Infection Preventionist

The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), located in the heart of New York City, seeks an Infection Preventionist(IP). This is a rare opportunity to join the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital and take your career to the next level.

The Infection Preventionist(IP) position will improve and advance the implementation of infection control policies, procedures and practices in the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC). The IP will participate in the investigation, surveillance, control, and prevention of healthcare associated  infections in AMC’s patients and employees. The IP will be responsible for the education all levels of clinical personnel and other health care workers at AMC and its outpatient practices regarding best infection control practices. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Microbiology, or a related healthcare field, or, Master’s in Public Health with a focus on healthcare-associated infections


• Advanced Veterinary Technician credential (VTS) or Master's - Preferred


• Experience in infection prevention and control or epidemiology is .


• Certification in Infection Control (CIC) is preferred upon hire and  within the first 3 years of taking the position. 


• Strong communication, analytical and problem solving is a must


• Experience working with Healthcare informatics preferred


• Experience with Instinct EMR a plus!

Administrative Duties: 

The IP will serve as a member of the Infectious Disease Committee.  Duties will include, but are not limited to: 

• Develop and be responsible for evidence-based/informed infection prevention and control policies and procedures


• Regularly review of AMC Infection Control Manual and policies – update standard operating procedures as needed


• Coordinate routine hospital and outpatient clinic inspections and audits – share results with hospital leadership and other appropriate parties


• Assist the Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the Infection Prevention Committee (IPC) during IPC meetings, produce all IPC reports, record the minutes and assist with taking IPC reports up the chain of command to hospital leadership 

Infection Control Program Oversight and Education: 

The IP will identify and implement infection prevention and control training for hospital staff, students, contractors and volunteers:  

• Lead the integration of infection prevention activities within and across departments


• Assist in developing staff competencies related to infection control and prevention


• Educate and provide training and in-services for all staff and students, as appropriate to workplace responsibilities, regarding infection control and prevention strategies and guidelines. Create new hire and annual Infection Prevention training for all staff.


• Serve as a resource for hospital clinicians, nurses, and students on matters of infection control, including assistance, advice and supervision regarding logistical management/ isolation requirements of hospitalized patients with contagious infectious diseases


• Collaborate with AMC’s Human Resources Department regarding identification of hospital staff exposed to contagious pathogens and facilitate their medical evaluation or counselling by staff primary care physician.


• Collaborate with the New York State Department of Public Health as needed for reporting purposes 

Surveillance Program Oversight: 

The IP will work independently (under general supervision) to the Chief Medical Officer to:  

• Coordinate and supervise infection control surveillance practices


• Perform an annual facility risk assessment 


• Collect environmental samples throughout hospital patient care areas based on established protocols – maintain a database of culture results


• Perform routine audits to assess compliance with infectious disease prevention and control practices


• Perform audits of sterilized equipment/disinfected scopes and evaluate any potential need for reprocessing and/or re-education of staff


• Audit facility cleanliness and appropriate disinfection techniques – provide feedback to AMC’s Facilities and Environmental Services


• Oversee proper handling and disposal of infectious material in the hospital in collaboration with AMC Facilities


• Ensure all staff and students are properly vaccinated prior to beginning work at AMC. 

Research:  

The IP will assist with research projects related to infection control and prevention.  

Communication: 

The IP will disseminate results of investigations through reports and presentations. 

The IP will routinely communicate with other AMC departments, referring veterinarian offices, and other institutions or agencies regarding matters of infection control, as needed . 

The incumbent will also initiate outreach/engagement activities to raise infection control awareness within AMC and the veterinary community.  

Other Duties as Assigned: 

Participate in NYDOH, CDC, and other public health partner organization meetings, seminars, and continuing education.  

Position Type: Full-time  

Direct Reports: None 

Reports to:  Chief Medical Officer 

Excellence in veterinary medicine since 1910. AMC Offers:  

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Founded in 1910, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital, offering compassionate, collaborative, and cutting-edge veterinary care. Our commitment to innovation has led to the creation of one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world. 

State-of-the-Art Facilities: AMC is currently undergoing a major expansion and renovation. Once complete, this project will transform the hospital’s entire 83,000-square-foot space into a state-of-the-art facility unlike any other.  

Highlights include: A brand-new full floor surgical center, 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI (the exclusive high field MRI for small animals in NYC), 64-slice spiral CT scanner, Electroencephalography (EEG), Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator, In-house Laboratory, Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, and Mobile Cone Beam CT 

A multidisciplinary team of 140+ veterinarians across 20+ specialties: With over 20 specialties and services under one roof, our departments frequently work together to deliver the highest quality of patient care in the veterinary field. Our dynamic array of specialists means that we are the go-to place for complex cases. 

A Hospital in the heart of NYC: AMC is located in Manhattan, surrounded by leading research and teaching institutions such as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, and NYU. Collaborative research opportunities abound, and our strong focus on education ensures a rewarding career for those passionate about mentoring and advancing veterinary medicine.