Infection Control Prevention Nurse

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JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide infection prevention and control education, guidance and recommendations to healthcare and non-healthcare facilities, and regional DPH staff. Collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure proper infection control practices are followed in healthcare settings and to report infectious diseases. Analyze situations and make informed decisions based on evidence-based practices. Assist facilities with building their IP program to include risk assessment and assist with antibiotic stewardship.

• Plan, develop, and perform activities of the CDC's Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR), utilize the CDC's tools to assess IPC practices in dialysis settings and for other identified healthcare facilities. Coordinate and conduct on-site IPC visits with facilities. Maintain written/electronic reports of assessments to infection control for facilities with tailored timely recommendations. Collects and records data for IPC activities and to support performance measures for grant activities.

• Investigate, assess infection control practices and assist with colonization screenings as needed for MDRO containment and response. Assist with proactive point prevalence surveys. Participate in planning and response activities for infectious disease outbreaks, including pandemic preparedness. Conduct investigations of suspected outbreaks, including contact tracing, isolating cases, and implementing control measures. Support immunization campaigns through education of providers. Perform risk assessments and mitigation by identifying potential infection risks and implementing strategies to mitigate the risk.

• Develop and present infection prevention training and compliance with best practices in collaboration with the CO HAI team for healthcare and non-healthcare providers and regional DPH staff.

• Assist with Medical Needs Shelter (MNS) operations, maintains supportive nursing practice competencies to include, but not limited to, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal best practice injection administration, oral medication administration, and client emergency response including First Aid, CPR and AED, and be willing and available to assist during times of public health emergency and outbreak response efforts. Performs other duties as assigned

State Minimum Requirements: Licensure as a registered nurse by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina. Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements: At a minimum, ADN or BSN, and four (4) years of experience as a Registered Nurse, one (1) of which must have been in an acute care nursing specialty or in infectious disease. 

CURRENT NURSING STUDENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED:

Current nursing students or recent graduates will be considered prior to graduation and/or obtaining their nursing license should they meet all position requirements and provide proof of the obtained degree, transcripts, and nursing license upon successful completion of National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within six (6) months of applying. Offers will be rescinded if required information is not received within six (6) months from the application date.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.Demonstrates knowledge in public health nursing practice, preventing and controlling the transmission of infectious diseases, and identification/investigation and reporting of infectious disease processes and practice. Ability to anticipate problems and work effectively with partners on infection prevention and control issues. Skilled in planning, implementing, and evaluating training presentations and exercises. Good communication skills, orally and in writing and ability to communicate in clear & effective manner. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups and individuals. Ability to educate and train diverse groups. Experience using Microsoft Office Software. Obtain CPR certification within the first six months and as required thereafter.

Must be available to respond in emergency/disaster situations; must meet all health and safety standards including random drug screenings, fit testing for respirators. Must be able to lift 20 lbs. Unrestricted driver’s license or ability to obtain transportation in order to fulfill job duties (may be required to use personal vehicle). Position will require in-state travel within the designated region, potentially other areas of the state and overnight travel.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

SC DPH is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Applicants needing an accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for an accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for temporary hourly positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Primary Member, Spouse, and Children (must average at least 30 hours a week to be eligible)

• State Retirement Plan

• Deferred Compensation Programs

Salary : $36