Job Description: Infectious Disease Nurse
Position: Infectious Disease Nurse
Department: Healthcare and Medicine > Nursing
Location: [Specify location]
Job Summary:
The Infectious Disease Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to patients with infectious diseases. This includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team. The incumbent will contribute to the prevention and control of infectious diseases through education, surveillance, and infection prevention protocols.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with infectious diseases, including obtaining relevant medical history, performing physical examinations, and analyzing diagnostic test results.
2. Develop and implement individualized care plans for patients, considering their specific infectious disease condition, co-morbidities, and treatment options.
3. Administer medications, treatments, and procedures as prescribed, ensuring adherence to infection control protocols and best practices.
4. Monitor and document patient progress, identifying any changes in condition or response to treatment, and promptly alerting the healthcare team.
5. Educate patients, families, and caregivers on infectious disease prevention, transmission, and management strategies.
6. Collaborate with physicians, infection control specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless coordination of care.
7. Participate in infection surveillance activities, including monitoring for outbreaks, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings to appropriate stakeholders.
8. Adhere to established infection prevention and control policies and protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and guidelines.
9. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including nursing assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
10. Act as a resource and provide guidance to nursing staff, healthcare professionals, and support personnel on infectious disease management and prevention.
Skills and Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.
2. Valid nursing license in [State/Country].
3. Minimum [X] years of experience as a Registered Nurse, preferably in infectious disease nursing.
4. In-depth knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, including their etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment modalities.
5. Proficient in performing comprehensive nursing assessments and developing individualized care plans.
6. Strong clinical skills, including medication administration, wound care, and IV therapy.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively educate patients and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
8. Solid understanding of infection prevention and control practices, including sterilization techniques, isolation precautions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
9. Ability to interpret diagnostic test results and make appropriate clinical decisions.
10. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
11. Proficient in using electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
12. Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest advancements in infectious disease nursing.
Note: The above job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.