Infection Control Employee Health Nurse

Description

Solara Specialty Hospitals Harlingen is a long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital specializing in the treatment of patients recovering from post-intensive care and medically complex conditions. Our hospital provides both intensive care and telemetry-level services, offering advanced monitoring and support for patients requiring extended medical care. With a multidisciplinary team dedicated to personalized treatment plans, we focus on helping patients achieve significant recovery and transition to the next level of care.

Job Summary

Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients. Implements an effective hospital-wide infection control program in keeping with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), JCAHO, and other regulatory agencies. Directs all functions of the Employee Health program.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements, and continually monitors the infection control policies and procedures for all departments.
• Implements a surveillance system for detecting and monitoring hospital acquired and community infections. Ensures compliance to regulatory requirements.
• Provides physicians and staff with updates of infection control policy changes.
• Investigates outbreaks or clusters of infections. Monitors, analyzes, and interprets bacteriology reports and infection statistics, recommends appropriate control measures to prevent dissemination of resistant microorganisms and pathogens.
• Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients.
• Participates in Infection Control Committees.
• Collaborates with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases.
• Participates in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including TB, HIV/Hep/Universal Precautions. May educate patients as necessary.
• Acts as a resource person for staff concerning infection control.
• Undertakes regular infection control audits and appropriate follow up action where required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patient and/or employee information to assure patient and/or employee rights are protected.
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills when working or interacting with residents, their families, and other staff members.
• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Must read, write and speak fluent English.
• Approximate percent of time required to travel; 0%
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in nursing or healthcare related field.
• Master’s degree in clinical specialty preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for education requirements.

Licenses/Certification

• Current State RN license required.
• BLS Certification required.
• ICP or related certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year clinical experience in medical-surgical or critical care nursing.
• Experience in Infection Control with basic knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infections, diseases, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practice preferred.