Infection Control Employee Health Nurse

Overview

Infection Control professional responsible for developing, implementing, and continually monitoring the hospital-wide infection control program in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), JCAHO, and other regulatory agencies. Directs all functions of the Employee Health program.

Responsibilities

• 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 CDC, JCAHO, and other regulatory agencies.
• Directs all functions of the Employee Health program.
• 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 with 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, and recommends appropriate control measures to prevent dissemination of resistant microorganisms and pathogens.
• 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, and Expectations

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patient and/or employee information to protect patient and/or employee rights.
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills when working 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.

Qualifications

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, infections, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practice preferred.