Registered Nurse (RN) - Infection Control

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

Thus job assumes responsibility for and under minimal direction and functioning independently plans, develops, coordinates and evaluates Infection Control activities which include surveillance, education and consultation. Collaborates with other members of the Infection Control Team in developing and revising the elements of the Infection Control Plan. Serves as a resource to all health care workers with regard to infection control issues.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
 

Education 

Required - Registered Nurse Diploma
Preferred - Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Work Experience

Required - 5 years of Nursing experience.

Preferred - Experience in Infection Control

Certifications

Required - Current RN License in the state of practice

Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association

Certification in Infection Control . within three years of hire

Other Certifications

Required - Current membership in the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard
• Knowledge of infectious disease process, patient care practices, aseptic technique and other principles of infection transmission and prevention

Job Duties

• Maintains Infection Control manual, Blood borne Pathogen and TB Exposure Control Plans to reflect compliance with industry, government and other regulatory agencies regulations and standards.
• Works closely with the Department of Public Health and other governmental agencies with regard to public health issues as they pertain to the health care setting including reporting activities of mandated Reportable Diseases/Conditions with the Department of Public Health. 
• Conducts surveillance activities to identify infections including identifying trends, monitoring and reporting information to appropriate committees or individuals when indicated.
• Enters information into the Office of Public Health Department Reportable Disease data base for the state of Louisiana.
• Provides ongoing infection control education to all health care workers and education to staff regarding best practices for removal and device infection prevention.
• Establishes effective working relationships with members of the hospital community, especially staff in the Specialty Clinics, Medicine, Nursing, Medical Records, and Information Systems Departments whose support is necessary for the management and success of the Program.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Other related duties as required.  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and l