Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (RN)

Job Description: Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (Exempt)
Position: Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (SDC/IP)
Setting: Long-Term Care Facility
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)

Position Summary:
The Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (SDC/IP) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating staff development and infection prevention programs. This role ensures that all staff members are well-trained and that infection prevention policies are effectively integrated into daily operations, maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Staff Development Responsibilities:

•Orientation and Training:
oDevelops and conducts orientation programs for new employees.
oPlans, coordinates, and provides ongoing in-service training for staff to maintain and enhance competency levels.
oEnsures training programs meet state and federal requirements.
•Competency Management:
oAssesses and evaluates staff competency through observations and skills assessments.
oIdentifies learning needs based on performance evaluations, quality indicators, and regulatory requirements.
•Documentation and Compliance:
oMaintains accurate records of all training sessions, attendance, and competency evaluations.
oPrepares reports related to staff development activities for leadership and regulatory agencies.

Infection Prevention Responsibilities:

•Program Management:
oDevelops, implements, and maintains the facility's infection prevention and control program.
oEnsures compliance with CDC, OSHA, CMS, and state regulations.
•Surveillance and Monitoring:
oConducts regular infection control surveillance, audits, and risk assessments.
oMonitors infection rates, investigates outbreaks, and recommends corrective actions.
•Education and Training:
oProvides infection prevention training to staff, residents, and visitors.
oEnsures staff understands proper infection control practices, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation procedures.
•Policy Development:
oDevelops, updates, and enforces infection prevention policies and procedures.
oCollaborates with healthcare providers and leadership to ensure best practices in infection prevention are followed.

Collaboration and Communication:

•Serves as a resource and mentor for staff, promoting continuous learning and improvement.
•Communicates infection control updates and provides guidance to staff and families.
•Participates in committees related to quality improvement, safety, and infection control.

Qualifications:

•Education:
oCurrent Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
oBachelor's degree in Nursing or related field preferred.
•Experience:
oMinimum of 2-3 years of nursing experience in a long-term care setting.
oPrevious experience in staff education, infection control, or leadership roles preferred.
•Certifications:
oInfection Prevention certification (e.g., CIC) preferred or willingness to obtain.
oCPR and First Aid certified.
•Skills:
oStrong communication, teaching, and organizational skills.
oAbility to analyze data, prepare reports, and implement improvement plans.
oProficiency in using computer systems for documentation and training purposes.

Working Conditions:

•Primarily works in an office setting but frequently interacts with residents and staff throughout the facility.
•Must be able to move around the facility and occasionally lift or move equipment.
•May be required to respond to infection control emergencies outside regular hours.