Infection Prevention And Control Registered Nurse

Job Responsibilities

Careers at DHEC:

Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

Under the supervision of the Infection Prevention and Control Registered Nurse LEAD the Nurse would, provide Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) education, guidance and recommendations to healthcare and non-healthcare facilities related to IPC.

Clinical and Response:

• Assist the Central location Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) section with developing and delivering the training for healthcare and non-healthcare providers and regional staff on IPC practices and compliance with best practices.

• Participate in bi-weekly meetings and training with the HAI section.

• Plan, develop, and perform activities of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Infection Control's Assessment and Response (ICAR) for identified healthcare facilities.

• Perform proactive and reactive ICARs in all healthcare facilities - remote and on-site.

• Assist HAI section and Regional Epidemiology Program with providing surveillance and education to health care facilities regarding healthcare aquired or other acute disease outbreaks. Respond to reports of infectious disease outbreaks in healthcare and non-healthcare settings.

• Investigate and assess infection control proactives and, as needed, assist with colonization screenings for Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (MDRP) containment and response. Assist with proactive point prevalence surveys.

• Maintain written and electronic reports of infection control assessments in facilities to include areas that can be strengthened and tailored recommendations and resources to address identified areas.

• Collect data to support performance measures for grant activities.

• Maintain regular communication and assist facilities with building there infection prevention program to include risk assessment and antibiotic stewardship.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Assist with Medical Needs Shelters (MNS) operations, maintains supportive nursing practice competencies to include, but not limited to, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal best practice injection administration, or medication administration, and client emergency response including First Aid, CPR, and AED, and be willing to assist during times of public health emergency response.

• In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DHEC employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State Minimum Requirements:

Licensure as a registered nurse by the State Board of Nursing for South Carolina. Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.

Agency Additional Requirements:

• Master's degree or Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of public health or infection prevention and control experience; or Associate's degree and ten (10) years of nursing experience with three (3) years of experience of public health or infection prevention and control experience.

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing and licensure as a Registered Nurse by the SC Board of Nursing.

• Must have current driver's license or ability to obtain transportation. May be required to use personal vehicle. CPR certification within first six (6) months and then as required.

• May be required to work evenings (after 5pm) and/or the weekend.

• Travel to regional sites and to Columbia as needed; periodic overnight and extended travel may be required.

• Must be able to pass a fit-test for and use appropriate respiratory protective equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or Associate - Infection Prevention and Control (a-IPC) certification.

Additional Comments

This position is part of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's Infection, Prevention, and Control. The work performed supports DHEC's mission to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and the environment. Effective July 1, 2024, this position will transfer to the South Carolina Department of Public Health created by Senate Bill 399 which provides for the creation of the Department of Public Health to assume the public health-related functions of DHEC.

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.

Equal Employment: SC DHEC is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DHEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation: 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.

Immunization Requirements: All new employees who are healthcare providers will be required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, varicella, and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control offers an exceptional benefits package for Temporary Grant positions will include:

Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, & Children

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs