Employee Health RN at North Country Hospital – Newport, Vermont

Who we Are:

Nestled in the most northern part of Vermont, North Country Hospital is a community-focused 25 bed critical access hospital, where we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors. North Country Hospital is more than just a healthcare provider; we are a vital part of the community, working together to build a healthier future. Our patient’s health is our priority, and we go above and beyond to care in every way possible.

Position Statement

The Employee Health Nurse is responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Employee Health Program at North Country Hospital. Collaborates with Human Resources to manage the organization’s workers’ compensation program and maximize employee use of resources available, such as NCH’s Employee Assistance and other programs. This individual functions as a researcher and educator, as well as providing direction and regulatory guidance. This position also performs chart reviews, covers for Infection Prevention, and participates in Quality Improvement work as indicated. The Employee Health Nurse reports to the Assistant Director of Quality.

Key Responsibilities: Interacts in a positive and collaborative manner with a variety of administrative, clinical staff, Leadership and medical providers to promote health and prevention of illness and injury for employees of North Country Hospital.

• Ensures appropriate immune status of new hires in accordance with current standards and recommendations. Ensures appropriate laboratory and other diagnostic testing is performed as required for new employees or after occupational exposures, reviews testing results, and determines appropriate course of action. Consults with employee health MD or primary care physicians as indicated.

• Manages employee annual influenza immunization program in collaboration with the Infection Preventionist.

• Is a content expert in NCH’s Employee Health software program and coordinates its use among all Departments and staff to maximize utilization of this resource.

• Assists the Infection Prevention Nurse with the organizational program and cross trains to cover for the Infection Prevention Nurse as needed.

• Provides oversight of OSHA required N-95 Fit Testing or PAPR training to all new employees and others as required by the OSHA Respiratory Standard.

• Coordinates care for employees following the Blood and Bodily Fluid Exposure Protocol and maintains the Sharps Injury Log. Coordinates with department supervisor/managers regarding duty restrictions or work exclusions related to an injury, illness, or exposure to ensure smooth transition for the employee and organization. Maintains and ensures follow-up schedule for exposure incidents as appropriate.
• Coordinates with Human Resources (HR) to manage the organization’s workers’ compensation program. Medical documentation is provided to HR for workers’ compensation claims. HR files first report of injury with NCH workers' compensation carrier within 72 hours of reported injury. The Employee Health Nurse provides ongoing medical records to assist HR in its maintenance of the organization’s OSHA log.

• Be active in workplace violence (WPV) by being on the WPV committee, keeping the WPV log, presenting monthly trends in safety meetings, and following up with employees after WPV incidents have occurred to ensure they have the resources and support needed.

• This position maintains all documentation and records of work-related injuries in the employee health office and oversees maintenance and confidentiality of all other employees’ records and information

• Ensures proper completion of employee health incident/accident reports, and/or Quality Event reporting. Notifies supervisor or employee if deficiencies are present.

• Provides reports to the Safety Committee monthly and serves on other NCH committees as appropriate

• Maintains current policies for Employee Health in accordance with current standards, regulations, and best practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Current Vermont RN license
2. Three years’ experience in nursing
3. Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
4. Demonstrated abilities to multi-task and work well under pressure with a variety of stakeholders
5. Basic computer skills and willingness to increase use of computer programs/software as available.