Broad Function: The infection preventionist is responsible for the facility infection prevention and control program (IPCP), which is designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections. CMS definition: “Infection preventionist”: term used for the person(s) designated by the facility to be responsible for the infection prevention and control program. essential functions The essential functions listed below (from the State Operations Manual, Appendix PP) are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Work experience requirements:

·Two or more year’s management experience in a long-term care setting. 5 yr experience in Infection control training, 23 hrs of CDC Infection Control Training Certification.

Qualifications:

• Must be a Registered Professional Nurse currently licensed in the State of Practice. (Licensed Practical Nurse may be considered with demonstrated clinical / leadership experience and allowed by state of practice).
• Graduate of an approved accredited nursing program with a minimum of Associates Degree in Nursing (BS preferred).
• Ability to provide leadership and supervision to subordinate personnel.
• Genuine interest in gerontology, and an understanding of the special needs of the geriatric resident.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment health screening / background check.
• CPR Certified.

CDC Infection Control Training Certification

Major Responsibilities:

Management of Nursing Personnel:

oProvides leadership and direction to nursing personnel in accordance with organizational / Departmental goals.

oSchedules staff in a manner that promotes optimal use of staff (including covering call-ins ect.).

oInforms Administrator of personnel activities and problems on a timely basis.

oAssists the Unit Managers / Supervisors in setting up regularly scheduled staff meetings.

Management of Nursing Department:

 Oversight of the IPCP, which includes, at a minimum, the following elements

ØA system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment... and following accepted national standards;

ØWritten standards, policies, and procedures for the program, which must include, but are not limited to:

ØA system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they can spread to other persons in the facility.

ØWhen and to whom possible incidents of communicable disease or infections should be reported.

ØStandard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infections.

ØWhen and how isolation should be used for a resident; including but not limited to:

ØThe type and duration of the isolation, depending upon the infectious agent or organism involved, and • A requirement that the isolation should be the least restrictive possible for the resident under the circumstances.

ØThe circumstances under which the facility must prohibit employees with a communicable disease or infected skin lesions from direct contact with residents or their food, if direct contact will transmit the disease; and

ØThe hand hygiene procedures to be followed by staff involved in direct resident contact.

ØA system for recording incidents identified under the facility’s IPCP and the corrective actions taken by the facility.

ØPersonnel must handle, store, process, and transport linens so as to prevent the spread of infection.

ØThe facility will conduct an annual review of its IPCP and update their program, as necessary. (§483.80[a]–[f]) Must perform the following duties and responsibilities:

ØCollaborate with the facility leadership and the medical director to develop, implement, and evaluate the annual infection prevention goals and action plan

ØPartner with facility leaders, physicians, and local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention

ØEstablish a facility-wide system for the prevention, identification, investigation, and control of infections of residents, staff, and visitors, including surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they spread

ØConduct outbreak investigations

ØMaintain a system for reporting possible incidents of communicable diseases to local, state, or national agencies as required

ØOversee the antibiotic stewardship program and monitor residents’ antibiotic use

ØAssess the need for, develop, and present IPCP in-service education for individual departments, general orientation, and annual review as needed; education includes but is not limited to:

ØHand hygiene

ØCleaning, disinfection, and sterilization

ØSpecific direct and indirect care settings

ØTherapeutic and diagnostic procedures and devices

ØUse of isolation/barrier precautions when indicated

ØResident placement, transfer, and discharge

ØEnvironmental hazards

ØUse of patient care products and medical equipment

ØResident immunization programs

ØAssess the need for, develop, and implement written policies and procedures for infection control, including those for standard precautions and for transmission-based precautions, including when these should be used, the duration of use, and the type of precautions needed for a particular infection or organism

ØEnforce policies prohibiting staff with communicable diseases or infected skin lesions from direct contact with residents and their food, and enforce hand hygiene policies consistent with accepted standards of practices

ØServe as a member of the quality assessment and assurance committee

ØBe accountable for surveillance of healthcare-acquired and community-acquired infections for residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors

ØMaintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and ensure that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues; understand and comply with infection control, safety, and OSHA procedures and regulations minimum qualifications Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; as well as any required licenses or certifications. Education: Have primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology, or other related field; and have completed specialized training in infection prevention and control as specified in F880 of Appendix PP. Experience: Be qualified by education, training, experience, or certification in infection control. Must work at least part-time at the facility. knowledge, skills, and abilities These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job; they are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or licensure/certification. The infection preventionist should be able to:

ØConduct analysis and formulate conclusions

ØIdentify occurrences, reservoirs, incubation periods, periods of communicability, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and susceptibility associated with the infectious disease process

ØInterpret laboratory and diagnostic tests

ØDifferentiate between colonization and infection

ØDifferentiate between prophylactic, empiric, and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials

ØFoster effective working relationships and build consensus

ØMaintain confidentiality of sensitive information

ØPlan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines

ØUse judgment and make sound decisions

ØWork effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization

Speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the safe and effective performance of the job physical Ørequirements and working conditions The physical requirements for this job and the working conditions under which it is typically performed are available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Leadership:

Ø The IPP utilizes management skills to accomplish facility goals.

ØMaintains the facility at DOH survey readiness at all times.

ØAnalyzes the problems, plan resolution strategies, implement plans and evaluate outcomes.

ØAssists in the development of the unit schedules according to published time frames, utilizing staff effectively.

ØEffectively utilizes the counseling process with employees, significant issues reviewed with the ADON, DON, Administrator.

ØPromotes a cohesive, productive supportive relationship between the ADON/DON/Administrator and self.

ØFosters problem-solving abilities of staff.

ØSupports facility management and staff by facilitating change in a positive manner.

Education:

ØPlans, implements, and evaluates the on-going infection control educational needs of nursing staff.

ØAs the ICP assures the orientation process of all new nursing employees in collaboration with DON/ ADON, Unit Managers / Supervisor.

ØShares current knowledge and up to date clinical expertise with staff through formal and informal education.

ØProvides for on-going evaluation and achievement of staff clinical competencies.

ØParticipate in, and attend various committees, and workshops of the facility as assigned.

ØParticipate in and promote a safe work setting.

Performs other duties as may be required 

Working Conditions:

üMust be able to bend turn and lift at least 50 lbs.

üSitting, standing, bending, lifting, and moving intermittently during working hours.

üSubject to frequent interruptions.

üCommunicate with all departments and their supervisors.

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