Infection Preventionist/Employee Health Nurse

Description

PRN (as needed)

Responsibilities include the identification, investigation, reporting, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases within the organization, including both healthcare associated infections and community acquired infections.

Knowledgeable of CDC guidelines and definitions of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations and national guidelines.

Collaborates with organization leadership and healthcare providers responsible for inpatient and outpatient departments and services as well as non-patient care support staff i.e. Maintenance and Environmental Services staff. Provides in-service programs related to infection prevention and control. Participates in the organization performance improvement program.

As the Employee Health Nurse is responsible for pre-placement, annual screenings, vaccinations, respirator fit testing and maintaining employee health medical records. 

Functions of the Position (not an exhaustive list):
- Administers preplacement health screening program for employee candidates; coordinates specialized testing with other departments.
- Administers periodic health screening program for employees.
- Administers mandatory and elective immunization program for employees and medical staff.
- Submits required data to NHSN for the Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination module.
- Administers respirator fit test program. Responsible for overseeing “train-the-trainer” for respirator fit testing in other departments.
- Administers bloody and body fluid post-exposure evaluation and follow-up for employees. Provides resources and training for the ED for administering blood and body fluid post-exposure evaluation after office hours. 

Requirements

 Education & Necessary Skills:
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Licensure in North Carolina as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Specialized training in Infection Prevention and Control within last five (5) years; evidence of pertinent continuing education minimally every two (2) years
• Certification in Infection Control required within 3 years of employment, if not already certified.
• Member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc (AAOHN) and Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP)
• Certification as an Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)– Specialist preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of clinical experience