INFINFECTION PREVENTIONIST

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Infection Preventionist will be to assist in the planning, development, organizing, implementing and directing of the facility’s infection control program and its activities in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations. The Infection Preventionist will work under the direction of and in coordination with the Assistant Director of Nursing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Infection Control/Administrative Functions

• Assist in the planning, development, organization, implementation, evaluation, coordination and direction of the facility’s infection control program. This includes but is not limited to education of the facility staff, documentation, reporting and development and review of policies and procedures.
• Use a proactive approach to infection prevention/treatment using benchmarking techniques in all activities, which includes, but is not limited to education programs, infection control precautions, aseptic techniques and data collection.
• 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 and other issues that are potentially infectious.
• Review and analyze infectious disease laboratory reports and consult with the ADON and pharmacist in developing the care plan for treatment and management of resident conditions.
• Develop, plan, organize, evaluate and implementing guidelines and procedures for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the identification, monitoring and protocols for eradication and control of pest that can affect residents and/or staff, such as Scabies, Bed Bugs, Lice, and other that may be identified.  Develop effective education related to situations that may be present. 
• Assist in developing policies and procedures for handling and disposal of hazardous materials, including sharps. Help to ensure that all personnel follow established procedures.
• Prepare reports and summaries of investigations on the occurrence of nosocomial and community-acquired infections using the Infection Incident Action Report or other acceptable reporting tool. Report pertinent findings and recommendations to the ADON, pharmacist, and Administrator.
• Conduct surveillance, accurate metrics and documentation of all infections, infections diseases and antibiotic use and develop reports for submission to the Infection Control Committee and QAPI Committee. Maintain and track SBAR forms to ensure follow through with infection management and antibiotic stewardship. Always seek to use a proactive approach in all areas of concern to resolve issues.
• Coordinate TB testing, Influenza, Hepatitis and other vaccinations as required for residents and/or staff. Compile information for reporting influenza and other infectious condition outbreaks to the Department of Health.
• Report all reportable diseases to the county and state health departments. Submit catheter data to state Department of Health.
• Plan, develop, direct, implement, evaluate, conduct and coordinate in-service and on the job training programs related to infection control and safety topics/issues and the facilities policies and procedures related to such.
• In conjunction with Staff Development, participate in the planning and conducting of orientation programs for all newly hired employees and education programs for all employees at annual Mandatory Inservice to the facility’s policies and procedures related to infection control, personal hygiene, handwashing techniques.
• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct annual OSHA and CDC training programs for hazard communications, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens for staff throughout the facility, and especially for those required who perform such tasks.

Committee Functions

• Serve on, participate in, and attend meetings of Safety Committee, the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement Committee, and various committees of the facility as required by existing regulations and as requested by the DON, ADON or Administrator.

Personnel Functions

• Provide personnel with information concerning the facility’s policies governing Hepatitis B, TB, and Influenza and any other required or recommended vaccinations.

Nursing Care and Consultation Functions

• Ensure that all nursing service personnel follow established isolation precautions and aseptic technique to include standard precautions.
• Ensure adequate set-up of PPE stations for isolation rooms.
• Ensure that communication, by phone or letters of notice of infection are sent to residents’ representatives as needed.
• Provide Direct Care as required or as requested, including covering a unit in a position commensurate with licensed status.

Equipment/Supply/Budgeting Functions

• Help to ensure that required serviceable equipment and knowledgeable operators are available to present special educational programs as needed

Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement

• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary. 
• Make rounds to nursing units for the purpose of case findings, review of environmental sanitation procedures, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices.
• Track all resident/personnel infections, corrective action taken, and the results of the SBAR corrective action on a monthly basis.  Submit monthly summaries to the Administrator, ADON,DON, and/or QAPI Director.

• Audit medication passes and treatment procedures to ensure that appropriate handwashing techniques and other infection control practices are being followed in the handling and administering of medications, and treatments.

• Assist in the development of various departmental reports quarterly, monthly, and annually.
• Participate in QAPI quarterly meetings and assigned projects. 
• Conduct audits to ensure staff compliance to infection control practices.
• Make recommendations to ADON, DON and Administration regarding identified issues related to infection control.

General

• Respond to fire alarms as required (refer to Fire Safety Manual for employees’ responsibilities and those that are specific to your position.) - - add the)
• Treat all residents with kindness, dignity and respect. Maintain confidentiality of all resident, staff and facility information.
• Report all complaints, concerns made by the resident, allegations of abuse or neglect to direct supervisor or the RN Supervisor.
• Follow all safety procedures and precautions in the performance of your duties and when operating equipment. Report all safety violations, unsafe or hazardous conditions and any equipment issues immediately.
• Review Corporate Compliance educational materials, comply with Corporate Compliance directives, and report any Corporate Compliance issues according to established procedures.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

• Conduct Analysis and formulate conclusions
• Ability to provide care/services in a manner supportive of the Mission and Philosophy of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm.
• Identify occurrences, reservoirs, incubation periods, periods of communicability, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, and susceptibility associated with the infectious disease process
• Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Differentiate between colonization and infection
• Differentiate between prophylactic, empiric, and therapeutic uses of antimicrobials
• Foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Plan, organize, prioritize, work independently, and meet deadlines
• Use judgment and make sound decisions
• Work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the safe and effective performance of the job

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:                                Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing,

Experience:                             1 year of Nursing Experience, demonstrated knowledge of Infection Control practices preferred      

Certificates & Licenses            Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an LPN or RN in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  May work under a practice permit as allowed by law.

Current CPR certification required;

Infection Control Preventionist Certification preferred/required within one (1) year

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Not Applicable:  Activity is not applicable to this occupation

Occasionally:     Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5 hrs/day)

Frequently:        Occupation requires this activity from 33%-66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5 hrs/day)

Constantly:        Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs/day)

SUPPORT OF MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY

By accepting employment with Garvey Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies Residence, each employee must agree to foster an atmosphere which reflects the Mission and Philosophy of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, incorporating the Philosophy Values into daily care and/or services as well as into interactions and associations with residents, co-workers, volunteers and guests.