What are the responsibilities and job description for the Infection Preventionist position at Tohono O'odham Nursing Care Authority?
GENERAL PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Director of Nursing and/or Administrator, the Infection Preventionist is responsible for the oversight of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide information to managers/directors regarding changes in policies, new procedures, etc. to keep staff current on new practices.
- Collaborate with the facility’s leadership and the Medical Director to develop, implement, and evaluate the annual infection prevention goals and action plan.
- Perform surveillance of infections and diseases and conduct outbreak investigations.
- Maintain a system for reporting possible incidents of communicable diseases to appropriate agencies as required.
- Manage Tuberculosis and Influenza immunization administration, documentation, and tracking for all employees.
- Oversee the Antibiotic Stewardship Program and monitor Residents’ antibiotic use.
- Coordinate and implement an employee health program.
- Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting the TONCA (Tohono O Odham Nursing Care Authority) operations.
- Ensure that the facility’s leadership is informed, understand, and comply with infection control, safety, and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) procedures and regulations.
- Attend and/or report to assigned meetings.
- Perform any supportive functions based on the organization's requirements.
- Recognize your role as part of the QAPI (Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement) efforts of your organization.
- Attend training to build understanding and capacity to undertake QAPI work.
- Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned.
- Follow established policies and procedures in support of QAPI efforts.
- Look for and share leadership ideas for improvement in the organization.
- Communicate with leadership upon witnessing a positive outcome of a QAPI project or detecting barriers preventing project success.
- Support QAPI efforts both verbally and non-verbally (i.e., via actions and attitude), including adjusting performance and practice in accordance with QAPI initiatives and findings.
- All other duties assigned.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Licensed Practical Nurse (minimum) or Registered Nurse (preferred); must have a current, active and unrestricted license as a professional nurse. TONCA will also consider applicants with a bachelor's degree in epidemiology, medical technology, microbiology, or public health (minimum).
Preference: Registered Nurse and/or A.S.N. or B.S.N./ Certified in Infection Control
Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant bedside nursing experience (for professional nurses). Three years qualifying Infection Control experience.