Our team is excited to announce we now have a position opening for a full-time, non-permanent Infection Control Nurse (Registered Nurse 3) at the Washington Veterans Home in scenic Port Orchard, Washington! This is a project position expected to last no more than six months.

Position(s) at this location will also receive 5% Premium Pay for facilities open twenty four hours per day. Employees must physically work at the facility 3 days per workweek to qualify. The 5% Premium Pay is in effect until June 29th, 2025.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of Serving Those Who Served. As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to honorably discharged Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

As the Infection Control Nurse for the Washington Veterans Home, you will provide professional nursing services including infection control training, technique demonstration, system implementation, data gathering and analysis, and developing and maintaining a comprehensive Infection Control Program for the Home. You will work collaboratively with medical providers, nursing staff, department managers, and leadership to ensure all regulatory requirements regarding infection control are met.

Lead the way in developing continuous improvement practices and person-centered care and apply today!

If these qualities sound like you, we welcome you to apply today!

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

• Planning, developing, directing, implementing, and evaluating the facility-wide infection prevention program and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Collecting, reporting, and presenting statistical information regarding infection control and other quality measures.
• Maintaining Antibiotic (ABO) Stewardship program by monitoring appropriate use of ABOs and summarizing ABO use monthly.
• Maintaining an active surveillance program to determine incidents of infections.
• Supervising the infection control services of residents, visitors, and staff.
• Conducting training sessions to ensure constant implementation of infection control policies.
• And more!

Qualifications

Required:

• Current, valid Washington state license to practice as a registered nurse.
• Two (2) years of experience as a registered nurse.
• Capable of: Lifting up to 60 lbs. using proper techniques, reaching for activities such as repositioning or gaining access to supplies, pushing or pulling with sufficient strength.
• Knowledge of accurate methods and practices of nursing and restorative care; personal hygiene and sanitation methods, recordkeeping, report preparation, infection control procedures, and resident rights.
• Ability to assess, evaluate, and participate in the development of appropriate plans of care.
• Ability to plan, implement, and document appropriate discharge planning for residents when appropriate and perform selected nursing procedures.
• Ability to speak, read, and write in the English language for medical charts.
• Ability to implement strong analytical and critical thinking skills while implementing interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Possess strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

Preferred/Desired:

• Bachelor's degree involving major study in nursing.
• Certification or advanced training in infection control.
• Three (3) years of experience as a registered nurse.
• Recent experience in infection control.
• Training and supervisory experience.
• Ability to provide a positive living environment for residents relating to meeting psychological needs.

Supplemental Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process:
Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will 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 position.
• Must pass tuberculosis testing annually and maintain current Washington state nursing license and CPR certification.
• This position is represented by the Washington State Nurses Association.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agencys greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.