Infection Control Nurse

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Brenham, TX

4d•$7,533 - $8,886•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Control Nurse performs advanced professional nursing work and serves as the Infection Control Coordinator for the Brenham State Supported Living Center. Under the direction and supervision of the Chief Nursing Executive (CNE), this nurse plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates infection-control activities; independently recommends and implements improvements; and leads development and implementation of the center’s infection-control program, including employee health operations, policies, and procedures. The role ensures infection-prevention practices are maintained, educates staff at all levels, evaluates program effectiveness using statistical data and performance reports, leads infection-control committees, and works with local and state health departments to ensure compliance with applicable federal requirements. The nurse also treats HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment. The position works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based at the Brenham State Supported Living Center, which provides campus-based services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The role is full-time, on the day shift, and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be up to 5%. Flexibility in hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours, weekends, and holidays; rotating schedules, on-call coverage, and alternate shifts or locations may be required to meet facility or emergency-response needs.

Requirements

At least one year of experience as a practicing registered nurse.
Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Texas or in a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Maintain current CPR certification.
Knowledge of nursing techniques, standards, procedures, healthcare laws and regulations, medical diagnoses and procedures, accepted treatment patterns, community health and nursing care, program regulations, and utilization review and control measures.
Knowledge of infectious diseases and infection-prevention and control principles and practices in healthcare settings.
Knowledge of infection-prevention and utilization-management standards.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and ICF-IID rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, or ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
Knowledge of nursing-care standards, the Settlement Agreement, and Healthcare Guidelines, or ability to gain that knowledge quickly.
Ability to work independently and productively with staff at all levels; train staff; make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership; organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and health-service delivery; and plan, assign, or supervise others’ work.
Computer/software and electronic health record skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and interpret regulations clearly and concisely.
Skill in patient care and treatment; ability to provide care, maintain records, interpret policies and regulations, recognize patterns of medical necessity, and coordinate nursing services.
Ability to interact appropriately with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, their family members, and staff.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, including CPR, and ability to assess and care for residents or staff in emergencies.
Sufficient strength and flexibility to safely perform CPR.
Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must pass applicable fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug-screen, and registry checks; State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
Applicants subject to Selective Service requirements must be registered, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or healthcare facility.
Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of nursing supervisory or administrative experience.
Infection-control experience.
Previous experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Attend work regularly, follow assigned schedules, and perform other duties as assigned; may work rotating or extended shifts, overtime, and on-call rotations.
Participate in developing, writing, and implementing infection-control program operations, policies, and procedures, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Review literature and research to remain current on infectious diseases, infection prevention, nursing standards, applicable laws and regulations, and infection-control standards; serve as a resource on infection-control issues.
Ensure Standard Precautions are implemented; assess identified infections, implement isolation or other preventive measures, monitor compliance, and ensure individual treatment plans are implemented or modified as needed.
Collect weekly reports on campus infections, antibiotic use, and culture results; analyze and communicate findings, trends, and interventions to the Infection Control Committee.
Chair and document at least monthly Infection Control Committee meetings.
Work independently and collaboratively with staff and departments, including the CNE, primary care providers, Pharmacy, Nurse Managers, Nurse Educator, CTD, health departments, and CDC when applicable.
Train and counsel staff on routine infection-control issues, bloodborne pathogen exposures, risk reduction, and outbreak exposure investigations.
Coordinate or perform utilization reviews, analyze trends, and make decisions and recommendations to campus leaders.
Conduct routine infection-control observations and surveillance rounds across departments and shifts, identify risks, and use findings to prevent illness.
Compile, review, trend, and analyze data; implement procedures and training to prevent or halt infectious disease progression.
Coordinate implementation of immunizations for individuals and staff according to evidence-based practice guidelines.
Provide treatment to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned, potentially including a different shift pattern or location.