Parkside Health and Wellness is looking for a one of a kind Infection
Prevention Nurse to join our management team!

This is a full-time, on-site position

To directly inquire, please contact Priscilla (858)316-4630 via text or phone call during business hours.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, 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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Assists the Director of Nursing Services in managing and directing the Nursing Services Department.

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct our infection control program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long-term care facility.

• Ensure that the facility is in compliance with current CDC, OSHA, and local regulations concerning infection control or universal precautions.

• Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique that successfully correct problem areas.

• Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary.

• 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.

• Assist all departments in evaluating and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified.

• Monitor infection control practices and procedures to ensure that all personnel are implementing our standard operating procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids.

• Make rounds to nursing units for the purpose of case findings, review of environmental sanitation procedures, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices.

• Visit isolated residents as necessary to ensure that established isolation precautions and aseptic technique are followed.

• Review and analyze infectious disease laboratory reports and consult with the Director of Nursing Services in developing the care plan for assuring that aseptic techniques are implemented.

• Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility.

• Perform periodic testing of our prepared sterile packs, bundles, and supplies, including sterilization equipment.

• Ensure that all personnel follow established procedures for the disposal and removal of infective and contaminated materials from the facility.

• Prepare monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective action taken, and the results of the corrective action. Submit copies to the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.

• Maintain a written record of all residents and employees who have nosocomial infections. Participate in surveys of possible carriers among residents and personnel, and in tracing possible sources of infection within the facility.

• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies. Assist the Discharge Planning Coordinator in developing and implementing discharge plans for the resident in isolation or on infection control precautions.

• Assist in the development and implementation of a facility-wide TB management control program.

• Report all reportable diseases to the county and state health departments.

• Serve on, participate in, and attend Infection Control Committee meetings. Represent the Infection Control Committee as required.

• Provide personnel with information concerning the facility's policies governing hepatitis B vaccinations.

• Orient new employees to the importance of infection control policies and procedures, personal hygiene, hand washing techniques, etc., as well as the employee's responsibility in following our established procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids.

• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.

• Participate in the interviewing and selection of residents for admission to the facility. Ensure that all nursing service personnel follow established isolation precautions and aseptic technique to include universal precautions.

• Ensure that residents with known communicable or infectious diseases are placed in isolation or on infection control precautions to include universal precautions.

• Assist nursing service personnel in performing nursing care procedures as necessary. Obtain culture samples in accordance with our established procedures.

• Provide direct nursing care as necessary.

• Develop, implement, and maintain an effective orientation program that orients the new employee to our infection control and employee health program.

• Assist the In-service Director/Educator in developing annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management, and blood borne pathogens standard.

• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident in isolation or on infection control precautions that identifies the problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care.

• Insofar as practical, encourage the resident to participate in the development and review of his/her plan of care and explain to the resident the need to follow infection control practices and universal precautions.

• Assist the Director of Nursing Services in preparing the budget for the department in relation to its infection control program and activities.

• Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations, and recommend to the Director of Nursing Services adjustments that ensure the continued ability to prevent and control infectious diseases.

• Recommend to the Director of Nursing Services the equipment and supply needs for the Infection Control Program and its activities.

• Explain to the resident the necessity of isolation and universal precautions. Ensure that all nursing service personnel are knowledgeable of the residents' rights, including the right to refuse treatment.

• Monitor nursing care to ensure that all residents are treated fairly, and with kindness, dignity, and respect while in isolation or on universal precautions.

• Ensure that adequate supplies of personal protective equipment are on hand and are readily available to personnel who perform procedures that involve exposure to blood or body fluids.

• Assist in developing policies and procedures in the handling and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments.

• Ensures that nursing department employment actions are administered fairly and in compliance with the facility’s Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Must have IP experience, minimum of one year

• Must have, as a minimum, 1 year of experience as a RN/ LVN in a skilled nursing facility, hospital, long-term care facility, or other related health care facility.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must possess an active license to practice as a RN/ LVN license valid in this state.

• Must have IP certification

Other Specific Requirements:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

• Must possess the ability to make independent decision when circumstances warrant such action.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.

• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e. nurse’s stations, resident rooms, etc.).

• Moves intermittently during working hours and is subject to frequent interruptions.

• Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.

• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. May be on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of mechanical devices):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.

• Must be able to cope with the mental emotional and stress of the position.

• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively.

• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which may include a medical and physical examination.

• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Requires infrequent lifting of more weight up to 50 pounds. Occasional pushing and pulling of carts.

• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $33.00 - $44.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Ability to Relocate:

• El Cajon, CA 92020: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person