Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse

This hospital is designed as a bridge in the continuum of care and is intended to provide intensive, specialized care for medically complex patients that require a longer treatment and recovery period. This hospital provides a committed and knowledgeable clinical team in a setting conducive to healing. Their goal is to treat the immediate and long-term needs of the patients with the goal of helping each patient reach the next level of well-being on their path to a full recovery.

Job Summary

Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients. Implements an effective hospital-wide infection control program in keeping with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), JCAHO, and other regulatory agencies. Directs all functions of the Employee Health program. 

Essential Functions 

• Develops, implements, and continually monitors the infection control policies and procedures for all departments. 
• Implements a surveillance system for detecting and monitoring hospital acquired and community infections. Ensures compliance to regulatory requirements. 
• Provides physicians and staff with updates of infection control policy changes. 
• Investigates outbreaks or clusters of infections. Monitors, analyzes, and interprets bacteriology reports and infection statistics, recommends appropriate control measures to prevent dissemination of resistant microorganisms and pathogens. 
• Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients. 
• Participates in Infection Control Committees. 
• Collaborates with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases. 
• Participates in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including TB, HIV/Hep/Universal Precautions. May educate patients as necessary. 
• Acts as a resource person for staff concerning infection control. 
• Undertakes regular infection control audits and appropriate follow up action where required. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations 

• Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and requirements. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patient and/or employee information to assure patient and/or employee rights are protected. 
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills when working or interacting with residents, their families, and other staff members. 
• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations. 
• Must have good and regular attendance. 
• Must read, write and speak fluent English. 
• Approximate percent of time required to travel; 0%
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education 

• Bachelor's Degree in nursing or healthcare related field. 
• Master’s degree in clinical specialty preferred. 
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for education requirements. 

Licenses/Certification 

• Current State RN license required.
• BLS Certification required.
• ICP or related certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year clinical experience in medical-surgical or critical care nursing. 
• Experience in Infection Control with basic knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infections, diseases, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practice preferred.