Infection Control & Occupational Health Nurse Manager

Under the guidance of the Director of Nursing, the Infection Prevention and Occupational Health Nurse Manager is responsible for the management of the Sterile Processing and Occupational Health departments, as well as facilitating and coordinating activities for the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program and supporting the education and development of staff. The Infection Prevention and Occupational Health Nurse Manager has oversight for the Nurse and Sterilization Technician, as well as practice as a nurse in completing the day-to-day duties. The position is expected to perform under minimal direction and keeps the Director of Nursing informed of progress and potential issues that may affect Occupational Health, SPD or Infection Control. The Infection Prevention and Occupational Health Nurse Manager will implement Evidence Based Practice changes through policy and education to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies. The Infection Prevention and Occupational Health Nurse Manager will include Fenway Health's Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) principles as well as the Building the Best Workplace Culture pillars in all their activities.

Fenway Health offers fantastic benefits to those who quality including:

• Generous paid time off including 3+ weeks of vacation, 9 sick days, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Comprehensive and low-cost health and dental (100% employer contribution) insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
• Retirement plan with employer match
• License fee reimbursement
• Educational opportunities through The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center
• CEU training opportunities
• Supervision, tuition reimbursement, in-service training, and professional development support
• Employee wellness program

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health

• Management of occupational health staff
• Support Human Resources department with clinical clearance for new hires
• Support Human Resources department for clinical clearance for staff return to work procedures post illness and injuries.
• Monitors employee work-related illness and injury trends and incident reports and works to assess, develop and implement strategies to prevent future work-acquired injuries or illness
• Coordinate and support administration of vaccinations, Tuberculosis screening/testing and FIT testing requirements for new hires and staff annual renewal requirements.
• Ensures compliance with annual reporting to DPH of staff vaccination data
• Supports surveillance activities related to workplace exposures of communicable diseases
• Provide guidance and support to Human Resources department for staff injuries on the job
• Support Occupational post exposure prophylaxis (OPEP) process
• Support Human Resources department regarding request for environmental work accommodations, DME equipment etc.
• Support nursing department clinical needs/ duties as assigned

Infection Prevention/ Control and Sterile Processing

• Management of Sterile Processing Department technicians
• Monitors compliance with the performance and proper documentation, including the QC process of Sterilization and High Level Disinfection practices in accordance with the associated policy and procedures. Conducts the required training and completes competency checklists for health center employees designated to perform these functions upon hire and annually thereafter
• Maintains appropriate metrics to track SPD performance and efficiency
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary departments and programs, senior leadership, and external agencies to implement, monitor, and adhere to the IPC program.
• Ensure prevention measures are in place in patient care areas and conduct rounds on a regular basis to review and assess IPC practices and identify opportunities for improvement regarding IPC strategies including, but not limited to environment of care; hand and respiratory hygiene; hazardous waste disposal; cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization practices; and specimen collection, handling, and transportation.
• Facilitate adherence with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards related to IPC surveillance and reporting in accordance with Joint Commission, DPH, OSHA and CDC
• Implement recommended or evidence-based practices aimed at prevention of infections acquired in the healthcare settings and other communicable infectious diseases encountered in the healthcare setting.
• Assess infection risks of design, construction, and renovation that impact patient care areas and provide recommendations to reduce the risk of infection as part of the design, construction, and renovation process to existing sites.
• Advise healthcare personnel regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and application of appropriate precautions.
• Collaborate with area supervisors to develop competencies and provide education regarding the principles and techniques of infection control to personnel as appropriate (e.g.: orientation, new product or equipment implementation, updated policies and processes).
• Facilitate development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines related to IPC in consultation with the Infectious Disease physician and nursing.
• Provide input into selection and implementation of products and equipment intended for clinical use and for infection surveillance and control use
• Serves as chair of the IC committee and responsible for leading the annual IC Risk Assessment, Plan and Goals, in collaboration with the committee.
• Serves as a member of the Environment of Care Committee
• Serve as an active participant at other meetings appropriate for IPC including antibiotic stewardship, pharmacy and therapeutics, emergency preparedness, and safety. Collaborate in planning community and facility responses to communicable disease outbreaks, biologic threats and disasters as appropriate.
• Maintain and monitor compliance with infection prevention policies and quality measures.

Serve as a role model and coach, working collaboratively with all facility departments to implement pertinent infection prevention and control practices, considering regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and professional practice guidelines.

Education and Development Program Collaboration

• Responsible for the management of the Staff Development Nurse
• Provides guidance, resources, and knowledge regarding the most up to date clinical and infection control practices
• Participates in strategic planning as assigned
• Demonstrates skill in navigating and communicating in a complex environment.
• Works with department leaders to identify areas of improvement and training for staff
• Accepts committee and workgroup appointments and actively participates to affect change.
• Engages with and promotes respectful communication between interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintains proficiency in clinical areas and serves as a resource for staff
• Participates in planning, implementing, and monitoring Infection Prevention/ Control goals and objectives consistent with the Fenway Health Strategic Plan
• Lead, facilitate and participate on IPC related improvement initiatives.
• Works alongside clinical nurses as needed to support patient care

• Current Massachusetts Nursing license required (LPN or RN)
• Minimum 3 years of nursing experience
• Experience in infection control and/or APIC certification
• Experience in Occupational Health
• Current BLS certification required.
• Proficiency in the use of the computer and associated software (i.e., MS products, Electronic Health Record (EHR) software) is required.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work harmoniously with others in an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse environment is required.
• Authentic interest in LGBTQIA+ and community health is required.
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with colleagues, patients, clients and vendors across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, national origin and immigrant status, religious or spiritual identity, disability (physical, mental, emotional and developmental), veteran status, and/or limited English proficiency.
• Willingness to contribute towards Fenway's efforts in becoming an anti-racist organization and promoting a culture dedicated to ongoing development in service of humility, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, where differences are acknowledged and valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in ambulatory, hospital, or public health nursing
• Experience with working within a complex healthcare system with multiple product lines