RN Employee Health/ Infection Prevention

Position Summary:  

The Infection Control Preventionist is responsible for the prevention, investigation, monitoring and reporting of the spread of communicable diseases at St. John’s. As such, the role of the Infection Control Preventionist combines epidemiological and public health practices with administrative tasks. The job includes resident education and care as well as the education of all staff regarding infection control protocols and policies.

Qualifications & Education Required:

• Current professional registered nurse licensure in the state of New York.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent work experience.
• Current Infection Prevention Certification
• At least two year experience in the management of an infection prevention program
• Ability to interact with Residents and care for their needs.

• Willingness to embrace and exemplify St. John’s Brand Characteristics.

Core Organizational Competencies:

• St. John’s Brand Characteristics - Embrace living by being Friendly, Respectful, Responsive, Compassionate, Innovative and Fun towards elders, families and colleagues.  
• Teamwork - Actively participates. Assists team members; offers encouragement. Acknowledges/welcomes elders. Keeps team members informed. Recognizes achievements and efforts of others. 
• Job Knowledge - Consistently demonstrates working knowledge of all aspects of job. Remains current on job related changes and trends.
• Planning/Organization - Demonstrates initiative; plans appropriately. Uses time, materials, resources effectively. Organizes work to ensure commitment and priorities.
• Productivity - Consistently maintains high activity and efficiently produces acceptable volume of work. Consistently meets deadlines and commitments.
• Quality - Consistently produces accurate, timely work which meets required quality standards. Pays attention to detail. Sets high standards of performance for self and actively seeks continuous improvement. Provides elder-driven care.
• Reliability - Consistently delivers on commitments. Can be counted on to accomplish tasks without follow up. Available when required by elder or team and can be counted on to help or assist when needed. Responds in a timely manner.
• Demeanor (attitude) - Embraces change with optimism. Addresses concerns appropriately. Positively communicates. Good listener. Consistently maintains a positive demeanor.

Position Competencies:

• Expertise in the infection control and prevention Process. Ability to provide friendly, helpful, courteous service to elders, families, and co-workers from all departments.
• Skilled in group and individual training and education around infection prevention principles and practices.
• Organizational skills
• Ability to identify potential Infectious disease concerns and take action to intervene

Position Responsibilities:

• Review and update infection roster for residents weekly.
• Participation in development and maintenance of the Facility Pandemic Emergency Plan.
• Remain current on the latest communication and guidance from the CDS and CMS (NYS Department of Health) regarding measures to be implemented related to the spread of infectious disease in the community and in long term care.
• Implementation and review of the facility’s infection prevention and control program.
• Implement and monitor policies and procedures for infection prevention for the facility.
• Provide education for the staff, residents, and families about infection prevention and control issues.
• Implementation of measures for the control of outbreaks in the affected areas of the facility.
• Coordinate with other departments during an outbreak for further follow up.
• Notify the appropriate public health authorities in the event of an outbreak.
• Submit required reports on HERDS
• Implement and review of the facilities COVID, Flu, RSV and Immunization programs.
• Liaison with the clinical teams regarding the development of standards, audits, and research
• Liaison with the Employee Health Nurse regarding relevant staff member health issues.
• Track infections and report on trends in QAPI committee.
• Work closely with medical providers regarding the Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
• Review quality indicators on a monthly basis.  
• Respond as needed in the event of an infectious disease emergency (e.g. COVID pandemic)
• Coordinate and assist with completing required testing for COVID, flu and RSV
• Coordinate and assist with administering required and/or recommended vaccinations
• Assist with clinical needs as requested by the DON or ADON

Physical Requirements:

• Stands, sits, and walks most of the day. Frequent moving and ability to lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to perform activities as defined in skills check list.

Exposure to Conditions:

•  Exposed to infectious diseases, odors and psycho-behavioral situations.