SDC/Infection Control Nurse

PACS•Center, TX

2d•$38 - $40

About The Position

The Infection Control Nurse plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, coordinates, and directs the facility’s infection control program in accordance with applicable regulations and guidelines. The role ensures adherence to CDC, OSHA, and local infection control requirements and standard/universal precautions; develops and updates infection-control and aseptic-technique procedures; monitors infection-control practices; investigates and reports infections; and advises facility leadership and committees on infection prevention and control. The position works with nursing, personnel, laundry, environmental services, maintenance, discharge planning, and other departments to establish and maintain infection-control procedures, employee health practices, training, care plans, and safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials. It also provides nursing consultation and direct care as necessary, supports resident isolation precautions, and participates in facility inspections and committee activities. The role requires a nursing degree from an accredited college or university, at least two years of experience (preferably in long-term care), an active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the state, and current CPR certification. APIC infection-control certification is preferred but not required. The position pays $38–$40; the posting does not specify the pay period.

Requirements

Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
At least two years of experience, preferably in a long-term care facility.
Working knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and aseptic technique, including standard/universal precautions.
Current, unencumbered, active Registered Nurse license in the state.
Current CPR certification.
Maintain required continuing education for licensure and remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-form instructions.
Ability to move intermittently during the workday and cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position.
Ability to see and hear, or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately.
Meet facility general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.
Ability to push, pull, move, and/or lift at least 25 pounds to a height of at least 5 feet and carry or move that weight at least 50 feet.
Willingness to perform tasks that may involve exposure to residents’ blood or body fluids.
May need to assist in evacuating residents during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

APIC certification in infection control.
Knowledge and experience with PCC.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct the facility’s infection control program in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Ensure compliance with CDC, OSHA, and local infection-control requirements, including standard/universal precautions.
Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection-control precautions and aseptic-technique procedures; interpret relevant policies and procedures.
Maintain infection-control reference materials and prepare written and oral reports and recommendations for the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.
Identify and classify job-related tasks involving potential exposure to blood or body fluids, monitor compliance with procedures, and ensure required training and protective equipment are available.
Make rounds to review infection cases, environmental sanitation, isolation precautions, and aseptic practices; visit isolated residents as necessary.
Ensure laboratory support is available, review infectious-disease laboratory reports, and consult with nursing leadership on care planning and aseptic techniques.
Develop and monitor decontamination, sterilization, sterile-pack testing, and shelf-life procedures; arrange reprocessing as necessary.
Ensure proper disposal and removal of infectious and contaminated materials.
Prepare monthly infection summaries, reports of special investigations, and written records of resident and employee infections; investigate possible sources and carriers.
Assist with infection-control procedures for laundry, environmental cleaning, isolation rooms, equipment, and facility-wide TB management.
Report reportable diseases to county and state health departments and participate in government facility surveys as needed.
Serve on and support the Infection Control Committee, provide reports and recommendations, and help evaluate and revise infection-control practices.
Develop and implement systems for detecting, evaluating, recording, and reporting infections among facility personnel; assist with employee health services and counseling.
Orient employees and provide or support training on infection control, hygiene, handwashing, bloodborne pathogens, TB management, hazard communication, and exposure-related tasks.
Report occupational exposures and review staff complaints or grievances; report suspected or known fraud to the Administrator.
Participate in resident admission selection interviews, explain precautions to residents and families, make physician rounds as necessary, and monitor nursing practices and documentation related to isolation precautions.
Assist with nursing procedures, obtain culture samples, and provide direct nursing care as necessary.
Develop and maintain written care plans for residents in isolation or on infection-control precautions; ensure staff awareness and adherence, and review and revise plans at least quarterly.
Assist the Director of Nursing Services with infection-control budgeting and equipment and supply recommendations; support preventive maintenance and efficient use of supplies.
Assess new or improved resident-care products and procedures, maintain confidential exposure records, and assist with evacuation of residents when necessary.