Employee Health & Infection Prevention Nurse

Open until filled

1.0 FTE 

Core office hours Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm

JOB SUMMARY

The Employee Health Nurse provides assessment and reassessment of occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses and coordinates employee health education and wellness programs for the Hospital District.

The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for gathering of data, identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, and control of infections and communicable diseases within the organization, including both healthcare associated infections and community-acquired infections. Knowledgeable of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations and national guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Ability to perform a focused health record review on all employees and volunteers as needed. This includes a systematic and pertinent collection of data about the health status of the employee.
• Identifies employee problems; seeks consultation as necessary with Managers and HR.
• Ensures employee immunizations and TB screenings are up-to-date.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. Actively participates in the district Wellness Committee.
• Knowledge of current state, federal and local laws and regulations governing employee healthcare needs.
• Communicates closely with local health department staff and reports data as required.
• Assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures for employee health and infection prevention. Leads and monitors performance improvement projects within departments related to infection control.
• Develops and/or maintains a system for identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections and communicable diseases of patients and staff. Creates the Infection Control Plan annually. Participates in the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee.
• Conducts data entry and action plans in the district quality and event reporting software. Collaborates with nurse management to conduct performance improvement projects.
• Assists in the development, implementation and improvement of infection prevention and control practices. Assists with in-service education related to infection prevention and control throughout the organization.
• Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection prevention and control to all levels of healthcare staff, utilizes all district email communication when indicated.
• Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established thresholds, and/or in clusters by patient care units. Manages the source control and response policy and reports updates to the CNO
• Monitors proper use (manufacturers’ instructions) of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics and disinfectants in use throughout the facility. Monitors compliance of proper use.
• Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization and disinfection employed throughout the organization.
• Maintains qualifications through ongoing education and training, i.e., participation in infection prevention and control courses and infection control professional societies.
• Manages the occupational injury database, communicates with staff members, and updates HR and supervisors of any work activity restrictions when indicated.
• Float to assist in ED, Acute Care, and/or Non Skilled Swing Bed Unit when necessary for staffing assistance.
• Perform related duties as assigned by management.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Actively checks and responds to emails throughout the day.
• Completes all mandatory education within given time-frame.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.
• Attends annual review and department in-services as scheduled.
• Attends at least 75% of staff meetings; reviews all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Attends scheduled nurse leadership huddle meetings.
• Remains available for night hours communication needs related to Employee Health.
• Actively participates in the department’s quality improvement (QI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices and the employee handbook.
• Communicates the mission, vision and values of the organization as well as the focus of the department.
• Meets dress code standards for the department; appearance is neat and clean.
• All Ferry County Health employees are required to maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policy, state and federal regulations, including not but limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current LPN or RN license within the state of Washington.
• Current AHA BLS Certification.
• AHA ACLS Certified within six (6) months of hire.
• TNCC within six (6) months of hire
• NRP within 1 year of hire.
• AHA PALS within six (6) months of hire.
• Specialized training in Infection Prevention and Control and/or evidence of pertinent continuing education upon hire.
• Certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control preferred.
• Member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and/or the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America required within 3 months of hire. Complete the APIC EPI Intensive 4 day online Infection Prevention training course within 6 months of hire.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, patients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL AND / OR MENTAL DEMANDS

The attached Work Environment & Physical Demands addendum indicates the physical demands that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

The Standards of Behavior were developed to reflect Ferry County Health’s commitment to excellent community healthcare. The employee’s commitment to practice these Standards of Behavior will promote an optimal environment of care and foster a positive work environment. Every employee is responsible for and must follow the Standards of Behavior.

THE ORGANIZATION

Ferry County Memorial Hospital (dba Ferry County Health) was established in Republic, Washington in 1945 and moved to its present facility in June of 1974. Until 1989, the Hospital was operated by the Ferry County Hospital Association, a private group composed of members of the community.

Ferry County Health is dedicated to improving health and saving lives in our community. Ferry County’s Mission Statement is: To strengthen the health and well-being of our community through partnership and trust.

Ferry County Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision paid 100% by Facility

3% Retirement match

Life Flight & Airlift NW Insurance

PTO

EIB

Employee Assistance Program

Local Discounts

Salary : $55,000 - $98,000