Join the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and make a positive impact within our community by becoming a behavioral health advocate. This role is an Employee Health & Infection Prevention & Control Registered Nurse 4 at Western State Hospital (WSH) Civil Center of Excellence. We know our clients can become stronger and more independent with the help of our skilled staff. You will oversee the nursing system for identifying, investigating, and controlling infections among patients and staff while managing employee health services. You will also monitor the effectiveness of infection prevention activities and collaborate across departments to ensure adherence to policies, aiming to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired and endemic infections.Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. You will receive an excellent benefits package that rivals any employer in Washington State, a rewarding career, and exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Some of what you'll do:
- Develops and maintains a system to reduce the spread of infection and communicable disease among patients and staff.
- Collaborate with leadership to identify methods, techniques, equipment, supplies or new products.
- Responsible for ensuring infections are investigated.
- Develop and monitor staff schedules.
- Develop and present education information and materials to nursing, medical, treatment teams, support services personnel and managers/administrators throughout the hospital to include annual infection prevention and control competency.
We are looking for a leader who is collaborative, authentic, can communicate a vision, and can manage risk to join our team of professionals and help us deliver treatment to our residents. As the supervisor of your department, you will establish workflows, align policies and procedures with best practices in the medical field, and most importantly, consistently communicate with your team of nursing professionals.
We are looking for an RN who has:
- Graduated from an accredited school of professional nursing and a valid Washington State Registered Nurse license or the ability to obtain one by the start of employment.
- Four years of professional nursing experience, including two years in a lead capacity over other nursing personnel.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher degree involving a major study in nursing may be substituted for two years of non-supervisory experience.
- One year of full-time experience teaching nursing may be substituted for one year of supervisory experience.
Preferred skills/education include:- A master's degree in nursing, and four years of professional nursing experience, including two years in a lead capacity over other nursing personnel.
- Certification in Infection Control (CIC) or be able to obtain certification within one year of employment.
- Supervising/managing compliance programs in hospital settings.
- Experience practicing in an Infection Prevention setting.
- Ability to work with psychiatric patients who have potential for high-risk behaviors such as aggressive, assaultive behavior, self-harm behaviors, and escape risk.
- Knowledge and proficiency in the application of infection control principles and practice.
- Experience with the administration of vaccinations and PPD skin testing and interpretation of laboratory results.
Interested?
- Current chronological resume.
- A cover letter that describes your leadership style and experience.
- Three professional references with current contact information.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions about this opportunity? Please contact Jill Ranft atjill.ranft@dshs.wa.gov and reference project number 12537.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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