INFECTION CONTROL NURSE

Job Description

Responsibilities

River Vista Behavioral Health sits along the bluffs overlooking the San Joaquin River, this brand new, -bed facility, will provide high-quality and advanced behavioral health services to residents and visitors in the Central Valley. The new hospital will employ more than people, including clinicians, nurses, mental health technicians, support staff and administration.

We are currently seeking a forward thinking and talented Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse. The Infection Control is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Infection Control Program, assuming direct responsibility for infection surveillance and reporting, and providing technical support and education for the hospital staff. The IC Nurse is also responsible nursing staff education and training, and for the employee health compliance program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A graduate of an appropriately accredited school of nursing, is licensed by the State to practice as a Registered Nurse and demonstrates an understanding of the principles of epidemiology and infectious disease in the hospital.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Registered Nurse.

Licensure: Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in CA. Preferred certification in Infection Prevention/Control (CIC).

Additional Requirements: Thorough knowledge of The Joint Commission, OSHA, and state and federal regulatory requirements. CPR certification and successful completion of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training. CPI Training may be obtained during new hire orientation.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE CATEGORIZED UNDER THE TJC STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE.

Infection Control

* Surveillance

• Develops and maintains a method of identifying and recording known or
  suspected infections in patients and employees.
• Carries out periodic inspections to ensure that procedures for the control of
  infections are being followed correctly.
• Collects and maintains statistical data of value in the identification and control
  of infections.
• Maintains close liaison with the public health service and local physicians to
  identify patients with infections that become apparent after discharge from the
  

* Reporting

(1) Prepares monthly reports to the Infection Control Committee that includes data on infection rates by nursing unit and type of infection.

(2) Reports unusual clusters or outbreaks of infection to the Committee and conducts investigations as appropriate.

(3) Monitors employee illnesses and reports number and type to the Infection Control Committee.

* Controlling

• Helps to control the spread of infection in accordance with infection control policies and procedures by ascertaining the nature of the infection and the steps to be followed and judges their degree of implementation.
• Identifies the needs for intervention in the care of the patients and employees with infections and contact the appropriate individuals when necessary
• Track all monitor infection data to evaluate and investigate trends and report all trends to appropriate facility staff.*
• Evaluate and document the effectiveness of infection control activities.

Qualifications

Professional Development

• Show evidence of continuing education in the area of infection control.
• Maintain membership in APIC.
• Maintain current awareness of advances and trends in the area of infection control.
• Remain current on all nursing standards and techniques, and provide direction to staff and facility personnel on changing standards as required.

Continuous Quality Improvement

• Ensure that a system is developed to provide continuity of care and communication with family and appropriate referral sources, and ensure the system is evaluated and reviewed regularly.
• Evaluate the achievement of program goals and objectives with appropriate staff on a regular basis.
• Ensure the program meets TJC, Medicare and state and federal regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement a Performance Improvement Plan, evaluate the results monthly and report the results to the Performance Improvement Committee in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all deficiencies identified through the Performance Improvement analysis are addressed with appropriate problem solving actions.
• Analyze statistical data of the program to determine and respond to trends.

Note: The essential job functions of this position are not limited to the duties listed above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHA T KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLO YEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTL Y POSSESS. THIS LIST MA Y NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

• Knowledge of all code procedures.
• Knowledge of psychiatric and medical nursing procedures.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Laws, Child Abuse/Neglect/Maltreatment Laws and the DHS provider
  agreement.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
• Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers.
• Ability to analyze situations, evaluate data, recommend/implement courses of action that would
  improve the functioning of the systems/processes he/she is involved in.
• Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
• Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES HOW AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION CURRENTLY PERFORMS THE FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION. MODIFICATIONS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS JOB MAY BE PERFORMED WILL BE REVIEWED ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

• Ability to work a minimum hour week.
• Ability to sit for long periods, up to eight hours.
• Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small tools (copier, computer, telephone,
  typewriter, calculator, facsimile machine).
• Ability to push and pull up to Ibs. (file cabinet drawers, computer paper boxes).
• Ability to see well enough to read charts handwritten and typewritten material.
• Ability to lift and carry up to pounds to move/transfer file boxes, data processing paper and newly
  admitted patients' belongings.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, and bend daily.
• Ability to reach, turn, and twist above and below the waist.
• Ability to stand and walk the facility grounds daily.
• Ability to spend % of the working time outside in temperatures varying from -0° F. to ° F.
• Ability to handle a variety of repetitive tasks at a moderate level and work at a rapid pace.
• Prepared to handle electrical, mechanical or equipment emergencies.
• Ability to frequently handle hazardous/infectious waste.

Additional Requirements : A strong knowledge of The Joint Commission, HCFA, OSHA regulations, and patient rights standards and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mental health care facilities.

One of the nation’s largest and most respected hospital companies, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Steadily growing from a startup to an esteemed Fortune corporation, UHS today has annual revenue nearing $ billion. UHS is recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked # on the Fortune , and listed # in Forbes inaugural ranking of America’s Top Public Companies.