What are the responsibilities and job description for the INFECTION CONTROL REGISTERED NURSE position at Newport Hospital and Health Services?
Primary Scheduled Hours: Days, full time benefitted, 64 hours per pay period
Job Summary: Responsibilities include 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. Collaborates with facility leadership and healthcare providers responsible for inpatient and outpatient departments and services, as well as non-patient care support staff, i.e., Maintenance and Environmental Services staff. Assists with in-service programs related to infection prevention and control. Participates in the organization performance improvement program.
Essential Job Functions:
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the infection prevention and control process in the healthcare setting.
- Organizes the Infection Control Committee, including meeting times, agendas and deliverables.
- In collaboration with the Infection Control Committee and Provider, develops reviews and/or revises and implements organizational policies and procedures related to the control of infections and communicable diseases on a concurrent basis.
- Demonstrates knowledge of risk-stratified statistics as applicable to trending healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the Infection Prevention and Control Program.
- In coordination with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee, measures and evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Program.
- Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among patients/residents of all ages and healthcare staff.
- Maintains relationships with the local health jurisdictions, Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC); reports notifiable conditions within the timeframe defined by the governing organization.
- Maintains incident logs related to infections and communicable diseases, including healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and infections identified through Employee Health.
- Monitors proper use (manufacturers’ instructions) of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics and disinfectants in use throughout the facility.
- Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization and disinfection employed throughout the organization.
- Monitors proper use of sharps in use throughout the facility. Regularly reviews inventory of sharps without safety devices for safe replacements.
Education Background and Experience Requirements
Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in a health-care field with a minimum of 5 years’ clinical experience in a health care setting
Required Licensure / Certifications:
Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or ability to obtain within the first year of hire. (Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.)
Required Experience:
Completed and demonstrated coursework on basic infection prevention and surveillance by a recognized body.
Member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and/or The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a supervisory position in healthcare and completing chart review and surveillance in a healthcare setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
RN licensure
Specialized training and work experience in Infection Prevention and Control within the last five (5) years
Professional Requirements:
- Maintain regulatory requirements
- Report to work on time and as scheduled; complete work within designated timelines.
- Demonstrates the ability to adhere to the mission, ethics and goals of the District.
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients, guests and staff in a courteous, respectful and helpful manner.
Compensation/How We Care For You:
Successful candidates typically begin between the beginning and midpoint of the compensation range dependent on qualifications/experience and receive compensation in increments increases annually.
Comprehensive benefit package including:
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Retirement with a 6% dollar for dollar employer match
- Life and Disability Insurance
- AFLAC
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance Program
- Bonus, if eligible upon Board approval
- Gym membership
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Opportunities
Newport Hospital & Health Services (NHHS) is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. NHHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.
NHHS employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
NHHS is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
