Job Summary

The Infection Control Nurse - RN is responsible for the administration of the Infection Prevention and Control Program, which includes the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention, education and control of nosocomial infections among patients and personnel. Will supervise staff infection prevention and control activities according to the hospital's policies and procedures while maintaining the hospital's philosophy. Supports the interpretation and implementation of policies, procedures and standards of care for infection prevention and control. The role is responsible for the ensuring all employees are provided a robust education program throughout the course of employment that enables them to master and demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties

Essential Duties:

• Oversees the hospital’s infection control program ensuring that standards of care pertaining to infection control are developed and maintained per legal and regulatory requirements.
• Inspects facility/departments and reviews processes to identify infection control issues.
• Prepares reports, action plans, educates and monitors ongoing compliance with infection control standards.
• Monitor and evaluate training program’s effectiveness, success and ROI periodically and report on them.
• Maintains safe and healthy work environment by establishing and enforcing infection control standards; adhering to legal regulations; ensures any issues or problems are identified and corrective actions taken.
• Maintains professional, technical and regulatory knowledge.
• Upholds the Organization's ethics and customer service standards.
• Performs related duties, as requested.

Education and/or Licensure – Minimum of an Associate Degree (ADN) or a Bachelor's Degree (BSN) in nursing. CPR (BLS, ACLS) and Behavior Management Program certification must be obtained within 30 days upon hire. Valid Texas RN license in good standing required. CIC or APIC certification a plus.

Experience – A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a healthcare environment preferred. Previous infection control experience preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements – None

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to assess the infectious disease processes.
• Knowledge of prevention and control of transmission of infectious agents.
• Knowledge of state licensing, regulatory, and facility requirements for healthcare worker immunizations.
• Knowledge of HIPAA medical privacy regulations and practices.
• Understanding of medical and biological terminology.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in the control, preparation and administration of medications.
• Must have advanced PC skills that include a combination of working in a Windows Operating System and Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals and function calmly in situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
• Skill to independently interpret reference materials to comply with law, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc.
• Ability to apply time management practices to prioritize, schedule and complete work effectively to comply with mandated policies and deadlines.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks or parts of tasks simultaneously to ensure timely completion of work activities.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

Perform the following with or without reasonable accommodations:

• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and be able to perceive the attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, and/or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips.
• Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken word during activities in which they must convey detail or important spoken instructions to others accurately, sometimes quickly and loudly.
• Hearing to perceive the nature of sound with no less than 40 db loss @ Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction; ability to perceive detailed information orally and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers. Individual must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and to be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction that will enable people in the role to complete administrative and clerical tasks, as well as inspect and analyze.
• Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic; ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another
• While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside.