regulations applicable to outpatient and ambulatory services.Ability to influence clinical practice and drive adherence to infection prevention protocols.Strong interpersonal, organizational, and teaching skills.Familiarity with EMRs (e.g., EPIC), incident tracking systems, and infection surveillance platforms.Ability to read, analyze, interpret contracts, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.Ability to write reports and other forms of correspondence.Ability to effectively present verbal and/or written information.Ability to respond to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

Bachelor's Degree (higher degree accepted) Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) -Required

Master's Degree (higher degree accepted) Master’s in Public Health, Nursing, or a related field -Preferred

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: 3 years 3+ years of nursing experience with infection control responsibilities -Required

3 years Minimum 3 years of infection control experience in an outpatient, preferably a FQHC -Required

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in healthcare quality, regulatory readiness, or patient safety is a plus.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

Active RN License in the State of Texas Upon Hire -Required

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) within 12 - 18 months of hire -Required