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Infection Preventionist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Infection Control Nurse

Decatur, GA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Oversee and direct infection control activities in a correctional facility; analyze data to include risk assessment, prevention, and control strategies. * Conduct on-going surveillance using ...

Infection Control Nurse

Decatur, GA · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

Oversee and direct infection control activities in a correctional facility; analyze data to include risk assessment, prevention, and control strategies. * Conduct on-going surveillance using ...

Infection Preventionist information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$19

$46

$75

How much do infection preventionist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for infection preventionist in Decatur, GA is $46.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.91 and $53.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is an infection preventionist a good career?

An infection preventionist is a healthcare professional responsible for developing and implementing infection control protocols in healthcare settings. The role typically requires certification, such as the CIC, and involves working in environments focused on patient safety and public health. It offers stable employment opportunities with a focus on compliance, safety, and continuous education.

What is an Infection Preventionist?

An Infection Preventionist is a healthcare professional responsible for preventing and controlling the spread of infections within healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. They develop and implement policies, educate staff on infection control practices, monitor infection rates, and investigate outbreaks. Infection Preventionists often have backgrounds in nursing, microbiology, or public health, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patient and staff safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Infection Preventionist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Infection Preventionist, you need a solid understanding of microbiology, epidemiology, and infection control practices, typically supported by a degree in nursing, public health, or a related field, and often the CIC (Certified in Infection Control) credential. Familiarity with surveillance systems, data analysis tools, and regulatory compliance software is essential. Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are crucial for educating staff and driving organizational change. These skills and qualifications are vital for effectively preventing healthcare-associated infections and ensuring patient and staff safety.

What are some common challenges Infection Preventionists face in coordinating with different hospital departments?

Infection Preventionists often encounter challenges in ensuring consistent compliance with protocols across various hospital departments, each with unique workflows and priorities. Effective communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as you’ll regularly collaborate with nursing, environmental services, laboratory teams, and leadership to implement prevention strategies and respond to outbreaks. Navigating differing levels of infection control knowledge and varying resources requires adaptability and persistence. Overcoming these obstacles is key to maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.

What Does an Infection Preventionist Do?

Under the supervision of an infection prevention department director or supervisory board, your duties as an infection preventionist are to coordinate infection control programs, develop new methods to train clinical practitioners on how to prevent the spread of infection, and monitor and analyze the effectiveness of these methods. You then create reports based on your analysis that help the department improve its ability to educate clinicians and the community on better prevention practices. You typically work in concert with municipal, state, and federal disease control agencies, such as the CDC, to formulate outbreak prevention guidelines and best practices.

How much do infection preventionists make?

Infection preventionists typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, certifications, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on geographic location, healthcare facility size, and level of expertise, with some earning over $100,000 with advanced credentials or in high-demand areas.

What does an infection preventionist do?

An infection preventionist develops and implements strategies to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. They monitor infection control practices, conduct staff training, analyze infection data, and ensure compliance with safety standards, often holding certifications like CIC. Their work helps protect patients, staff, and visitors from healthcare-associated infections.

How to become an infection preventionist?

To become an infection preventionist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field such as nursing, microbiology, or public health. Certification as a Certified in Infection Control (CIC) is often required or preferred, which involves passing an exam administered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC). Relevant experience in infection control or healthcare settings and strong knowledge of infection prevention practices are also important.

What is the difference between Infection Preventionist vs Infection Control Nurse?

AspectInfection PreventionistInfection Control Nurse
CertificationsCPIP, CIC (preferred)RN license, CIC (preferred)
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, public healthHospitals, clinics, healthcare settings
Roles & ResponsibilitiesDevelops infection prevention programs, staff trainingMonitors infection control practices, investigates outbreaks

Both roles focus on preventing infections in healthcare settings, often requiring similar certifications like CIC. The Infection Preventionist typically works in public health or outpatient environments, while the Infection Control Nurse is primarily based in hospitals and clinics. Their responsibilities overlap but differ in scope, with the Preventionist emphasizing program development and the Nurse focusing on direct infection control practices and outbreak investigations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Infection Preventionist jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Infection Preventionist jobs in Decatur, GA are:
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What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Infection Preventionist jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Infection Preventionist job openings:
Infographic showing various Infection Preventionist job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,056 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Infection Preventionist - Infection Prevention- FTE - Days

Infection Preventionist - Infection Prevention- FTE - Days

Grady Memorial Hospital

Atlanta, GA

Other

Posted 16 hours ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Infection Preventionist is a professional who demonstrates technical skills and theoretical knowledge, as it relates to the identification and control of hospital acquired infections. This knowledge will be applied to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in the Grady Health System.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Identifies and promptly reports epidemiological variations in levels of disease to the Director of Infection Prevention and implements the department's recommendations for prevention and control.

Collaborates with all disciplines and departments to develop and update department-specific standards based on infection control principles.

Maintains professional competence through educational opportunities and independently sets goals for professional growth.

Participates in the implementation of procedures and programs as recommended by the Director of Infection Prevention, Hospital Epidemiologist, and Infection Control Committee.

Conducts on-going surveillance of infections in patients and healthcare workers and helps define risk factors for transmission of specific microorganisms.

Complies and interprets surveillance data relating to:

a) specific outbreaks of infection occurring within the hospital; and

b) patterns of "everyday occurrence of infection"

Investigates potential exposures of communicable diseases to healthcare workers and other patients or visitors; analyzes and interprets data and notifies appropriate persons of findings/recommendations in a timely manner.

Monitors assigned areas for potential environmental or occupational hazards and provides a report to the Director of  Infection Prevention.

Provides IC education in new employee, nursing orientation and department specific orientation in other departments as indicated.

Attends and participates in hospital and nursing committees and serves as a resource in infection control.

Works collaboratively with department managers in assigned areas to develop an annual educational calendar specific to their needs

Participates in the review and revision of the Infection Control Policies every four years and all other occasions on an "as needed" basis.

EDUCATION

Required:

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Microbiologist, or Medical Technologist.

Preferred:

Master's Degree

EXPERIENCE

Required:

Three (3) years of job related experience in an acute facility.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience working as team.

EMR Software experience with EPIC/Bugsy.

Skills/Cert/Licenses

Required:

Registered Nurse: Current RN Georgia Nursing License

or

Non - RN: Current professional licensure in Georgia, if no Masters Degree in Public health must have current professional Medical Technology license in Georgia

Demonstrated leadership ability.

Preferred:

Certification Infection Control (CIC) or obtained within 3 years of hire

Equal Opportunity Employer-Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.