Registered Nurse (RN) - Infection Control
Austin State Hospital
Austin, TX

Nurse III Infection Control

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! Free CEUs and updated resources through Lippincott access for all nurses. The Infection Control Nurse performs advanced professional nursing work within the scope of practice attributed to the skills of a registered nurse. Works under direction and supervision of the Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) and serves as the Infection Control Coordinator for the SSLC. Plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates infection control activities and independently makes changes and recommendations for improvements. Leads the SSLC system-wide in the development and implementation of an infection control program (including employee health) operations, policies and procedures, ensuring infection prevention is implemented and maintained regarding health issues and practices. Educates all levels of staff and has the current knowledge base to explain this critical health care program. Independently develops training and educational programs for all levels of staff understanding. Evaluate the effectiveness of the infection control program through the analysis of statistical data and performance evaluation reports. Leads groups and independently leads an effective/productive committee to continually address infection control issues. Works in cooperation with the local and state health department and ensures adherence to federal regulations and requirements. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility. Participates in developing, writing and implementing program operations, policies and procedures pertaining to Infection Control issues. Evaluates the effectiveness of the Infection Control program. Reviews literature and research findings to keep abreast of current infectious diseases and infection prevention, nursing care standards, state and federal laws (ICF/IID rules and regulations), and infection control prevention and control standards and serves as the resource person for infection control issues. Ensures that Standard Precautions are being implemented and used when necessary. Upon notification of an identified infection, assesses the situation, implements isolation precautions or other preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease, monitors and follows up to ensure that infection control procedures are implemented, and individual treatment plans are implemented/modified as needed. Interprets Infection control situations and communicate them effectively in writing and orally. Collects at least weekly reports detailing all infections on campus, antibiotic use, culture report results, and reports findings, trends, and interventions to the Infection Control committee. Chairs and documents result of at least monthly Infection Control Committee meetings. Works independently and productively with all levels of staff and departments. Works closely and collaboratively with the CNE, Primary Care Providers, Pharmacy, Nurse Managers, Nurse Educator, CTD, Health Department and CDC if/when applicable. Trains and counsels all levels of staff about routine infection control issues as well as blood borne pathogen exposures, suggestions to address identified risk factors, and coordinates specialized outbreak exposure investigations. Coordinates/performs utilization reviews, analyzes trends, then makes decisions and recommendations to Campus Leaders. Performs routine Infection Control observations in all departments and on all shifts. Conducts infection control surveillance rounds and utilizes the results to identify areas of risk that can be addressed proactively to prevent new or existing illnesses. Identifies, compiles, reviews, trends and analyzes data for trends, and implements procedures and training to prevent or halt progression of infectious diseases. Complies and coordinates, according to evidence-based practice guidelines, the implementation of immunizations in the facility to both individuals and staff. Provides treatment to HHS employees injured in course and scope of employment. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities: * Considerable knowledge of nursing techniques, standards and procedures; of health care laws and regulations; of medical diagnoses and procedures; of accepted medical treatment patterns; of community health and nursing care principles, practices, and procedures; of program regulations and procedures; and of utilization review and control measures. * Knowledge of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control principles and practices in the healthcare setting. * Knowledge of standards and Infection Prevention Control standards related to infection control and utilization management. * Knowledge of state and federal laws and Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF-IID) rules, regulations, policy and procedures related to State Supported Living Center, or ability to quickly gain that knowledge. * Knowledge of nursing care standards, the Settlement Agreement and the Healthcare Guidelines, or ability to quickly gain that knowledge. * Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff. * Skills in the use of computer/software and an electronic health record system. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral communications. * Skill in the care and treatment of patients. * Ability to provide patient care; to prepare and maintain records; to organize, coordinate, and evaluate nursing activities and delivery of health services; to interpret policies and procedures; to interpret health care regulations; to recognize patterns of medical necessity treatment; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. * Ability to interpret regulations and communicate them effectively both orally and in writing. * Ability to appropriately interact with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, with their family members, and with staff members. * Ability to work independently and productively with all levels of staff. * Ability to train all levels of staff. * Ability to make decisions and recommendations to SSLC leadership including on-call administrators. * Knowledge of emergency procedures and emergency equipment, i.e., CPR., and ability to assess and care for residents and/or staff members in emergency situations. * Must maintain current CPR certification. Must have strength and flexibility to safely perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Registration or Licensure Requirements: Licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact Initial Selection Criteria: At least one (1) year experience as a practicing registered nurse is required. At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing registered nurse in a health agency, hospital, or health-care facility preferred. Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Two years of Nursing Supervisory/Administrative experience is preferred. Infection Control Experience is preferred. Previous experience working with Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is preferred. Additional Information: All applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. MOS Code: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68C, 66N/P/W, 290X, 46FX, 46NX, 46SX. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS