Registered Nurse- Infection Preventionist
Direct Jobs, Hampton, VA, United States
Summary
The Hampton VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse Infection Preventionist. The incumbent will lead infection control efforts by assessing - planning - implementing - and evaluating age‑specific practices. They will coordinate care focused on education - self‑management - and patient satisfaction - working with interdisciplinary teams to improve outcomes. The RN will use their expertise to manage complex infection prevention challenges.
Qualifications Basic Requirements
English Language Proficiency
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
(Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current - full - active - and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia
Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case‑basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941319
Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
Self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
Transferring patients and objects may be required
Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations - operative/invasive procedures - or home settings
The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment.
Duties
The Infection Preventionist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment within the healthcare facility
Through expert assessment - planning - and collaboration - the incumbent ensures effective infection control practices are in place - supporting patient safety - staff education - and compliance with regulatory standards
The following duties outline the key responsibilities of this role in promoting infection prevention and control across the organization
Duties include but not limited to: Lead infection control efforts by assessing - planning - implementing - and evaluating age‑specific practices to improve patient and organizational outcomes
Establish surveillance indicators - monitor infection rates - and identify areas to reduce the risk of infections among patients - staff - visitors - and students
Contribute to the annual Infection Control Risk Assessment - communicate findings - and revise plans as needed
Provide education and ongoing training on infection control to staff - fostering a safe and professional environment
Serve as an expert resource on infection control - epidemiology - and best practices - supporting staff development and evidence-based care
Collaborate with Employee Occupational Health and interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement immunization programs - such as influenza vaccination
Assist in managing the Clinical Case Registry (CCR) Participate in organizational committees related to construction - water safety - and reusable medical equipment
conduct risk assessments and inspections
Analyze - trend - and report infection data
develop and maintain policies - procedures - outbreak investigations - and external documentation
Ensure the Infection Control Program complies with VHA - TJC - OSHA - OIG - and state regulations
revise policies based on national standards
Collaborate with clinical and administrative departments - providing consultation - reports - and education
Serve as a liaison to Public Health officials for communicable disease reporting and epidemiological findings
Evaluate and improve infection control practices across all services and departments
Participate in infection control studies - education - and research activities - promoting performance improvement initiatives
Support facility and VISN level reporting - ensuring program outcomes are measurable and aligned with organizational goals
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: 7:30am-16:30pm - Monday- Friday Telework: Ad-Hoc - will be discussed during interview
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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The Hampton VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse Infection Preventionist. The incumbent will lead infection control efforts by assessing - planning - implementing - and evaluating age‑specific practices. They will coordinate care focused on education - self‑management - and patient satisfaction - working with interdisciplinary teams to improve outcomes. The RN will use their expertise to manage complex infection prevention challenges.
Qualifications Basic Requirements
English Language Proficiency
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) - no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English
Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
OR Individuals attending a master's level bridge program in nursing who have completed coursework equivalent to a bachelor's level degree in Nursing may have opportunity to become registered as a nurse with a state licensing board prior to completion of the bridge program
Upon achievement of a State license - the individual may be appointed on temporary basis and later converted to a permanent appointment upon successful completion and graduation from the bridge program
(Reference VA Handbook 5005 - Appendix G6)
OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing - possession of a current - full - active - and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant an appointment as a Nurse who has completed an associated degree/entry level Nursing education program
Credit for foreign nursing education higher that associate degree/entry level requires a formal degree equivalency validation from a recognized equivalency evaluation accepted by VA such as International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
Current - full - active - and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State - Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. - Puerto Rico) of the United States - or the District of Columbia
Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) Exception: Candidates who otherwise meet the basic education requirements - but do not possess the required licensure - may be appointed at the entry step of the grade and level applicable to the completed nursing education as a GNT on a 120-day temporary appointment while actively pursuing licensure (may be extended up to two years on a case‑by‑case‑basis.) NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification
Grade Determinations: The following Scope - Education and Dimension criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates - and if appropriate - the level within a grade
