RN Infectious DiseaseInfection Prevention & Control Lead Coordinator
Job Location:
Loma Linda, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Registered Nurse is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising infection control practices. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on education self-management and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the facility infection control quality improvement processes and initiatives as well as customer service programs.
The IP provides leadership in ensuring the Infection Control Program complies with all mandated Veteran Health Administration (VHA) The Joint Commission (TJC) Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) applicable State regulations. The IP evaluates reviews and revising facility policies and procedures following national standard changes from Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) etc. The IP works collaboratively with other clinical and administrative departments and staff including but not limited to Industrial Hygiene Patient Safety Engineering Risk Management and EOH in providing reports consultative advice and other data needed. The IP serves on facility committees to communicate educate and provide consultation.
The Lead Coordinator is also responsible for keeping the Medical Centers Infection Control policies updated being actively involved in leading and setting the agenda for the monthly Infection Prevention & Control Committee and formulating and presenting the Annual Infection Prevention and Control Program Evaluation Risk Assessment and following years program plan. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership experience and creative approaches to management of complex patient care in their home setting to include initial and ongoing patient assessment to include the following:
- This nurse functions as the Team Lead for Infection Prevention and Control.
- Engages with all levels of clinicians non-licensed staff and leadership at the facility VISN and National levels.
- Communicates knowledge and understanding of mandatory requirements and standards of Joint Commission OSHA and California State Public Health as they relate to Infection Prevention .
- Performs surveillance of infections and diseases contact investigations and containment of infectious disease outbreaks collection and analysis of infections to reduce risk and improve health outcomes.
- Review best practices in infection prevention and works with all healthcare disciplines to implement these practices.
- Participates in Environment of care and Construction rounds for the facility.
- Provide Infectious Disease consultation to Community Living Center.
- Supervise and cross-coverage with other Infection Prevention Nurse (s) as needed/requested.
- Performs other related duties.
- Assists in initiating and conducting appropriate epidemiological studies aimed at defining the nature etiology and control of Hospital acquired infection (HAI) outbreaks.
- Participates in the development implementation and maintenance of infection control activities and functions as a liaison between the Medical Center various regulatory agencies and the medical community.
- Serves as an active member of the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and maintains data and correspondence pertaining to HAI.
- Coordinates infection control program function with state and local health departments concerning patients with reportable communicable diseases.
- Participates in the evaluation of equipment and supplies related to infection control.
- Functions as a resource person for Employee Health Service on matters pertaining to infection control and exposures to communicable diseases.
- Works closely with the Medical Center Safety Officer and Industrial Hygienist on environment of care issues that pertain to the practice of Infection Control and Occupational Health.
- Develops the Infection Prevention & Control Program Plan Annual Program Evaluation and Risk Assessment
- Develops and keeps updated facility Infection Prevention & Control Guidelines/Policies.
Preferred Experience:
- Bachelors Degree in health care related field minimum.
- 3 to 5 years experience in nursing field.
- Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (APIC CIC) preferred and strongly recommended.
- Previous infection prevention experience strongly desired will be used as ranking criteria.
- Knowledge of clinical practice guidelines and standards for prevention and control of infection.
- Ability to utilize computers and Microsoft programs (e.g. Word Access Excel and PowerPoint) to analyze data prepare graphs and charts and reports.
Work Schedule: TBD
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
- U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.
Basic Requirements:
- English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); OR Individuals attending a masters level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelors level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program. Upon achievement of a State license the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program. (Reference VA Handbook 5005 Appendix G6); OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing possession of a current full active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program. Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD).
- Current full active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements but do not possess the required licensure may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case-by-case-basis.)
Grade Determinations: The following Scope Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates and if appropriate the level within a grade. The Dimension requirements (Practice Veteran/Patient Driven Care Leadership Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: I Level I
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard please visit Requirements: Pushing; Straight pulling; Pulling hand over hand; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 6 hours); Standing (up to 6 hours); Kneeling (Intermittent);Repeated bending (up to 6 hours); Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13 to 16; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 an to 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional and Mental Stability.**If 10 hours shifts hours of moving bending standing walking will be 10 hours.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges universities schools or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information visit:
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Pay: Competitive salary regular salary increases potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave 13 days of sick leave 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
IC
