Nurse (Infection Control)

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Overview:

Nurse (Infection Control)

Fort Carson, CO: Located just south of Colorado Springs, Ft. Carson combines scenic beauty, pleasant residential areas, and cultural activities to satisfy every taste. It is an unusually well-rounded military community which offers a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. World-class ski resorts are available within a short 2 1/2 hour drive, golf courses and biking trails are available on the installation as well as in the surrounding community. Numerous colleges and universities are available for continuing education.

(Fort Carson Landscape)

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

Responsibilities:

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Plans, develops, implements and evaluates a comprehensive facility-wide infection control program, to include surveillance, prevention, and control. Utilizes knowledge of epidemiology, infectious disease control, normal physiology, pathology, environmental health issues, waste management, linen and laundry standards and sterilization and disinfection practices to ensure compliance with the Infection Control Committees Policies and Procedures. Directs and conducts the routine surveillance for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in the facility and initiates any necessary special surveillance studies to determine the cause of outbreak situations. Makes recommendations to the Infection Control Functional Management Team (FMT) for type of surveillance to be performed. Develops forms and record-keeping systems for surveillance activities and prepares appropriate statistical reports. Develops instructional materials for Infection Control Programs and coordinates infection control training for all personnel at the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Provides required infection control education to all personnel in the MTF and other groups on request, to include contractors, Red Cross volunteers, students and housekeepers.

2. Interprets and implements regulatory and accreditation standards relating to infection control from various sources, to include for example: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) regulations, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, and Department of the Army regulations. Reviews the literature, such as from the Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of American (SHEA), to stay current on the latest research and changes to standards. Proposes necessary clinic policy changes to the Infection Control Committee. Reviews MEDCEN Infection Control policies and procedures. Chairs Infection Control FMT meetings in the absence of the Chief. Within the infection control arena, designs performance improvement initiatives, applies measurement tools, assesses effectiveness and improves the processes as per the TJC cycle model.

3. Participates as a key evaluator of proposed new equipment or supplies.

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4. Observes continually for evidence of outbreaks or clusters of infections among patients or staff. Uses appropriate epidemiologic principles and practices to investigate and control such outbreaks. Authorized to take immediate actions to correct conditions that pose imminent health or safety threats.

5. Serves as a standing member of several MTF committees, to include the Patient Safety, Space Utilization, Emergency Management Planning Committee, Functional Management Chairs Committee (FMCC), Materiel Standardization, Medication Management, Education Committee, and Hazmat Committee. Serves as an Ad Hoc member or consultant to other committees and departments.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

Qualifications:

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Basic Requirement : Degree: A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.). Licensure: A current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; and you must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. Foreign Degree: A degree from a Foreign Nursing School. Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools.

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