Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse

Kindred Healthcare•Huntington, WV

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Bachelor's Degree in nursing or healthcare related field.
Current State RN license required.
BLS Certification required.
Minimum of 1 year clinical experience in medical-surgical or critical care nursing.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in clinical specialty preferred.
ICP or related certification preferred.
Experience in Infection Control with basic knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infections, diseases, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practice preferred.

Responsibilities

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 immuno suppressed 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.
Performs other related duties as assigned.