WOUND CARE NURSE/ INFECTION CONTROL

WOUND CARE NURSE/ INFECTION CONTROL

POSITION:
The primary function of the Wound Care/Treatment Nurse is to insure effective and efficient nursing care is provided as prescribed by the physician and as required by the facility’s policies and procedures.

The primary purpose of the Infection Control Nurse is to plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct our 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 and the Infection Control Committee to ensure that an effective infection
control program is maintained at all times

REPORTING:
This position is responsible to the Director of Nursing.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS-WOUND CARE NURSE:

• Provide assessment and diagnostic services to residents.
• Ensure that residents with decubitus ulcers receive appropriate prophylaxis and treatment.
• Implement and maintain established policies and procedures relative to skin care treatments.
• Participate in facility surveys by authorized government agencies as may be requested.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the attending physician, Medical Director or the DON concerning the status and care of the residents.
• Initiate requests for consultation or referral.
• Examine the resident and his/her records and chart and discriminate between normal and abnormal findings in order to know when to refer resident to physician for evaluation.
• Confer with the DON and/or other licensed personnel regarding skin disorders.
• Consult with IDT team concerning assessment evaluations and assist in planning and developing the skin care treatment.
• Assist in monitoring the inventory of medications; medical supplies and equipment to ensure an adequate supply of skin care products are on hand to meet the needs of residents.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports and charting.
• Attend and participate in continuing education programs designed to keep you abreast of changes in your profession, as well as maintain your license on a current status.
• Report all allegations of resident abuse and/or misappropriation of resident property.
• Comply with resident rights ensuring that all residents are treated fairly, with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Must function as a team member and have flexibility.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Possess the ability to deal tactfully and harmoniously with personnel, residents and all visitors.
• Shows dependability by being punctual; maintains consistent attendance.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information.
• Serve on and work with the Interdisciplinary Care Plan Team in developing a comprehensive assessment and care plan for assigned residents.
• Meet with and solicit advice from the Medical Director and DON concerning the skin care of the residents.
• Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees as they may pertain to the medical activities of the facility and skin care of residents.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS-INFECTION CONTROL:

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct our infection control program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in nursing care facilities
• Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique that successfully correct
  problem areas
• 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
• Make rounds to nursing units for the purpose of case findings, review of environmental sanitation procedures, and
  supervision of isolation precautions/practices
• Visit isolated residents as necessary to ensure that established isolation precautions and aseptic technique are followed
• Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the
  facility
• Ensure that all personnel follow established procedures for the disposal and removal of infective and contaminated
  materials from the facility
• Prepare monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective action taken, including the results of the
  corrective action, and submit copies to the Administrator and DON
• Other duties as assigned by the DON

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Continuous bending, squatting, twisting and reaching.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Must be able to stand for and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Requires infrequent lifting of weight up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Frequent pushing and pulling of carts.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
Graduate of accredited school of nursing
License:
Current, active license as Registered Nurse

Work Experience:

• Experience in long term geriatric nursing care preferred

Language Skills:

• Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical information, and to be easily understood through verbal communication in the English language.

Mathematical Skills:

• Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, and volume.

Communication Skills:

• Must have exceptional communication and customer service skills,and be empathetic.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, responsible parties, staff and outside resources and agencies.