Infection Control Employee Health Nurse

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
• Maintains 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

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