RN - Infection Prevention

Infection Prevention Nurse

Pay range: $100,464 - $150,696 annually, based on experience. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, a 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous Earned Time Off (ETO) program.

Infection Prevention supports St. Charles Health System by establishing policies, guidelines and education to prevent healthcare-associated infections in patients, visitors, and caregivers, using a multi-disciplinary approach. This is Infection Prevention complies with regulatory reporting to the State of Oregon and CMS and other agencies.

The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for the day-to-day activities of surveillance, prevention and control of infections. Responsibilities will include facilitating development of infection prevention related policies, procedures and educational programs to comply with local, state, federal, Joint Commission and CDC regulations and guidelines. Duties will also include developing and monitoring activities related to continuous quality assessment and improvement; serving as a facilitator, educator, and resource for the organization relating to evidence-based practice infection prevention. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

Institute infection prevention measures to protect patients, caregivers, and visitors from suspected risks

Assist in collection, analyzing and presentation of data

Serves as a system wide Infection Prevention consultant

Provides immunizations to caregivers, volunteers, and licensed independent practitioners in collaboration with Caregiver Health

Investigates caregivers following exposure to infectious diseases or organisms and provides pertinent information to Caregiver Health to aid in their part of exposure follow up and prophylaxis, as needed. Consults with the Director of Infection Prevention/Caregiver Health and the Infectious Diseases Medical Director. Accesses and reviews patient records in EMR system for chart review, lab results and to monitor follow up.

May investigate and track caregivers following exposure to blood and body fluids by providing appropriate follow-up care, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C testing and treatment counseling in collaboration with Caregiver Health..

Work in conjunction with Safety Director as it relates to monitoring the environment of care and performing infection prevention duties

Develop and maintain open lines of communications with all departments and medical staff

Educates individuals about infection risk, prevention and control

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization's corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate.

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient's care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory agencies

Calculates dosages and administers medications accurately in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures for medication administration.

Required: As required by RN licensure

Preferred: Bachelor's degree

Required: Current Oregon RN license. Valid Oregon driver's license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements.

Preferred: Certified in Infection Control (CIC) (Must be willing to obtain CIC certification when eligible)

Required: Minimum of 5 years of recent hospital nursing experience.

Preferred: Two years of recent experience in Infection Prevention

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

Knowledge and experience with the standards of practice for Infection Prevention from APIC, Joint Commission, and other regulating bodies, or be willing to attain the knowledge through various resources. Recent infection prevention and control experience preferred . Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with all personnel; experience in adult education, and computer literacy required.

Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population and professionally represent St. Charles Health System.

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees

Strong team working and collaborative skills

Ability to multi-task and work independently

Attention to detail

Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful personal interactions

Strong analytical, problem solving and decision making skills Demonstrated ability and experience in computer applications, use of electronic medical record keeping systems and Microsoft Office

Intermediate math skills in order to calculate statistical infection data reports and run charts

Continually (75% or more): Standing, walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 1-25 pounds. Operation of motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, Climbing ladder/step-stool* (*varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, whispered speech level

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs

Never (0%): operation of motor vehicle

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/Slippery Area, chemical solution

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours: 40

Caregiver Type: Regular

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Is Exempt Position? Yes

Job Family: NON CONTRACT RN SPECIALIST

Scheduled Days of the Week: Monday-Friday

Shift Start & End Time: 9 am to 5 pm with occasional work outside core hours