Infection Prevention Educator at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The Infection Prevention Educator serves as an educator/learning facilitator, change agent/collaborator, leader, communicator, advisor/mentor, and researcher/consultant to the facility. This person serves as the coordinator of the designated program or system and is responsible for program development, maintenance, effectiveness, design, utilization, evaluation, reporting and growth. Additional educational activities may be performed by the Infection Prevention Educator as directed by the Director of Education. Application of adult learning principles and the use of a variety of teaching and learning styles must be evident in all educational activities and programs. The educator collaborates with leaders, nurses, physicians, and interprofessional teams to identify educational needs, design interventions, analyze data, and improve infection prevention performance. The individual functions as a change agent, consultant, mentor, and role model, applying adult learning principles and fostering professional development across all levels of the organization. The Infection Prevention educator will be knowledgeable of how to communicate and interact with individuals of all age groups while being sensitive to their cultural and religious beliefs and generational differences.

Performance Expectations:

• Demonstrates effective teaching and presentation skills.
• Displays excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Windows efficiently.
• Analyzes issues, trends, and supporting data to determine the program or educational needs of individuals and the organization.
• Collects data and information to validate an identified gap in professional practice and to determine the specific knowledge, skill, or practice deficit or opportunity.
• Identifies desired outcomes of an educational program/plan.
• Establishes a plan that explains strategies, timeline, and resources needed to achieve the expected outcomes of a program.
• Prepares and implements plan efficiently, timely, and professionally.
• Coordinates educational activities and initiatives, as deemed necessary.
• Facilitates positive learning and practice environments.
• Evaluates progress of program in meeting outcomes.
• Reports program effectiveness, compliance, and activity to appropriate entities.
• Serve as a consultant in hospital initiatives, quality improvement projects, and other areas where opportunity for change exist.
• Collaborates with the interprofessional teams, leaders, and others to facilitate nursing practice and positive outcomes.
• Participates actively in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Promotes a professional and safe learning environment.
• Models ethical practice, accountability, and teamwork.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver infection prevention education, orientation, and ongoing competency-based training for staff.
• Provide in-services related to hand hygiene, surgical hand antisepsis, PPE use, isolation precautions, environmental cleaning, and aseptic technique.
• Coordinate vendor-led education and ensure content aligns with organizational policies and evidence-based standards.
• Create and maintain educational materials, presentations, skills checklists, and learning assessments.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends, outbreaks, and areas for improvement.
• Support compliance with CDC, AORN, OSHA, and Joint Commission standards related to infection prevention.
• Assist with preparation for regulatory surveys, audits, and tracers by ensuring staff education and competency documentation is current.
• Monitor changes in infection prevention guidelines and integrate updates into educational programs.
• Strong communication, analytical, and training skills, with knowledge of regulatory standards (CDC, OSHA).

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in nursing, medical laboratory science, or related field required; 

Graduate of an accredited non‑online RN program for nurses.

Demonstrated skills in communication, data analysis, and teaching required.

Work Experience:

Minimum of 5+ years of clinical, infection prevention, or acute care settings.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS

• MLS (ASCP) or equivalent credentials

• CIC (Certified in Infection Control) certification preferred or required within two years of hire.
• Experience in perioperative services or acute care settings
• Experience with learning management systems (e.g., HealthStream)
• Strong presentation, communication, and organizational skills

Additional Certification/Licensure - obtained based on the required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Frequent periods of concentration required with attention to detail.

Opportunity for diversification of tasks.

Work subject to constant unanticipated interruptions.

Ability to conduct hands-on training and skills demonstrations

May require standing, walking, and occasional lifting consistent with clinical education roles