Staff Development/Infection Preventionist RN

Position Summary

The RN Infection Preventionist evaluates the quality of resident care and outcomes as they relate to Healthcare Acquired

Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI) in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life

Care standards. Collects, prepares, and analyzes HAI data. Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions.

Monitors associate compliance with infection control standards through use of barriers and infection prevention measures.

Prepares and presents education for the staff, residents, and families. Serves as a resource to all departments and personnel.

• Reports to Director of Nursing (DON)

Working Conditions

• Attends and participates in continuing education programs (ex. Infection Prevention and Control)

• Works in department as well as throughout facility

• Subject to frequent interruptions

• Involved with patients, associates, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc. under all conditions and circumstances

• Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, etc.

• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends and holidays, and in other positions temporarily as necessary

• Subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc. throughout the workday

• Possible exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to AIDS, the hepatitis B virus, and

• COVID-19

Education, Experience, and Licensure/Certifications

• Must possess a nursing diploma (associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing)

• Must be currently licensed/registered in applicable State. Must maintain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good

• standing throughout employment.

• Must have CPR certification upon hire or obtain during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during

• employment.

• Must have completed an approved Infection Preventionist Certification course (e.g., CIC, CBIC, IP-BC, IPCA, CDC)

• Prior experience with geriatrics preferred

• Must have applicable certifications or training per State requirements (e.g., Certified TB Nurse)

Specific Requirements

• Serves as designated associate responsible for monitoring Public Health Advisories from local, state, and federal agencies

• including the CDC

• Serves as the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities, in accordance with current CDC

• recommendations

• Maintains a current knowledge of infection control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices

• Performs work within the scope of his/her license

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action

• Must be knowledgeable of Infection Prevention and Control practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and

• guidelines governing nursing functions in the post-acute care facility

• Must have the ability to implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Infection

• Prevention and Control Program

• Must perform proficiently in all applicable competency areas

• Maintains professional working relationships with all associates, vendors, etc.

• Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information

• Must understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures

Essential Functions

• Must be able to plan, develop, organize, implement, and evaluate facility-wide systems for the prevention, identification,

• investigation and control of infections of residents, staff, and visitors

• Must be able to plan, develop, organize, implement, and evalute a high quality infection prevention and control program

• (IPCP) to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of infection to the extent possible

• Must be able to serve as the educational resource for ensuring the facility is able to properly educate; residents, families,

• associates, consultants, contractors, and volunteers on information regarding: COVID-19, infectious diseases, outbreaks, and

• infection control practices the facility uses to mitigate the spread of infection

• Must be able to monitor usage and burn rate of personal protective equipment

• Must be able to regularly review CDC and State Health websites for Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

• for current information and ensure associates and residents are updated when guidance changes

• Must be able to complete on-going monitoring of HAI’s (Healthcare Acquired Infections) and CAI’s (Community Acquired

• Infections) including antibiotic use, micro report, line listings, and trending of infections

• Must be able to serve as a QAPI Committee member, with the responsibility of reporting on infection prevention and control

• elements

• Must be able to serve as the chair and prepare the agenda for the Infection Prevention and Control Committee

• Must be able to serve as the PPE coach and complete associate training and competencies related to appropriate PPE use

• Must be able to serve as a resource for all departments, associates, and licensed independent practitioners on infection

• prevention and control matters

• Must be able to conduct outbreak tracking, symptom monitoring, investigation, and reporting in accordance with local health

• and state agency as required by law

• Must able to initiate follow-up on associate/resident exposures to communicable diseases

• Must be able to coordinate the development, review, and revision of the Annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan

• Must be able to participate in short- and long-range planning for the Infection Prevention and Control Program

• Must be able to serve as clinical lead in the facility in the implementation and support of the Antibiotic Stewardship program

• Must be able to participate in the ongoing review of facility assessment to ensure identification of Infection Control resources

• necessary to care for its residents competently during both day to day operations and emergencies

• Must be able to ensure reporting is completed in NHSN in accordance with F885

• Must be able to serve as the clinical lead for Associate Health, Vaccinations, Safer Sharps, and Post Exposure Coordination

• Must be able to serve as the RPA (Respiratory Protection Administrator) for the facility and administer respiratory fit testing

• as needed

• Must be able to participate in regulatory surveys to ensure associates in all departments are being monitored and provide

• assistance in following appropriate IPC standard

• Must exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients

• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of patients

• Must demonstrate dependable, regular attendance

• Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment

• Must be able to communicate and function productively within an interdisciplinary team

• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift, push, pull, stoop, walk, reach, and move intermittently during working hours

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language

• Must be able to lift 35 lbs floor to waist, lift 35 lbs waist to shoulder, lift and carry 35 lbs, and push/pull 35 lbs