POSITION SUMMARY:

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the quality of resident/patient care as it relates to the investigation, control, and prevention of infection. The Infection Preventionist is responsible for assisting in the collection and review of infection surveillance information and the education of staff on Infection Prevention and Control.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Licensure/Certification: Holds a current/valid, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in New York State.

            Skills, Knowledge or Abilities:

Ability to work in a direct resident care setting.

Ability to navigate and document in the electronic medical record (EMR)

            Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand for periods of time, ability to bend.

            Experience:

2-5 years Clinical nursing experience, preferably in long-term care. Infection Control experience preferred. APIC membership preferred.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides Infection Control orientation to all new staff.
• Provides education to staff, residents/patients, and family members on a one-to-one basis as needed.
• Perform Infection Control surveillance and report results.
• In collaboration with the admissions department, assess infection control needs prior to admission in an effort to meet and/or determine infection control criteria.
• Review resident/patient record as required.
• Conduct infection control audits and initiate corrective education/action with staff, report results to Director of Nursing.
• Works cooperatively and professionally with all departments.
• Provide scheduled and impromptu infection control in-service as required.
• Develops and revises infection prevention policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Initiates isolation/precautions as needed, assures appropriate notifications, and equipment setup.
• Tracks resident/patient immunizations.
• Monitors hand hygiene of all departments.
• Conduct outbreak investigation and initiate control measures
• Perform surveillance to identify infections in residents/patients and staff.
• Track trends in infection within the facility and report infections to appropriate agencies, as required by state and local regulations.
• Perform routine environmental rounds with the team.
• Identify infection control issues (e.g., those identified during environmental rounds) and make recommendations for corrective action.
• Monitors infection control practices and employee compliance. Hand Hygiene, Precautions, PPE use.
• Knows and adheres to facility policies and procedures.
• Practices good body mechanics.
• Answers call lights/requests for assistance and takes care of resident’s needs as well as keeping the unit nurse informed of any requests that must be handled by a licensed nurse (pain meds, dressing adjustments, medical questions, etc.).
• Is knowledgeable of emergency policies & procedures and participates in emergency drills.
• Appearance: Is well groomed, uses proper attire in keeping with uniform code, including identification badge.
• Creates and maintains an atmosphere of courtesy and respect toward employees and families.
• Is alert and willing to assist employees, residents, and families in an enthusiastic manner.
• Demonstrates CHS core values/behaviors, Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence in practice.
• Attends and/or completes all mandatory in-service programs in a timely manner.
• Precepts new C.N.A. as assigned. Provides feedback on orientee’s progress.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the position through regular and punctual attendance.
• Is flexible in response to emergencies or schedule changes which may include floating off usual unit.
• Shows initiative in assuming other duties within the scope of the position.
• Collaborates with unit managers and supervisors regarding care needs.
• Promotes teamwork and assists co-workers as necessary.
• Performs other duties within scope as directed.
• *Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures

This range serves as a good faith estimate and actual pay will encompass a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. The salary range or rate listed does not include any bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation that may be applicable to this job and it does not include the value of benefits.

At Catholic Health, we believe in a people-first approach. In addition to the estimated base pay provided, Catholic Health offers generous benefits packages, generous tuition assistance, a defined benefit pension plan, and a culture that supports professional and educational growth.