Senior Infection Preventionist
Medical
Min 10 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 purpose of the Senior Infection Preventionist position is to support the Mercy Ships mission as well as restore, promote and maintain health in the people we serve. The Senior Infection Preventionist is responsible for acting as a liaison and resource person for Infection Control and will be responsible for the management of all Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) activities, under the guidance of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPPC). Responsibilities include collecting, analyzing and providing infection data and trends to nursing staff and physicians. The Senior Infection Preventionist will serve in the role of educating medical and non-medical crew members about Infection Prevention and Control practices. Additional tasks include monitoring the ship environment to ensure safe practices of infection prevention according to hospital and ship policies. The IPC’s program will use evidence-based practices and World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines as its 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
Serves as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Contributes to organization-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program
Serves as Team Leader of the IPC team, which consists of the Senior Infection Preventionist and the Infection Preventionist
Responsible for orientation and training of new Infection Preventionists onboard
Revises the IPC Plan annually and Creates IPC goals for the current field service
Develops and regularly reviews all policies and procedures for infection control to maintain standards and practice compliance
Provides routine and special education on infection control and safety-related topics as needed
Performs inspection rounds in all areas of the hospital and outpatient clinics for compliance with IPC policies
Participates in assigned committees: Mercy Ships Hospital Review Board, Mercy Ships Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Committee, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, Mercy Ships Safety Committee
Identify infection prevention and control risks through surveillance activities, including data collection and analysis as it pertains to patients, crew members, caregivers and families
Develops interventions using guidelines from CDC, WHO and other relevant sources.
Collect, record and analyze data, and liaise with members of the IPCC (and others as necessary) to identify opportunities to reduce the risk of transmission of infection
Document observations related to the causes of infection and/or infection trends
Implement measures to prevent the transmission of infectious agents and to reduce risks for device and procedure-related infections, and evaluate outcomes
Serve as a knowledgeable and available resource on evidence-based infection control practices and policies to health care personnel, patients, visitors and general crew
Plan and deliver educational programs for hospital crew members and day workers; examples include: proper hand hygiene, use of PPE, safe injection practices and infection updates
The Senior Infection Preventionist will work in conjunction with the Ward and OR Team Leaders and the Ward and OR Educators to provide ongoing and “just in time training”
What You Will Need
Supportive Of Mercy Ships Mission And Vision, And Committed To Its Core Values
Able To Live In And Contribute To Community Life, Requiring Stable And Healthy Interpersonal Skills
Understands And Applies Servant Leadership, Works Collaboratively With Integrity And Demonstrates Accountability
Balances IPC Team’s Daily Schedule To Ensure Adequate Support And Performance Of Duties
Provides Data And Reports In A Timely Manner
Strong Oral And Written Communications Skills
Fluent In English
Knowledge Of Hospital Procedures, Standards And Equipment
Knowledgeable With Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel And Word)
Studies Current IPC Practices And Trends Through Use Of Journals, The Internet, National Organizations And Networking
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing required (or international equivalent); Master’s degree 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
Mercy Ships alumni preferred, but not required
Experience with humanitarian responses or medical missions to underserved locations desired
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.
