Infection Prevention Nurse

Neuropsychiatric Hospitals•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Medical Behavioral Hospital of Clear Lake, Texas is looking for an Infection Prevention Nurse to support our hospital. The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for preventing and managing healthcare-associated infections within the hospital. This position will develop and implement infection control protocols, monitor compliance with hygiene practices, and educate healthcare staff and patients on infection prevention measures.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing, medical technology, microbiology, or epidemiology. Associate's required. Bachelor's preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of healthcare experience with formal Infection Control (IC) training (defined as education or certification from an accredited healthcare organization, infection prevention association, regulatory agency, or structured hospital-based program) preferred OR 5 years of healthcare experience with formal IC training to be completed within the first year of employment.
Current and active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Texas required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) and NPH-approved safety management course obtained during orientation.

Nice To Haves

Certification from the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement facility wide infection surveillance, prevention and control policies and procedures that adhere to nationally recognized guidelines
Prevent and control health care associated infections, including auditing of adherence to infection prevention and control policies and procedures by facility staff, including medical staff
Communicate and collaborate with the antibiotic stewardship program
Develop an infection control plan with prioritized goals at least annually and when changes occur based on the prior program evaluation and current risk assessment
Gather and interpret data and keep accurate records of all infections
Compile and present Infection Reports to the Safety/Infection Control Committee and the Performance Improvement Council at assigned intervals
Inspect environment and observe personnel activities for the purpose of detecting infection hazards
Monitor and evaluate compliance with standards set by facility policy and industry
Monitor and update all facility department supervisors on all area-specific policies and procedures important to infection prevention principles
Investigate all 'exposure incidents,' oversee post-exposure evaluation and follow-up process in order to recommend appropriate actions to be taken
Notify designated medical, administrative staff and appropriate health department authorities all reportable communicable disease
Develop and provide in-service and orientation programs concerning prevention and control of infection, standard precautions, isolation techniques and education on current infectious disease
Responsibilities may also include gathering, analyzing and presenting data, facts and trends on infection prevention to facility or corporate leadership
Train facility staff and medical staff on infection prevention and control protocols
Assess and re-enforce infection prevention practices
Communicate therapeutically and professionally with patients, visitors, coworkers and others in an effective manner