Infection Control Nurse

Deer Meadows is committed to the highest level of excellence and it shows in the quality of people we hire. If you take pride in being part of a friendly, respectful, caring, safe and collaborative environment, you belong with us. We are dedicated to providing quality continuing care and support while respecting the dignity of all individuals regardless of their race, gender, political preference, sexual orientation, genetics, military service, religion, natural origin or creed.

As the Infection Control Nurse you will plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct the infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs. To plan and implement surveillance, prevention and control programs which are designed to enhance quality and standard of resident care, as well as, similar programs to protect facility personnel from acquiring infectious diseases from residents and/or the work environment.

In this role you will:

• Develop, review and revise infection control policies and procedures annually and/or as needed in response to community outbreaks.
• Must be knowledgeable regarding all new state and federal regulations regarding Infectious Disease and all relevant regulations.
• Be responsible for the direction, implementation, education of and compliance with the Antibiotic Stewardship Program
• Establish surveillance activities according to accepted standards. Identify, record, and report nosocomial infections based on chart review, resident observation (including infection site), and microbiology reports, and input from professional staff.
• Perform epidemiological functions by investigating outbreaks, identifying trends and clusters of infections, and evaluating relevant infection control practices.
• Provide infection control programming for both staff education and resident education. Employee health programs will be coordinated as needs are identified.
• Be a resource person and consultant in the establishment and maintenance of an environment that will reduce possibility of nosocomial and employee infections.
• Work with the appropriate departments to develop employee health screening and immunization procedures as well as guidelines for exposure to infectious diseases, prophylaxis, and management of infectious diseases.
• Act as a liaison with employee health, local and State Boards of Health and the Long Term Care Field Office.
• Chair Infection Control Committee.
• Develop and update, as needed, the Infection Control Plan according to Senate Bill No. 968 specifications.
• Responsible for reporting healthcare-associated infection data to the Department of Health and the Patient Safety Authority as stipulated in Senate Bill No. 968.
• Comply with department and facility procedures, fire prevention and safety standards.
• Conduct annual flu vaccine program for residents and staff.
• Assist the Medical Director with pre-hire physicals and coordinate them with the Staff Development Coordinator.
• TB surveillance of residents and staff.
• Coordinate blood drives for the facility along with the American Red Cross.
• Know and support the philosophy, goal and objectives of the Nursing Department.
• Assign resident care responsibilities to nursing personnel based on residents' needs, available staff and unit needs.
• Work with other health care providers to insure quality care, including transcribing physician's orders according to facility procedures.
• Continually observe/monitor and evaluate quality, quantity and timeliness of nursing care.
• Assess need for modification of medical regimen and/or nursing care plan and ensure the clinical records are properly maintained.
• Give resident care in emergency situations to assess complex resident needs or teach nursing techniques to residents, staff and/or family.
• Administer medications and treatments as needed according to established policy and procedures.
• Report falls, unusual occurrences and significant changes in resident's condition to the supervisor, physician, caseworker and responsible party according to facility policy and procedures for notification.
• Document according to requirements of all regulating bodies and facility policies
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Give appropriate report in a professional manner to the nurses on next shift according to requirements of facility.
• Seek consultation as needed from supervisor.
• Act as role model for nursing assistants, licensed staff and other personnel.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation time
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
• Employment is contingent on successful completion of pre-placement physical and criminal background