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Under the supervision of the Nurse Supervisor of the Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)/Infection Control Prevention (ICP) Team, the HAI/ICP nurse assesses infection control risk in the community healthcare facilities, especially congregate living facilities. The team member provides guidance and training for the community partners per the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SC Department of Public Health (DPH) recommendations.
Job Duties- Provides regular proactive communications with assigned Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF's) regarding infectious disease reporting requirements. Joins meeting with the team routinely, not less than weekly.
- Plan, develop, and perform activities of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) for identified healthcare facilities.
- Proactive and reactive, and remote and on-site work required.
- Maintain written/electronic reports of assessments to infection control for facilities with tailored recommendations.
- Collect data to support performance measures for grant activities.
- Assist Healthcare Associated Infections unit (HAI) team with developing training for healthcare and non-healthcare providers and regional staff on infection control practices and compliance with best practices and present the training.
- Participate in regular meetings with HAI section/learning.
- Assist with HAI section Multi Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) investigations as per instructed by Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology (DADE) and HAI.
- Other duties as assigned (may include learning immunization practices and administering influenza and COVID immunizations especially as per Department of Public Health (DPH) policies and procedures.
State Minimum Requirements: Licensure as a registered nurse by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina. Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
Agency Additional Requirements: Must have related nursing experience. Knowledge and skill in Public Health Practice and in Healthcare Acquired Infection Control. Unrestricted S.C. Driver's License. CPR certification within first six (6) months and as required thereafter.
Other Requirements- Maintain active, unrestricted S.C. Nursing license.
- Agency policies are to be followed. Discretion within standard nursing practice guidelines is expected.
- Strict adherence is required to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Data Security and Confidentiality rules as per applicable laws and DPH required training.
- Must be available to respond in emergency/disaster situations; must meet all health and safety standards including random drug screenings, fit testing for respirators. Must be able to lift twenty (20) pounds.
- Position will involve travel to healthcare facilities for the purpose of providing infection control guidance and investigation. May require in-state and overnight travel. Personal vehicle use may be required.
CURRENT NURSING STUDENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED: Current nursing students or recent graduates will be considered prior to graduation and/or obtaining their nursing license should they meet all position requirements and provide proof of the obtained degree, transcripts, and nursing license upon successful completion of National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) within six (6) months of applying. Offers will be rescinded if required information is not received within six (6) months from the application date.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: All new employees who are healthcare providers with job-specific exposure risk are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.
- Four (4) years of experience as a Registered Nurse, one (1) of which in an acute care nursing specialty or in infectious disease is preferred.
- Knowledge and skill in Public Health Practice and in Healthcare Acquired Infection Control.
- Specialized skills and knowledge in infectious disease investigations, transmission, reporting and control.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to function independently and as a team member.
- Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Ability to educate and train diverse groups.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
EEO: SC DPH is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Applicants needing an accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for an accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for temporary hourly positions that includes:
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Primary Member, Spouse, and Children (must average at least 30 hours a week to be eligible)
• State Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation Programs
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