Infection Preventionist (IPC)
Medical
Min 3 Months
Please carefully read the role description below to verify that you meet the requirements. The apply button can be found at the bottom of this page.
Driven to provide hope & healing.
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Infection Preventionist (IPC) acts as a liaison and resource for Infection Control in the Hospital and will support the management of all IPC activities, under the guidance of the Senior Infection Preventionist and the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPPC). Responsibilities include collecting, analyzing and providing infection data and trends to nursing staff and physicians.
The Infection Prevention and Control uses evidence-based practices and World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as the foundation.
Requirements
Each role with Mercy Ships calls for a unique blend of experience, skills, and qualifications. The info below outlines what’s needed to serve effectively in this position—to meet operational standards and to help you thrive as part of the team.
What You Will Contribute
Serve as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Collecting, analyzing and providing infection data and trends to nursing staff and physicians
Identify infection prevention and control risks through surveillance activities, including data collection and analysis as it pertains to: patients, Crew members, caregivers and families
Educating medical and non-medical crew members about Infection Prevention and Control practices
Monitoring the ship environment to ensure safe practices of infection prevention according to hospital and ship policies
Support the Senior Infection Preventionist to revise the IPC Plan annually
Complete a TB risk assessment and an Annual Infection Control Risk Assessment for the current field service location
Serve as a knowledgeable and available resource on evidence-based infection control practices and policies to health care personnel, patients, visitors and general crew
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required (or international equivalent); Master’s preferred
Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, clinical laboratory science, medical technology or related field will be considered
Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC preferred) or working towards certification will be considered
Minimum of 5 years clinical experience in hospital settings or disease surveillance experience in a public health setting
Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC), training courses (Epi 101 and Epi 102) or equivalent
Current BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers certification is required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) are optional
Current unencumbered state or country license in Nursing or equivalent
Experience with humanitarian responses or medical missions to underserved locations desired
Mercy Ships alumni preferred, but not required
Commitments of 12 months or longer require successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program
About the team
You’ll be part of the Medical Team, a close-knit group of dedicated medical professionals working together to bring hope and healing through surgical and medical care.
Frequently asked questions.
We are so excited that you are interested in learning more about serving with us. These are the most common questions we receive for this department.
SCAM ALERT: Please be aware of recruitment scams. Mercy Ships will never charge any fees as a part of the recruitment process. For more info click here.
Click here for a list of medical requirements to serve, including required immunizations.
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve—and your own.
Faith-Led Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Mercy Ships is a faith-based organization welcoming volunteers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission and values. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.
Beware of Imposters: Confirm All Volunteer Communications
Volunteer opportunities and invitations to serve will always come directly from Mercy Ships’ official volunteer engagement teams. Never provide personal information to anyone without confirming their connection to Mercy Ships.
