Infection Control/ Employee Health Nurse

The Infection Control / Employee Health Nurse works to promote health and safety to all patients by facilitating patient surveillance which includes: infection control related disease detection prevention and treatment; and following up on hospital-acquired infections. The Infection Control / Employee Health Nurse assists in the organization by meeting regulatory requirements for quality reporting measures coordinating infection prevention and control activities and serving as a resource for various infection prevention issues.

This position will also be responsible for all functions of the employee health program.

Patient Surveillance

• Conducting chart audits and collecting data for infection prevention quality indicators following up on hospital acquired infections infection control related disease detection prevention and treatment.

Employee Health

• Develop review and evaluate employee health policies and procedures.
• Orientation related to Infection Control to new employees.
• Maintain an employee health database.
• Maintain complete and accurate employee health records.
• Will be responsible for the coordination of al pre-employment health reviews employee health reviews vaccination process N95 fit testing employee influenza vaccinations management of blood exposures and disease outbreaks.
• Work alongside Human Resources and Safety Committee members to advocate for employee health safety injury prevention and onboarding.

Coordination of Infection Prevention & Control Activities

• Communication and implementation of the current infection control guidelines (example CDC guidelines and APIC)
• Engaging hospital staff in infection control initiatives to educate and heighten awareness of infection prevention topics.
• Facility and Construction

Quality Data Reporting

• Submission of monthly data to HQIC NHSN EPIC reporting audits and other quality reporting as needed.

Basic Clarke County Hospital (CCH) Performance Criteria

• Demonstrates Clarke County Hospital Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to hospital policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA DIA DNV OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff. Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of RN nursing.
• Willingness to attend course in infection control surveillance and documentation within 1 year of hire.

Preferred:

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing or other healthcare related degree

Experience:

• Three (3) years clinical experience

Preferred:

• Process Improvement Experience
• Infection Prevention/Control Experience
• Quality Improvement Experience

License(s)/Certification(s):

• Maintain RN Licensure to practice in the state of Iowa
• CPR certification

Preferred:

• Valid drivers license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Qualified to administer immunizations
• Basic computer skills with ability to learn more complex computer skills.
• Data input knowledge
• Good mathematical skills
• Good organizational skills

Other:

• Will receive Board approval and be appointed as Infection Preventionist within 1 year of hire.
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

Shifts & Schedule: Normal Business Hours (40 hours per week)