Description
Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Little Rock exists to care for patients in need of intensive and specialized care. Designed as a bridge in the continuum of care, patients who transition to Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals from a traditional hospital/short-term acute care hospital receive a customized treatment plan from a dedicated team. With a connection from the heart, we’re focused on empowering our patients to achieve their goals.
Job Summary
Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients. Implements an effective hospital-wide infection control program in keeping with Centers for Disease Control (CDC), JCAHO, and other regulatory agencies. Directs all functions of the Employee Health program.
Essential Functions
- Develops, implements, and continually monitors the infection control policies and procedures for all departments.
- Implements a surveillance system for detecting and monitoring hospital acquired and community infections. Ensures compliance to regulatory requirements.
- Provides physicians and staff with updates of infection control policy changes.
- Investigates outbreaks or clusters of infections. Monitors, analyzes, and interprets bacteriology reports and infection statistics, recommends appropriate control measures to prevent dissemination of resistant microorganisms and pathogens.
- Consults with physicians, managers, and staff for the management of infectious and/or immunosuppressed patients.
- Participates in Infection Control Committees.
- Collaborates with local and state health departments in the prevention, control, and appropriate reporting of communicable diseases.
- Participates in ongoing infection control educational programs for employees, including TB, HIV/Hep/Universal Precautions. May educate patients as necessary.
- Acts as a resource person for staff concerning infection control.
- Undertakes regular infection control audits and appropriate follow up action where required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and requirements.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patient and/or employee information to assure patient and/or employee rights are protected.
- Demonstrates good interpersonal skills when working or interacting with residents, their families, and other staff members.
- Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.
- Must have good and regular attendance.
- Must read, write and speak fluent English.
- Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in nursing or healthcare related field.
- Master’s degree in clinical specialty preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for education requirements.
Licenses/Certification
- Current State RN license required.
- BLS Certification required.
- ICP or related certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 1 year clinical experience in medical-surgical or critical care nursing.
- Experience in Infection Control with basic knowledge of the principles of epidemiology and infections, diseases, sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practice preferred.