Infection Preventionist

General Description

Under the direction of the Director of Nursing Services, the Infection Preventionist serves as a support person within the facility, providing guidance and education; assistance in problem solving related to resident care; monitoring compliance with state and federal regulations and coordinates the Infection Prevention and Control Program as set forth in the Resident Care Policy and Procedure Manual.

Essential Duties:

1. Provides directive and supportive consultation to facility staff.

2. Partners with the Medical Director, Executive Director and Director of Nursing

to develop, implement, and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and plan.

3. Oversees the Infection Prevention and Control Program including surveillance of

healthcare acquired and community acquired infections

4. Conducts infection surveillance and reports routinely to the Quality Assurance

Committee

5. Directs and assists in preparing reports, statistical data, and trend identification

for the QA committee.

6. Works with facility for problem solving when needs arise in areas such as:

a. Monitoring resident care delivery systems

b. Performing chart reviews

c. Checking Physician Orders as needed

7. Provides education and training regarding infection prevention and control

practices to all staff. Includes evidence-based infection control practices and

isolation precautions.

8. Assists with infection risk assessment, prevention, and control strategies.

9. Works with facility committees on policies and procedures, program

development and in-servicing.

10. Keeps current and is knowledgeable of new regulations, directives, and

infection prevention and control material in order to accurately interpret and

relay the information.

11. Assists with new program development as requested

12. Conducts rounds, discussing and monitoring infection control practices with staff; investigates and collects infection data from departments.

13. Maintains a record of incidents of infection and corrective actions related to

infections.

14. Provides education on Antibiotic Stewardship program.

15. Maintains certification in Infection Prevention and Control.

16. Assists with communicable disease notification per state directive.

History:

8/19;10/22

Standard Requirements

1. Supports the Mission, Values and Vision of the Facility.

2. Is knowledgeable of resident rights and supports an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity and well-being of all residents in a safe, secure environment.

3. Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for: OSHA and safety, including standard precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.

4. Adheres to:

a. Confidentiality of all data, including resident, employee and operations data.

b. HIPAA regulations

c. Infection Control requirements and compliance with regulatory requirements.

d. Code of Conduct and Compliance Programs when performing job functions

5. Supports and participates in common teamwork:

a. Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plans and completes job duties with minimal supervisory direction, including appropriate judgment.

b. Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations.

c. Follows up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers or residents regarding reported complaints, problems and concerns.

d. Promotes positive public relations with residents, family members and guests.

e. Completes requirements for in-service training, acceptable attendance, uniform and dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned.

f. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful, and enthusiastic attitude.

6. Immediately reports incidents of alleged resident abuse or neglect or alleged violations of residents’ rights to Director of Nursing or Executive Director.

7. Knowledgeable of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric residents (i.e. physical, cognitive and socialization factors) in planning delivery of care.

8. Maintains current practice standards or changes by participating in educational opportunities provided by the Facility and outside resources.

Other Duties

Provides hands on nursing care to residents as needed as a licensed professional nurse, consistent with the state’s Nurse Practice Act.

History:

8/19;10/22

Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances. Performs other work duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Training: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and must possess current license to practice as a Registered Nurse / License Practical Nurse in the State. Must have current CPR certification. Possess specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education.

A.D.A ((Americans with Disabilities Act) (as amended)) REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to bend, stoop, push, pull, and walk and stand for most of the working day. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to provide hands-on care to residents as well as to operate standard office machines such as fax, telephone, etc… Requires normal range of hearing and vision. Must be free from communicable diseases that pose a "direct threat" to the health or safety of others and which cannot be eliminated by a reasonable accommodation. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds to transfer and transport residents. Must be able to carry and transport supplies. Must be able to pass a post-offer pre-employment physical health examination as a condition of employment. Must be capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation(s).

Skill(s): Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills; proficient interpersonal relations and communicative skills; knowledge of drug interactions, side effects, and incompatibilities; decision-making skill; proficient assessment skills; safety techniques; basic computer skills; able to operate various medical and office equipment, auditory and visual skills. Must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, and possess sufficient communication skills to perform the tasks required.

Experience: Experience in the areas of Nursing Administration and teaching in geriatric and restorative nursing required.