Overview
The Infection Control Nurse evaluates, plans, and coordinates healthcare services for inmates with suspected or confirmed infectious diseases, taking a proactive approach to disease prevention and control. This role requires collaboration with medical and nursing staff, security personnel, administrative teams, and the QI committee to ensure effective infection control measures. By implementing preventive strategies and monitoring disease spread, the Infection Control Nurse plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
Responsibilities
- Employee Medical Records & Compliance: Develop, maintain, and secure employee medical files, including TB testing, injury documentation, immunization tracking, and fit testing; ensure OSHA compliance by maintaining the OSHA 300 log and coordinating routine inspections.
- Infection Disease Program Management: Conduct contact investigations, collaborate with public health officials, track infectious diseases (e.g., MRSA, Hepatitis), monitor medication compliance, and ensure adherence to all laws and contractual obligations.
- HIV & TB Program Oversight: Track HIV-infected inmates, provide disease education, ensure medication compliance, and report concerns; manage the TB program by ensuring proper testing, recording, follow-ups, and tracking treatment use.
- Training & Safety Collaboration: Provide infection control training for new and existing staff, security personnel, and in-service sessions; conduct facility safety and sanitation inspections with security teams and recommend corrective actions.
- Emergency Preparedness & Exposure Control: Serve as the facility expert on universal precautions, exposure control, and bloodborne pathogen protocols; actively participate in disaster/emergency planning and outbreak response efforts.
Qualifications
Education
- Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Experience
- Two (2) years of relevant clinical experience is preferred.
- Must also have a working knowledge of epidemiology with surveillance and statistical reporting and experience with automated systems.
- Prior medical/surgical or emergency/trauma experience is preferred.
- Previous corrections experience preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
- Currently licensed in the state within which services are provided.
- Possess and maintain current CPR certification.