Infection Prevention/Wound Care Nurse-RN/LPN

Infection Prevention and Wound Care Nurse

SUMMARY: The Infection Prevention and Wound Care Nurse plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, healthy environment for residents and staff. This position is responsible for implementing and overseeing infection prevention and control strategies to ensure regulatory compliance and promote community well-being. The nurse also provides education to patients, families, and staff regarding wound management, pressure ulcer prevention, support surfaces, dressing selection, and related therapies. As a wound care resource, the nurse supports physicians and clinical staff while maintaining the ability to perform general nursing duties across departments. This role actively participates in the facility’s Quality Improvement Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and lead the facility-wide Infection Prevention and Control Program.
• Monitor and analyze process and outcome measures to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of infection prevention efforts.
• Maintain knowledge of current infection prevention regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Develop, interpret, and assist in implementing infection prevention and control policies.
• Assess learning needs of staff and residents and provide appropriate education.
• Collaborate with department managers and medical directors to implement prevention strategies.
• Train and test nursing staff on infection prevention measures.
• Participate in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans for residents.
• Perform wound assessments, reassessments, and management per policy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and dermal system disorders
• Utilizes current wound management theory for acute and chronic wounds, following the standards of the Organization of Wound Care Nurses (OWCN).
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of wound staging systems.
• Develop and implement skin care programs to prevent breakdown.
• Develop and update policies for wound care, ostomy care, draining wounds, fistulae, tubes, and incontinence.
• Revise care plans based on the patient’s response and evaluate effectiveness.
• Perform treatments safely within the nursing scope of practice.
• Create and evaluate teaching plans for patients, families, and staff.
• Maintain knowledge of medications relevant to wound and clinical care.
• Serve as a resource for physicians, nursing staff, and others; provide in-services as needed.
• Ensure documentation meets current standards and best practices.
• Integrate evidence-based research into clinical practice.
• Participate in professional societies and remain current on wound care advances.
• Act as a liaison between physicians, patients, and manufacturers of clinical products.
• Maintain knowledge of current clinical products and operate related equipment safely.
• Operates all equipment correctly and safely.
• Coordinate and supervise patient care as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid state license(s) related to healthcare (e.g., RN, LPN, or LVN, depending on state requirements).
• Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) is a must.
• Self-starter strong independent work skills and efficiency.
• Reliable transportation.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination or approved exemption.
• One year of infection prevention and control experience preferred.
  
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sufficient visual and auditory ability for written and verbal communication.
• Ability to tolerate a moderate noise level.
• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift a minimum of 25 lbs to a height of 5 feet, and carry the weight at least 50 feet.
• May assist in resident evacuation during emergencies.
  
  
  

Benefits: (Full-Time)

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) after 6 months of service