Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse

Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse

New Bedford MA - New Bedford, MA 02740

Overview

Salary Range $72,155.00 - $100,360.00 Salary/year Position Type Full Time Category Nurse

Description

Under the supervision of the Chief Clinical Operations Officer (CCOO), the Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse is responsible for management of two critical functions: Employee Health; and Infection Prevention/Control. This role has oversight of multiple clinical, and vitally important, areas at New Bedford Community Health (NBCH). The first is oversight over all infection control and prevention related activities for NBCH. In addition, they will manage the employee health services program for staff, students and consultants at NBCH.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions.

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Establish standard methods of care, utilizing evidence based practice and best practice standards.

• Collaborate with department leaders to establish and implement infection control and employee health orientation programs.

• Create and revise policies and procedures related to infection control and employee health.

• Maintains complete and accurate employee health records to ensure regulatory compliance for NBCH. Follows HIPPA guidelines and staff confidentiality. Follows appropriate Policies and Protocols for obtaining employee records and managing employee records.

• Coordinates the development and implementation of all employee health initiatives and programs. Develop, alongside Human Resources, policies and procedures for pre-employment and on-boarding processes for employees.

• Responsible for all pre-employment testing and vaccination processes, annual N95/TB/Influenza testing and/or vaccinations, and the management of potential blood exposures, employee illnesses and disease outbreaks.

• Participates as an integral team member, collaborating with various departments and colleagues, including Safety Officer, Human Resources, Quality Director and others as needed to advocate for employee health and safety.

Responsible for coordinating the infection control program which includes surveillance; analysis of data; developing reports, policies and procedures.

• Use epidemiological principles and statistical methods to design, implement and evaluate infection prevention and control strategies.

• Provides consultation and education to staff, physicians and community leaders in respect to Infection Prevention & Control.

• Coordinate with the Safety Committee to determine the direction of surveillance activities and actively evaluate effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Plan annually.

• Conduct risk assessments at least annually and as needed with consideration of served populations, regional vulnerabilities, relevant statistical data, and new and emerging infectious diseases.

• Notify the County and/or State Health Department of any reportable diseases, adhering to all internal county and state procedures.

• Develop and implement continuously improved patient care procedures and control mechanisms relating to quality, compliance and infectious diseases.

• Participate in infection prevent and control education of all employees during orientation and annually thereafter, including classes in infection prevention and control practices and employee health.

• Ensure the infection prevention and control procedures meet county and state, CMS and CDC regulations, standards or guidelines.

• Organize Safety/Infection Prevention and Control Committee meetings and maintain all meeting minutes

• Collaborates with Director of Compliance on HRSA compliance and Ryan White Services including collaboration in planning and supporting quarterly risk assessments.

• Performs additional duties as assigned or requested such as supporting clinical team with nursing duties. Clinical time will be included in the role

Qualifications

Detail oriented and capable of exploring innovative solutions to solve complex problems and address issues through the use of a combination of delivered and custom-developed tools.

Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data.

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.

Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude.

Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.

Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.

Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skill.

Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.

I. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) strongly preferred, minimum requirement LPN II.

Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience working as a nurse, knowledge of the principles of infectious disease, must possess a knowledge of sterilization and disinfection practices. Training in infection surveillance and control preferred.

III. Certification/Licensure: Current Nursing License (RN or LPN) for state of Massachusetts.

Certified in CPR/BLS. Obtain Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Certification within two years as Infection Control/Employee Health Nurse IV.

Software/Hardware: Must be proficient and have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.). Experience working with electronic health records is required.