The Dimension requirements (Practice - Veteran/Patient Driven Care - Leadership - Professional Development and Evidence-Based Practice/Research) are detailed for each grade and level within the online assessment: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941319
Grade/Level Scope Education Nurse I - Level I Delivers fundamental - knowledge‑based care to assigned clients while developing technical competencies
An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing - with no additional professional nursing required
Nurse I - Level II Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts - cognitive skills and technically competent practice in providing care to clients with basic or complex
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 1 year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 1 ;OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional professional nursing experience required
Nurse I - Level III Demonstrates proficiency in practice based on conscious and deliberate planning
Self‑directed in goal setting for managing complex client situations
An ADN or Diploma in Nursing AND 2 years of professional nursing experience in which one year is equivalent to Nurse I - Level 2
OR a BSN and 1 year of professional nursing experience equivalent to the Nurse I - Level 2
OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) and no additional professional nursing experience
OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse II Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others
A BSN with 2 years of professional nursing equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR an MSN with one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR a Master's degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse I - Level 3
OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with no professional nursing experience
OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN with no additional professional nursing experience
Nurse III Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership - experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care beyond the immediate practice setting
MSN and 2 years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Master's degree in *related field with BSN and two years of specialized nursing experience - one of which is equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Doctoral degree in Nursing with and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
OR a Doctoral degree in a *related field with a BSN and one year of specialized nursing experience equivalent to Nurse II and meets all dimension requirements for Nurse III
*Note: Foreign education programs/degrees are not creditable as related degrees
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity - keen hearing - clear distinctive speech - and manual dexterity
This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking - standing - stooping - sitting - bending - pulling - and pushing
Transferring patients and objects may be required
Mechanical inpatient lifts are provided
The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations - operative/invasive procedures - or home settings
The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium - dementia - or psychiatric disorders
The incumbent must be a mature - flexible - sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations - able to shift priorities based on patient needs
Must complete annual Employee Health requirements - such as annual TB screening or testing - as a condition of employment.
Duties
The Infection Preventionist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment within the healthcare facility
Through expert assessment - planning - and collaboration - the incumbent ensures effective infection control practices are in place - supporting patient safety - staff education - and compliance with regulatory standards
The following duties outline the key responsibilities of this role in promoting infection prevention and control across the organization
Duties include but not limited to: Lead infection control efforts by assessing - planning - implementing - and evaluating age‑specific practices to improve patient and organizational outcomes
Establish surveillance indicators - monitor infection rates - and identify areas to reduce the risk of infections among patients - staff - visitors - and students
Contribute to the annual Infection Control Risk Assessment - communicate findings - and revise plans as needed
Provide education and ongoing training on infection control to staff - fostering a safe and professional environment
Serve as an expert resource on infection control - epidemiology - and best practices - supporting staff development and evidence-based care
Collaborate with Employee Occupational Health and interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement immunization programs - such as influenza vaccination
Assist in managing the Clinical Case Registry (CCR) Participate in organizational committees related to construction - water safety - and reusable medical equipment
conduct risk assessments and inspections
Analyze - trend - and report infection data
develop and maintain policies - procedures - outbreak investigations - and external documentation
Ensure the Infection Control Program complies with VHA - TJC - OSHA - OIG - and state regulations
revise policies based on national standards
Collaborate with clinical and administrative departments - providing consultation - reports - and education
Serve as a liaison to Public Health officials for communicable disease reporting and epidemiological findings
Evaluate and improve infection control practices across all services and departments
Participate in infection control studies - education - and research activities - promoting performance improvement initiatives
Support facility and VISN level reporting - ensuring program outcomes are measurable and aligned with organizational goals
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Pay: Competitive salary - regular salary increases - potential for performance awards Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory Work Schedule: 7:30am-16:30pm - Monday- Friday Telework: Ad-Hoc - will be discussed during interview
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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