SUMMARYThe Infection Preventionist - LVN is to plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct our infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs, and as may be directed by the Administrator and the Infection Control Committee to ensure that an effective infection control program is maintained at all times.
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
As the Infection Preventionist you are delegated to administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. Your immediate supervisor is the Director of Nursing Services.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB FUNCTIONS
Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.
1. Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct our infection control program and Antibiotic Stewardship Program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long-term facility.
2. Ensure that the facility is in compliance with current CDC, OSHA, and local regulations concerning infection control or universal (standard,) precautions.
3. Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique that successfully correct problem areas.
4. Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary.
5. Maintain a reference library of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day-to-day needs of the isolated resident.
6. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the infection control program of this facility.
7. Assist all departments in evaluating and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids are proper identified.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCETo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to fulfill each essential duty with a strong degree of professionalism. This position requires a detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
· The Infection Preventionist must have primary professional training in one of the following: nursing, epidemiology, microbiology, medical technology or a related field. (This is indicated in the Phase 3 Ftag 882 Infection Preventionist Roel and Qualifications)
· The IP must be qualified for this role through education, training, certification or experience. The infection preventionist must have completed specialized training in infection prevention and control. (This was indicated the latest CMS Memo on March 11, 2019 on Infection Prevention and Control)
· The IP needs to work at least part-time at the facility.
· Advanced nursing degree such as a BSN or equivalent educational background preferred.
· Long-term care nursing experience in a management or auditing role preferred.
· Sub-acute experience preferred.
· Current Licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse by the State of California.
· Required additional training in accordance to CDPH/CDC.
· Must maintain current licensure in good standing during employment with this facility in accordance to the State Board.
LANGUAGE/REASONING AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS· Must possess ability to speak, read and write English effectively.
· Must possess emotional maturity, reliability, tact, integrity, and good judgment.
· Must possess an understanding of facility’s goals and philosophy.
· Must possess good problem-solving skills with ability to plan, organize, and execute work activities independently.
· Must possess ability to interact effectively with team members, residents, families and visitors.
· Must possess knowledge of accreditation and licensing standards.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENTThe demands and environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job, Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
· The physical demands and work environment described herein is representative of those that generally must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Work primarily involves standing, walking, twisting, reaching, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and lifting/transferring of residents on a regular basis.
· This position requires using arm, leg and back muscles frequently and for extended periods of time, and also involves using both hands and legs regularly.
· Vision abilities required by this job include good vision and depth perception, both near and far as well as ability to distinguish basic shades and colors.
· The noise level in the hospital work environment is usually moderately quiet; however, at times, due to the nature of clients treated at this facility, occasional loud outbursts by residents may be expected.
· The employee is required to hear within normal range and at a conversation level.
· The employee is required to have the ability to express or exchange ideas frequently and the ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices.
· This position requires performing simple repetitive tasks regularly and performing complex or varied tasks often.
· This position requires that employee have the ability to accept and carry out responsibilities on a regular basis under the guidance and direction of a nursing supervisor.
· This position requires the employee to work with hands in water and occasionally with or near chemicals.
· This position requires the employee to regularly work with equipment with moveable parts.
· This position does not require: use of hand tools, working with ladders/scaffolding, working below ground.
· This position requires the employee to work 8 hours per day up to five days per week. Additional hours may be requested by the employer based upon staffing need
EXPOSURE/INFECTION CONTROL:This position has a Personnel Exposure Risk Index rating of “High” for potential exposure to blood borne pathogens. See facility Exposure Control Plan for more information on the Personnel Exposure Risk Index along with identified personal protective equipment required to be worn by employees with a “High” rating for potential exposure.
In addition, this position requires that employee:
· Must be knowledgeable of and practice infection control techniques and standard (Universal) precautions at all times.
· Must obtain a tuberculosis test at the time of hire and on an annual basis thereafter.