Registered Nurse Epidemiologist

Oregon State Hospital (OSH) has is seeking a Nurse Epidemiologist for the Infection Prevention department.  OSH provides patient-centered, psychiatric treatment for adults from throughout the state who need hospital-level care. The hospital's primary goal is to help people recover from their illness and return to the community. Services include psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as community outreach and peer support.

The Infection Prevention and Control Program is designed to reduce to the lowest extent possible; hospital acquired infections for patients and occupationally acquired infections for healthcare personnel by emphasizing early recognition of risk and use of prevention and control measures.  Develop, review and revise infection control policies based on epidemiological principles, government recommendations and scientific findings in accordance with regulatory agencies.  The Infection Prevention Program is advisory to all units of the hospital.

Responsibilities include: Surveillance of present on admission, healthcare associated and occupationally acquired infections including two-step tuberculosis screenings; review of policies and procedures, including those for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization and specimen handling; collaboration with (QI) Risk Management as appropriate; providing required infection prevention  and blood borne pathogen education as well as education deemed necessary through data trending, inquiry or direct observation.  Assure reporting of communicable diseases to the Public Health Department.  Conducting and reporting quality improvement studies regarding infection prevention; monitor hospital environmental cleanliness; the respiratory protection plan; the exposure control plan; institute emergency control measures or special investigations if there is reason to believe that a nosocomial infection danger exists for patients or hospital personnel as directed by the Chief of Medicine or Deputy chief Nursing Officer, Med. Dept.

What's in it for you?

• A position where your input and contributions impact the citizens of Oregon 
• 8 hours of vacation leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month 
• Nearly unbeatable medical, vision, and dental benefits
• Pension and retirement programs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's degree in Nursing which includes courses in Epidemiology, Infectious Disease, Microbiology, Public Health, Statistics, and Nursing Administration and two years of nursing experience.

Preference will be given for experience in epidemiologic field investigation and/or epidemiologic research.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work under the following condition with or without reasonable accommodations. Occupational exposure evaluation. This position will require coverage for both Junction City and Salem campuses. Approximately 20% in Junction City, 80% in Salem, as directed by management.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Employees must possess a valid Oregon Registered Professional Nurse License at the time of appointment.

Ability to obtain CIC (clean intermittent catheterization) with in 12 months of hire.

REQUESTED SKILLS

Determining staff immunization needs.

Clinical decisions regarding TB interpretations, immunization reactions, and isolation.    

Experience with follow-up care or treatment and recommendations.

Experience in advancing health equity, addressing systemic health inequities and collaborating with diverse communities most harmed by social injustice and health inequities.

How to apply:

Complete the online application at orgegonjobs.org using job number REQ-102864

Application Deadline: 07/28/2022