Position Summary:

This is a multifaceted mid-level leadership position that will be responsible for infection control, and employee health, reviewing and updating policy and protocols.  Routinely perform chart audits, swing bed admissions, and rounding.  Other duties will be assigned as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Infection Control

Surveillance Activities:

  1. Perform surveillance of nosocomial infections, as well as targeted surveillance in problem areas.
  2. Analyze and distribute monthly and quarterly surveillance data to the Infection Control Committee and quarterly unit-specific and service-specific nosocomial infection reports to the medical and nursing staff.
  3. Monitor trends in unusual or resistant organisms (community-acquired or nosocomial) for evidence of spread to other patients, visitors, or employees.
  4. Notify the local public health agencies and/or the State Bureau of Community Health and Prevention of reportable diseases in collaboration with physicians, as required by state statute.
  5. Assume responsibility for pursuing necessary updating of computerized surveillance and isolation systems.

Investigation of Existing or Potential Epidemics:

  1. Carry out investigation of outbreaks and other infection control problems using appropriate epidemiologic methodology.
  2. Investigate and provide assistance in post-exposure follow-up for employees and patients. Coordinate appropriate follow-up of employees.

Education and Consultation:

  1. Participate in written and oral educational curricula dealing with nosocomial infection control for personnel.  Actively participate in continuing related medical education.
  2. Assist other departments, agencies, and personnel, including medical staff, to develop appropriate patient care protocols and guidelines, and education programs dealing with infection control.
  3. Be available to provide consultative services in infection control for personnel, including physicians and department heads.  This includes assisting with discharge planning of patients with infections as requested by receiving institutions, and teaching family members who will provide care.
  4. Collaborate with materials management personnel regarding optimal methods of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of patient care equipment.
  5. Coordinate with department heads, as it pertains to infection control, development, and implementation of protocols for the prevention and management of exposures and infections in personnel.
  6. Counsel employees regarding risk and prevention of disease after exposures, and in association with pregnancy.

Employee Health Nurse

  1. Provide testing and vaccinations for new employees, including TB skin tests, and other screening that is determined necessary.
  2. Monitor and keep records of employee illnesses.  Follow-up on the illness of the employee to determine if illness is job related.
  3. Determine if employee illness is due to injury on the job or related to health hazards on the job.

Other duties will be assigned as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Two to three years RN experience in an acute care hospital setting required
  • APIC (Association of Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology) preferred
  • Working knowledge of Interqual
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education:

  • Bachelor degree in accredited nursing program preferred or
  • Associate degree in accredited nursing program.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.
  • Requires long hours of standing and moving and/or long hours sitting at a desk working on computer.
  • Must be able to lift/carry 25-50 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:

  • 40 hours per week, regular business hours, with the ability to be flexible on weekends and holidays.
  • Benefits include medical, dental, vision, health savings account, life insurance, paid time off, and 457(b) match.

How to apply:

Please submit an application, upload your resume/CV and a cover letter on our website click here or email to knuttall@kanecountyhospitalut.gov.