Description

Position Summary

Under the direction and guidance of the DON/ADON, the RN Charge/Infection Preventionist compliments the ADON in planning, developing and supervising of the activities of licensed and non-licensed personnel who provide health care and nursing services to Nursing Home residents. This position assists with the development and implementation of nursing services, objectives, policies and procedures in accordance with Federal and State regulations. Responsible for the daily monitoring of Infection control and Quality Improvement Measures. The RN Charge nurse further shares responsibility for backing up RN staff on a 24-hour/7-day per week basis. He/she confers with residents’ physician on an as needed basis to clarify medical orders and direct care. In his/her role as the Infection Preventionist, maintains and improves the Infection Control Program and Quality Improvement Measures, including the education of staff with relations to infections and process improvement measures. Will be expected to seek certification as the Infection Preventionist. He/she will be responsible for initiating, monitoring data and resolving (PIP) process improvements. He/she will report to Quality Improvement Committee on all Infection Control and Process Improvements in place. The RN Charge/Infection Control Preventionist will have the ability to interact with all customers (co-workers, patients, families, physicians, vendors, etc.) of Courtyard of Natchitoches with hospitality and the highest standards of customer service, exhibiting professionalism and a spirit of teamwork. Each associate should have an understanding that he or she represents the facility and should act accordingly and in a manner that demonstrates respect and pride for this organization. 

Primary Responsibilities

1. Provides indirect and direct resident care to met resident and facility objectives.

2. Performs implementation and evaluation of nursing systems that ensure consistent delivery of care and maintains and promotes resident rights.

3. Maintains effective relationships and open communication with residents, families, staff, contractors and the outside community

4. Oversees and maintains the Infection Control Program and Quality Improvement Measures, developing Policies and Procedures, and is responsible for the education of staff regarding infections. 

5. Participates in policy development and compliance, ensures compliance with regulation standards.

6. Ensures communication of significant information to staff; established continuing education opportunities to ensure staff competency.

7. Responsible for equitable resolution of complaints of residents and Staff as needed.

8. Assists in Nursing administrative calls. May be required to work some Holidays and weekends to complete the staffing patterns needed for the continuity of care for our residents.

9. Assists in orientation, training, coaching, and discipline of staff.

10. Any and all duties as request by the Director.

Competencies

1. Provides direct patient care based on the steps of nursing process assessment, planning, implementation, evalualtion & reassessment.

2. Acts as a role model in providing patient care based on the nursing process.

3. Acts a catalyst to promote needed change when indicated.

4. Delegates patient care responsibilities and duties to provide quality care

5. Enforces the policies and procedures of the hospital and Courtyard of Natchitoches

6. Evaluates supplies and equipment and makes recommendations about the needs of the facility

7. Has input to the time schedules and records aimed at maintaining adequate staffing on the unit

8. Makes goal-directed nursing rounds at appropriate intervals

9. Attends in-service programs regularly 

10. Counsels and disciplines CON employees as required with approval of ADON/DON/NFA

11. Utilizes resources for continued learning to maintain a high degree of clinical nursing practice

12. Recognizes policies and nursing protocols that may impede patient care and works within the organizational framework to initiate change

13. Continues education to develop and maintain supervisory and management skills

14. Practices within the policies of NRMC/CON and the profession’s ethical and legal framework

15. Adheres to formal lines of authority within the department and provides for his/her division clear cut lines of authority and communication

16. Is familiar with and strives toward acheievement of the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the nursing home

17. Completes rounds with physicians as needed

18. Follows up on information received via shift reports & 24-hour reports in EMR system

19. Supervises other members of the healthcare team as needed to accomplish the plan of care which has been developed

20. Demonstrates competence in technical and manual skills according to scope of practice for RNs

21. Functions as a resident advocate by protecting resident rrights

22. Practices in orientation of new personnel

23. Follows proper Infection Control procedures and supervises support staff in infection control procedures

24. Maintains and improves the Infection Control Program and Quality Improvement Measures, including the education of staff with relations to infections and process improvement measures.

25. Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities as well as the QAPI standards set forth by CMS

26. Demonstrates ability to remain calm in emergency and/or stressful situations and gives everyone a feeling of confidence that the situation is under control

27. Exhibits genuine interest in and appreciation of adults in their later years of life

28. Is a motivated, independent individual who can organize workload so that all functions are completed appropriately

29. Treats everyone with hospitality and the highest standards of customer service; exhibits teamwork; represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.

Supervisory Responsibility

1. Oversees the clinical operations (i.e., monitoring resident conditions, psychopharmacological drugs, Foley catheters, pressure ulcers, etc.) of the Nursing Department. 

2. Provides indirect and direct resident care to meet resident and facility objectives. 

3. Assists in the design, implementation and evaluation of nursing systems that ensure consistent delivery of care and maintains and promotes resident rights.

4. Maintains effective relationships and open communication with residents, families, staff, contractors and the outside community

5. Oversees and maintains the Infection Control Program, developing Policies and Procedures, and is responsible for the education of staff regarding infections 

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

1. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Louisiana.
2. Current BCLS Certification
3. Basic computer skills
4. Excellent communication and management skills
5. Certification or plans to seek certification as an Infection Preventionist

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Certified Infection Preventionist

2. ACLS

3. Basic arrhythmia.

4. 3-5 years of responsible nursing experience, preferably in a long-term care facility