Infection Control / EE Health RN

Roosevelt General Hospital•Portales, NM

4d•$33 - $49

About The Position

This individual oversees infection control and prevention activities throughout the organization and is responsible for all functions of the employee health program, including providing clinical employee health services at Roosevelt General Hospital. The role establishes evidence-based methods of care, maintains infection control and employee health policies and procedures, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies. The position coordinates infection prevention surveillance, data analysis, reporting, risk assessments, education, and committee activities. It also manages employee health records and databases, pre-employment processes and testing, vaccinations, annual N95/TB/influenza testing or vaccinations, blood exposure events, employee illnesses, and disease outbreaks. The role collaborates with administration, Human Resources, the Safety Officer, the Quality Officer, departmental directors, staff, physicians, and community leaders to support employee and patient safety. The work is performed in a physically demanding, high-stress healthcare environment. It involves regular hours, including call hours and weekends as required, and potential exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, and radiation. The role requires standing and walking for extended periods, handling and lifting patients, and lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Current registered nursing license for the state of New Mexico.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
At least three years of experience in healthcare.
Proficiency and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to determine an appropriate course of action in complex situations.
Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, pay attention to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize work schedules.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and legal information.
Ability to complete assignments accurately and on time.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others professionally.
Ability to work regular hours, including call hours and weekends as required.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing and pulling heavy objects, standing and walking for extended periods, and handling and lifting patients.
Ability to work in a physically demanding, high-stress environment with exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, and radiation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is highly desirable but not required.
Knowledge of competency or education software is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Maintain strong computer and research skills to stay current with developments, best practices, and standards of care in healthcare.
Establish standard methods of care using evidence-based practice and best-practice standards.
Establish and implement infection control and employee health orientation programs with departmental directors.
Develop and maintain organizational policies and procedures related to infection control and employee health.
Support administration with employee health databases and maintain complete and accurate employee health records.
Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, DNV accreditation requirements, organizational policies, and clinical responsibilities.
Collaborate with the Safety Officer, Human Resources, Quality Officer, and other departments and colleagues to advocate for employee health and safety.
Coordinate the development and implementation of employee health initiatives and programs.
Develop pre-employment and onboarding policies and procedures with Human Resources.
Manage pre-employment testing and vaccination processes; annual N95, TB, and influenza testing and/or vaccinations; and potential blood exposures, employee illnesses, and disease outbreaks.
Coordinate the infection control program, including surveillance, data analysis, reports, policies, and procedures.
Apply epidemiological principles and statistical methods to design, implement, and evaluate infection prevention and control strategies.
Provide infection prevention and control consultation and education to staff, physicians, and community leaders.
Coordinate with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee to set surveillance direction and evaluate the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Plan annually.
Conduct risk assessments at least annually and as needed, considering served populations, regional vulnerabilities, relevant statistical data, and emerging infectious diseases.
Notify the County and/or State Health Department of reportable diseases in accordance with internal, county, and state procedures.
Develop and implement improvements to patient care procedures and control mechanisms related to quality, compliance, and infectious diseases.
Provide infection prevention and control education to employees during orientation and annually thereafter, including classes on infection prevention and control practices and employee health.
Ensure infection prevention and control procedures meet CMS, DNV, county, state, APIC, and CDC regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Organize Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings and maintain meeting minutes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Complete annual education requirements, maintain patient confidentiality, attend staff meetings and in-services, and participate in performance and continuous quality improvement activities.
Adhere to the dress code, report to work as scheduled, wear identification while on duty, maintain regulatory requirements, and represent the organization professionally.