Wilbarger General Hospital
Vernon, Texas
Job Description
Job Title:
Infection Surveillance/Employee Health Coordinator/Nurse
Educator
Department:
Nursing Administration
Job Summary:
Responsible for the Infection Surveillance Program, including
the surveillance, analysis, and reporting of healthcare acquired
infections; educating employees about infection control; and the
development of health system policies and procedures to insure
rigorous infection control standards that meet regulatory and
accrediting requirements. Provides health education, guidance,
and nursing care to employees through a comprehensive
employee health program that includes assistance to employees
who become ill or are injured on the job, hospital wide
immunizations as deemed necessary, monitoring employee
health and prevention of accidents and illness. Assists with the
assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of
education programs for all nursing staff.
Job Qualifications:
A.
Education:
Graduate of accredited registered nurse program. BSN
preferred. MSN desirable.
B.
Personal Job-Related Skills: Basic understanding of medicine and disease
processes as well as WGH functions. Knowledge and abilities in teaching
adult education. Effective oral and written communication skills.
Leadership and management skills. Basic computer, data collection, and
information evaluation skills.
C.
Licensure, Registry or Certification: Registered Nurse currently licensed
by the State of Texas Board of Nursing. BLS and ACLS required.
Revised 09/22/2011
D.
Experience:
1.
E.
Prior work experience: At least three years previous experience
as a professional Registered Nurse in a health care setting with
experience in infection control and/or employee health programs
preferred. Working knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology,
infectious diseases, aseptic techniques, and current practices
preferred.
Physical and Mental Requirements: Intermittent sitting, prolonged
periods of standing and walking. Frequent bending, stooping, twisting,
reaching. Average lifting of 25 pounds, with occasional lifting up to 50
pounds. Pushing and pulling with 50 pounds force while assisting patients
or moving equipment. Occasional heavy lifting when moving or
supporting patients who may become weak or helpless.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
A.
Infection Control:
1.
Develops and implements all departmental policies and procedures
related to infection control. Reviews and revises policies as needed.
2.
Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating,
reporting, and preventing the spread of nosocomial infections among
patients of all ages and healthcare personnel.
3.
Conducts on-going surveillance using Center of Disease Control
(CDC) infection criteria, documentation, and investigation through
review of:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
4.
Revised 09/22/2011
Healthcare acquired infections
Admission diagnoses
Microbiology culture results
Isolation orders
Patient records
Temperature charts
Consultation requests
Post-discharge surveillance
Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology
laboratory of patients and personnel to determine if infection is
nosocomial in origin.
B.
5.
Confers with staff nurses on all patient units on a regular basis to
determine if infection is nosocomial in origin.
6.
Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established
thresholds, and/or clusters by patient units.
7.
Initiates culture and sensitivity and/or appropriate isolation
precautions when indicated.
8.
Assists with in-service education related to infection prevention and
control system wide.
9.
Completes and submits required reports to the Texas DSHS in a
timely and accurate manner.
10.
Maintains accurate records of nosocomial infections among patients
and personnel.
11.
Maintains proper use of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics,
and disinfectants in use throughout the facility.
12.
Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization, and disinfection
employed throughout the facility.
13.
Communicates infection surveillance activities to QAPI nd
administration via the Clinical Review Committee and medical staff
via the Infection Surveillance Report presented at monthly Medical
Staff meetings.
14.
Collaborates with the Chief Nursing Officer to review and approve
Infection Surveillance Manual policies and procedures at least every
two years. (Exposure Surveillance Plan every year)
15.
Stays informed of changing infection control practices and presents
plan for compliance in a timely manner.
16.
Designs and implements new methods to improve the efficiency and
outcomes of the Infection Surveillance Program.
17.
Implements and conducts special studies when appropriate.
Employee Health Nurse:
1.
Revised 09/22/2011
Develops and implements all departmental policies and procedures
for Employee Health and assures approval and dissemination.
Reviews and revises policies as needed.
C.
2.
Develops, implements, and maintains efficient tracking mechanisms
for all aspects of employee health. Maintains required employee
health records, accident and other reports, statistics, and
documentation for administrative and regulatory purposes. Monitors
trends and makes recommendations for improvements when needed.
3.
Manages and coordinates the Worker’s Compensation program
which includes timely reporting, medical assessment, and providing
follow-up medical care through internal and external resources.
4.
Addresses staff and managerial concerns regarding employee health.
Actively participates on the Clinical Review Committee.
Nurse Educator:
1.
Maintains standards of nursing practice by providing education in
clinical nursing activities.
2.
Reviews education requirements with WGH department managers
and supervisors.
3.
Conducts needs analysis to facilitate formulating education goals and
objectives for WGH staff.
4.
Works with local nursing programs to establish clinical rotations.
5.
Investigates and evaluates new development in clinical specialty
areas, recommends and implements those developments that
improve patient care.
6.
Develops, maintains, and reviews records and reports that identify
employee participation in education programs and provides
information for program evaluation.
7.
Participates with the Chief Nursing Officer in assessing data
concerning quality of patient care for nursing departments.
Other Significant Requirements:
A.
Maintains confidentiality while working with confidential matters on a
daily basis.
Revised 09/22/2011
B.
Provides service direct to employees and/or patients while maintaining a
positive employee and/or patient relations atmosphere.
C.
Interacts with patients, family members, Medical Staff members,
department managers, and other staff on a continuous basis.
D.
Utilizes aseptic procedures and maintains aseptic precautions when
involved in direct patient contact or handling potentially infectious
materials.
E.
Ensures that licensure and certifications are kept current and in accordance
with state laws and hospital policy, and appropriate continuing education
is attended for CEU requirements.
F.
Keeps current with new technology by attending educational offerings and
literature reviews.
G.
Complies with accrediting agency recommendations.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING:
I have read and understand the above JOB DESCRIPTION and understand the essential
duties outlined and required in this position. I understand that I should contact my
Department Manager if I have any questions or concerns regarding the job duties and
requirements as outlined above. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this job
description.
Employee Signature
Date
Department Manager Signature
Date
Revised 09/22/2011