Infection Control Nurse

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Control Nurse provides comprehensive management of the Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care (TONHC) Infection Control Program and assists with the employee health program as needed. The position is located at Sells Hospital and focuses on identifying and reducing the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections through surveillance, prevention, and control. The employee works under the general supervision of the Director of Quality Management. Temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities may be required.

Requirements

Degree from a professional nursing program approved by the legally designated State-accrediting agency at the time the applicant completed the program.
Active, current, unrestricted professional nurse license in a U.S. state.
Three years of health care experience.
One year of infection control or epidemiology experience in an acute care setting.
Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Membership in the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).
Ability to work extended hours and varied schedules, independently, and to meet strict timelines.
Ability to operate medical equipment, including blood pressure and glucose-monitoring equipment, and to operate company vehicles.
Ability to maintain privileged and confidential information.
May need a valid driver's license with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the previous three years and, if required, meet tribal employer insurance requirements for a driver's permit.
May be required, based on departmental needs, to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English.
Upon recommendation for hire, must complete a criminal background check, National FBI fingerprint check, and 39-month driving-record review.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the National Board of Infection Control (CIC); certification must be obtained within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage infection control programs, including data collection and recordkeeping, analysis and reporting, interventions, recommendations, and follow-up.
Investigate infection clusters or changes in infection patterns and implement appropriate interventions.
Interpret and apply relevant state, county, federal, and other guidelines; assist with programs to implement them and notify authorities of reportable diseases.
Participate in developing and implementing infection control procedures and coordinate surveillance, prevention, and control activities.
Work with local, state, tribal, and federal organizations to reduce infection risks from the environment.
Chair or co-chair the Infection Control Committee, prepare agendas, coordinate meetings, and prepare minutes and departmental reports.
Serve on the safety committee and liaise with departments and programs on infection control matters.
Follow up on clinical and patient-related incident and accident reports, identify safety and infection control hazards, and prepare corrective-action reports.
Coordinate surveillance and recordkeeping for patients with nosocomial infections with TONHC departments and community agencies.
Maintain a resource library of infection control and risk management standards, legislation, texts, and journals.
Prepare and present infection control and risk management in-service education and employee orientation.
Maintain nosocomial infection records and present summary reports to the Executive Committee.
Coordinate activities and assignments for the bi-annual Governing Body Infection Control report.
Advise on patient placement, policy and procedure revisions, isolation, decontamination, and disease prevention.
Order infection control supplies and equipment as needed.
Assist patients in maintaining safe, infection-free home environments.
Report infection information internally and to public health agencies.
Serve as the TONHC contact for employees regarding occupational disease or illness related to infection control and safety; assist with reporting forms.
Coordinate aspects of the TONHC risk management program.
Provide professional nursing care to patients as required and act on behalf of the Director of Quality Management when delegated.
Assist with managing and coordinating the employee health program, including developing policies, goals, and objectives as needed or in the absence of an Employee Health Nurse.
Help organize employee health screenings, administer physician-authorized medications and treatments, address minor health problems, provide counseling and education, and coordinate an employee wellness program.
Counsel employees on health topics and refer them to physicians, dentists, clinics, or community resources as appropriate.
Maintain professional knowledge through research, seminars, workshops, classes, conferences, and consultation with related organizations.
Contribute to a team effort and perform other job-related duties as assigned.