Infection Prevention Nurse

Iberia Medical Center (IMC) in New Iberia, LA is looking for team members who will help advance our vision to be the premier hospital of choice for patients, physicians and employees. We've been caring for our community for over 60 years and offer many diverse career paths. Our new employees experience opportunities to learn and grow while caring for their families, friends and neighbors.

IMC is currently hiring a Full Time Infection Preventionist for our Quality Department, who under the general supervision of the Director of Quality, is responsible for identifying, investigating, monitoring and reporting healthcare-associated infections. The IP establishes and coordinates an organization-wide program for the prevention, surveillance and control of nosocomial infection and communicable disease through processes based on current scientific knowledge, accepted practice guidelines and applicable law and regulation. This includes collaboration with teams and individuals to create and sustain infection prevention strategies. The position also establishes and coordinates an organization-wide program for employee health screenings and maintains employee health records.

EDUCATION:

• Preferred Graduate of RN school of nursing.

 LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

• Current license as a RN in the State of Louisiana for graduate of RN school of nursing
• Certification in Infection Control and Epidemiology (i.e.: CIC© preferred) or attainment within 1 year after employment.

TRAINING/EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of two years' experience in acute care hospital setting. IP/ICU/ER experience preferred.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Understanding of nosocomial infection definitions, chart review, functional      understanding of sterilization, disinfections and sanitation
• Adult teaching techniques, clear and effective oral and written communication skills, project management, and policy management.
• Ability to organize and work effectively and independently
• Basic knowledge of the nursing process and nursing principles.
• Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Competence in epidemiological principles and infectious diseases
• Knowledge of sterilization, sanitation, and disinfection practices
• Must be a self-starter and able to establish excellent rapport with staff and leaders to work closely to enhance patient care through staff development and excellent infection prevention practice.
• Must be able to work with staff to enlist active participation in Employee Health Initiatives.      

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Program Management 
• Regulatory Requirements 
• Performance Improvements 
• Occupational Health 
• Performance Standards 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• The physical essential functions of this job include (but are not limited to) the following: 
  • Frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force.
  • Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  • Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
  • The incumbent works in a patient care area; incumbent has an occupational risk for exposure to all communicable diseases.
• Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS:

• Great medical benefit plan
• Early access to earned wages
• Participation in robust state pension plan
• Dental, vision, life insurance, disability and more!