Infection Control Preventionist 

Requirements:

Responsible for the implementation of the infection control program of the facility including Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Employee will also be responsible in keeping facility staff and residents compliant with immunization program as required by Title 22 regulation and CDPH directives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Participate in the Antibiotic Stewardship Program of the facility to support the safe and appropriate use of antibiotics.
• Review and monitor antibiotic usage patterns in the facility
• Review antibiotic resistance patterns especially MDRO (MRSA, VRE, CRE, ESBI, etc.)
• Maintain infection log and surveillance report for each resident that had infection

Accountability:

• Responsible for the collection and gathering of data for review of the Antibiotic Stewardship Committee

Drug Expertise:

• Responsible for the coordination and consultation with Pharmacy consultant with the use of antibiotic in the facility.
• Responsible with communication to attending physicians regarding the appropriate use of antibiotic medications.

Action:

• Review antibiotic order in the facility to ensure that each medication has proper indication for use and is appropriate for the resident.
• Review of resident's assessments, by facility nurse, for appropriateness of resident's care with regards to infection control and adherence to isolation policies and procedures according to evidence-based practices.
• Delegate to RN to review laboratory results in relation to the infection being treated and communicate findings to the Physician so that proper treatment plan will be implemented.
• Coordinate with laboratory provider with any results that are flagged out with MDRO
• Perform monthly rounds in the facility to assess and identify infection control related issues and problems. Together with DSD, conduct staff In-service education/training, when needed, to abate known problems.
• Perform hand hygiene observations and document findings of all departments including clinicians and outside contractual providers.
• Acts as Infection Control supervisor, making sure all policies and procedures regarding infection control are carried out.
• Confirm, investigate, and report Outbreaks,
• Manage and follow up on employee and resident exposures to infectious diseases.
• Review resident screening for TB during admission and annually, using a 2-step tuberculin skin test, and chest x-ray when skin test is positive.
• Directs implementation of the immunization program for Flu and Pneumonia, ensure the completion of the informed consent and maintain a current long of immunization 

Tracking:

• Perform surveillance of residents (and staff, when indicated) reported to have infections by collection and analyzing and interpreting date documented 
• Summarize date for a monthly and quarterly report
• Maintain infection control log for each infection occurring in the facility monthly
• Main tracking log for MDRO infections in the facility 
• Collect and review types of antibiotic used in the facility 
• Review orders for antibiotic treatment if cultures were done prior to treatment and which physician started the therapy
• Review also antibiotic orders for length of therapy and any changes in the antibiotic during the course of treatment 

Reporting:

• Attend QA meetings and participate as a menber of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement Committee. Report findings of review and analysis to the QA committee
• Responsible for sharing feedback to Physicians regarding individual prescribing patterns of cultures ordered and antibiotiv prescribed.

Education:

• Assist DSD int the education program of the clinical staff, residents, and families concerning appropriate use of antibiotic and proper infection control practices