INFECTION PREVENTIONIST (RN)

General Job Description

Plans, organizes, develops, coordinates, and directs 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, Director of Nursing, Infection Control Committee to ensure that an effective infection control program is maintained at all times.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Develops and coordinates the Infection Prevention and Control Program throughout the facility. Implements the program by formulating, establishing, and evaluating policies and procedures relating to patient care infection control measures throughout the facility.
• Oversees compliance of the Exposure Control Plan and Infection Control Practices of the facility utilizing national standards/guidelines.
• Serves as resource person for infection control issues with ongoing collaboration with other staff to provide optimal resident care, to evaluate their care and track infections.
• Works with Director of Nursing to develop and revise policies and procedures relating to Infection Prevention Program.
• Investigates infections control problems and arranges follow-up care for patients exposed to infectious disease.
• Reports patients with communicable diseases to the appropriate county and/or state health department.
• Administers immunizations to staff and residents and orders x-rays and cultures as needed.
• Provides staff and resident education on risk of infection and practices to reduce risks.
• Makes routine rounds to monitor Infection Control Practices of all staff and report findings to DON.
• Collects Infection Control data from each department, maintains records, reviews, and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Prepares and submits reports of infections, antibiotic stewardship, effectiveness of the surveillance plan and other infection quality indicators to monthly Infection Control Meeting and QAPI Committee. Trends data and develops action plans as required.
• Performs annual evaluation of program and develops action plan and goals as needed and reports to QAPI Committee.
• Supports the facility’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAPI) program and structure by providing education, data generation and analysis of key quality indicators concerning infections.
• Knowledgeable in data collection, data analysis methodology, and performance improvement methods needed to support and lead performance improvement projects related to infection control.
• Lead performance improvement projects and provides education and coaching in order to build needed skills in others to lead PIPS.
• Makes recommendations regarding construction, renovation, environmental rounds and assures compliance with national and/or professional standards.
• Follows code of ethics in procurement, handling of confidential information, and personal conduct. Maintain the confidentiality of all resident information including protected health care information.
• Participates in continuing education and in-services relevant to job description, and LTC to ensure skills and abilities are maintained and enhanced.
• Perform all other jobs that may be assigned.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE JOBEducation:

• Alabama State Registered Professional Nurse License
• Evidence of continuing education and training in infection control measures
  
  

Experience:

• Must have a minimum, two (2) years clinical experience in a hospital, nursing care facility or other related healthcare facility.
• Must possess a working knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases and aseptic technique to include standard/transmission bases precautions.
  
  

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Data analysis and analytical skills
• Positive teambuilding approach to problem solving
• Proficient in clinical, management and communication skills
• Clean and concise communication skills for interaction with all customers.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facility and infection prevention and control practices, to include standard/universal precautions.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise personnel.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office area as well as throughout the facility
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional 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 and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the facility, which include a medical and physical exam.
• 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 push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
  
  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, you will be regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities, may change at any time with or without notice.