Nurse (Infection Control Preventionist)

This position is located at the Shiprock Service Unit (SRSU) in Shiprock, New Mexico. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

About the role

The purpose of this position is to manage a program for Infection Control and prevention through leadership, performance improvement, implementation, and technology for the entire SRSU.

Responsibilities

• Apply epidemiologic principles and statistical methods, including risk stratification, to identify target populations, analyze trends and risk factors, and design and evaluate prevention and control strategies.
• Conduct ongoing surveillance using Center for Disease Control (CDC) infection criteria, documentation, and investigation of healthcare-acquired infections through review of admission diagnoses, microbiology culture results, isolation orders, patient records, consultation requests, post-discharge surveillance, and autopsy findings.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the Service Unit Infection Control (IC) Program, including the TB program and Infection Control and Prevention Plan, ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Collect data and prepare reports in support of epidemiological studies of specific problems or problem areas to determine the source of the problem and make appropriate recommendations.
• Maintain medical devices, surgical procedures, and surgical site infections data in the National Health Safety Network (NHSN).
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control and related programs in a complex hospital setting.
• Conduct infection surveillance, analyze epidemiological data, prepare quality and performance reports, and monitor healthcare-associated infection indicators.
• Develop infection prevention and control policies, deliver staff education, maintain surveillance data, and implement targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve patient safety and infection prevention outcomes.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. The agency must ensure that persons hired have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
• This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility and maintain good standing with creditors.
• Prior to appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

• A graduate or higher-level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
• For individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools, official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required.
• Applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination and possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
• At least one year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service, performing duties such as:
  • Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of Infection Prevention and Control and related programs in a complex hospital setting, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
  • Conducting infection surveillance, analyzing epidemiological data, preparing quality and performance reports, and monitoring healthcare-associated infection indicators.
  • Developing infection prevention and control policies, delivering staff education, maintaining surveillance data, and implementing targeted, evidence-based interventions.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses, including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding. For more information, visit Learn more about federal benefits.

Total compensation package details for this position can be found at Registered Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov).

• Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period) based on the number of years served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service.
• This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized, requiring at least a 6-month service agreement.
• Student loan repayment programs may be available for qualifying health disciplines through IHS, NHSC, and HRSA. Opportunities are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds.