RN - Inf Prev​/Emp. Health Req

EMPLOYEE HEALTH COMPONENT

This is a position which combines the skills of an experienced Registered Nurse with the knowledge and expertise of an Employee Health Nurse whose focus is a safe and healthy staff. Position responsibilities include: assessment of staff health and safety, facilitation of problem solving, periodic assessment of compliance with established policies and procedures, Joint Commission standards and Medicare Conditions of Participation;

education and promotion of preventative health and safety practices, ongoing surveillance and evaluation of staff injuries and illnesses, personnel, and the maintenance of an effective Employee Health Program. This position requires participation in Environment of Care, Patient Safety and Quality Committee as well as any other requested teams. This position may also assists HR with the Worker’s Compensation Program; and performs other duties as assigned.

The hospital leadership team has selected this individual and delegates to him/her the responsibility for the surveillance/monitoring and reporting of nosocomial infections and isolation precautions.

The Infection Prevention Coordinator focus is the delivery of health care in a clean, safe, protected environment. Position responsibilities include ensuring continuity of patient care, facilitating problem solving, and assuring compliance with established policies and procedures, Joint Commission standards and Medicare Conditions of Participation ongoing surveillance and evaluation of infections in patients and personnel. This position will deal with data analysis, trending and tracers and work on concurrent chart reviews.

This position will perform other duties as assigned.

This individual will:

• Functions as a resource for the nursing staff, facilitates problem solving with staff members and communicates necessary issues to Nursing Administration.
• Is able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of established policies and procedures.
• Promotes an environment that encourages team building by courteously, cooperatively and effectively working with physicians, ancillary, nursing and other support personnel in maintaining the standards of professional nursing practice in the multidisciplinary setting.
• Actively participates in Quality/Performance Improvement, Environment of Care, Case Management and other meetings as needed
• Provides education to patients, family, staff and physicians regarding infection prevention practices at VVMC
• Updates the Infection Prevention Risk Assessment and Work Plan annually to continually enhance the program.

Actively surveys all areas of the hospital for potential infectious/hazardous environments, and takes steps for the immediate correction and resolution of any areas identified. Implements strategies designed to reduce the risk of nosocomial, epidemic infections, including initiating cultures on employees, patients or environment and may initiate or enforce isolation procedures to control infection or conduct outbreak investigations.

QUALIFICATIONS
:

Degree / Licensure / Certification / Registration
:
Valid Arizona R.N. licensure required. Must have current BLS and ACLS. Membership in A.P.I.C. preferred. Obtain CIC certification within 6 months of starting position.

Experience

Required:

Minimum two years as an Infection Prevention Nurse required.

Special Skills &

Qualifications:

Must communicate effectively in both oral and written form to widely diverse audience – ranging from unskilled personnel to highly trained and experienced professionals. Effective human relations skills are required for interfacing with team members, all levels of staff, physicians, patients, families and other contacts. Must possess the ability to effectively function in a stressful environment. Must possess the ability to use the following equipment:
Telephone / Overhead Paging System / Fax Machine / Calculator / Computer / Wheelchair / Gurney / Hospital Beds. Must be able to work any scheduled shifts. Must be willing to work periodic overtime and be prepared to take call as required. Complete Competency Based Skills Checklists for all unit(s) assigned.