Infection Control Nurse

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•El Paso, TX

56d•Onsite

About The Position

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses. The Infection Control Nurse performs advanced professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse. Works under direction and supervision of the Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) and serves as the Infection Control Coordinator for the SSLC. Plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates infection control activities and independently makes changes and recommendations for improvements. Leads the SSLC system-wide in the development and implementation of an infection control program (including employee health) operations, policies and procedures, ensuring infection prevention is implemented and maintained regarding health issues and practices. Educates all levels of staff and has the current knowledge base to explain this critical health care program. Independently develops training and educational programs for all levels of staff understanding. Evaluate the effectiveness of the infection control program through the analysis of statistical data and performance evaluation reports. Leads groups and independently leads an effective/productive committee to continually address infection control issues. Works in cooperation with the local and state health department and ensures adherence to federal regulations and requirements. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures.
Knowledge of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control principles and practices in the healthcare setting.
Knowledge of standards and Infection Prevention Control standards related to infection control and utilization management.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center, or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines, or ability to quickly gain that knowledge.
Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications.
Skill in the care and treatment of patients.
Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members.
Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff.
Ability to train all levels of staff.
Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership including on-call administrators.
Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations.
Must maintain current CPR certification. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact,
At least one (1) year experience as a practicing registered nurse is required.

Nice To Haves

At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility preferred.
Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
Two years of Nursing Supervisory/Administrative experience is preferred.
Infection Control Experience is preferred.
Previous experience working with Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Participates in developing, writing and implementing program operations, policies and procedures pertaining to Infection Control issues. Evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Control program.
Reviews literature and research findings to keep abreast of current infectious diseases and infection prevention, nursing care standards, state and federal laws (ICF/IID rules and regulations), and infection control prevention and control standards and serves as the resource person for infection control issues.
Ensures that Standard Precautions are being implemented and used when necessary. Upon notification of an identified infection, assesses the situation, implements isolation precautions or other preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease, monitors and follows up to ensure that infection control procedures are implemented, and individual treatment plans are implemented/modified as needed.
Interprets Infection control situations and communicate them effectively in writing and orally. Collects at least weekly reports detailing all infections on campus, antibiotic use, culture report results, and reports findings, trends, and interventions to the Infection Control committee.
Chairs and documents result of at least monthly Infection Control Committee meetings.
Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments. Works closely and collaboratively with the CNE, Primary Care Providers, Pharmacy, Nurse Managers, Nurse Educator, CTD, Health Department and CDC if/when applicable.
Trains and counsels all levels of staff about routine infection control issues as well as blood borne pathogen exposures, suggestions to address identified risk factors, and coordinates specialized outbreak exposure investigations.
Coordinates/performs utilization reviews, analyzes trends, then makes decisions and recommendations to Campus Leaders.
Performs routine Infection Control observations in all departments and on all shifts. Conducts infection control surveillance rounds and utilizes the results to identify areas of risk that can be addressed proactively to prevent new or existing illnesses.
Identifies, compiles, reviews, trends and analyzes data for trends, and implements procedures and training to prevent or halt progression of infectious diseases.
Complies and coordinates, according to evidence-based practice guidelines, the implementation of immunizations in the facility to both individuals and staff.
Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

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