POSITION SUMMARY

This individual is accountable for decreasing the incidence and transmission of infectious diseases between patients, staff, visitors and the community. Through strategic planning, leadership and consultation, you will lead and direct a robust team in the identification and implementation of infection prevention goals and objectives throughout the facility.

The Infection Preventionist Nurse reports to the Director of Nursing and partners with the Medical Director and Pharmacist for Antimicrobial Stewardship, the QA Committee, and other stakeholders to develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partners with the Medical Director develop, implement and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plan
• Partners with facility leaders, physicians, local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention
• Oversees the operations of the infection prevention, epidemiology and relevant safety programs
• Accountable for surveillance of healthcare acquired and community acquired infections
• Manages goal setting process for system, unit and physician goals related to healthcare acquired infections and conditions
• Leads facility hygiene program to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, mitigate and control workplace conditions related to infection control and prevention.
• Participates in the national collaboratives and external reporting to CDC NHSN system, and other post-acute care specific quality organizations
• Authority and responsibility for ensuring appropriate intervention and education occurs with staff, volunteers and medical staff when healthcare infection trends, outbreaks or non-compliance to infection control/OSHA are
• Ensures that education and counseling on infection prevention is available for staff, volunteers, medical staff, patients and
• Support and participate in interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement
• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and ensures that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues. Understands and complies with infection control, safety and OSHA procedures and
• Partnering with department directors in providing in-service training, facility hygiene to recognize and mitigate workplace conditions related to infection control and relevant safety programs.

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies these are the only duties you will be required to perform as directed by management. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

REQUIREMENTS

Education / Licensure

• Completion of LVN or RN training from accredited school or college
• Valid LVN or RN license in good standing
• Valid CPR and BLS card
• Specialty training in Infection Prevention and Control through accredited continuing education

Qualifications / Experience

• 1 year of skilled nursing experience preferred
• Must be able to speak, read, write and comprehend the English language
• Ability to use computer or tablet to enter resident data

Working Conditions

• May encounter frequent interruptions
• May be involved with residents, family and government agencies
• May be requested to work beyond scheduled working hours at times
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)
• May be subjected to odors, dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoking or air contaminants
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses
• May be exposed to or handle hazardous chemicals

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day
• Working throughout the nursing areas
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Lifting more weight up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Ability to read fine print on tablet, progress notes and/or medical labels