JOB SUMMARY

The Infection Prevention Nurse is responsible for overseeing the Infection Control Program. The Infection Prevention Nurse systematically collects and assesses data in collaboration with the team to provide therapeutic, evidenced based care. The Infection Control Nurse works collaboratively with the team to develop plans of care and documents progress toward achieving defined outcomes. This includes assessing the effectiveness and the needs of the program, development and planning of services, organizing and coordinating the implementation of services, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs and services. The position requires the knowledge of epidemiology and application of public health practices in the facility, with the goal of implementing effective and efficient procedures and policies to combat disease transmission among residents and staff. The Infection Preventionist Nurse is accountable for maintaining compliance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations, facility policies, and as directed by Alden Management Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prefer a graduate of a four year college with one year’s experience in the health care or long term care field or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Must possess a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN or an LPN in the state(s) where facility(s) are located.
• Must be able to work scheduled hours, including some weekends.
• Must have completed an approved Infection Preventionist course requirements or attainment of such courses within 30 days after employment.
• Must be knowledgeable of short term practices and procedures, as well as some familiarity with laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to Long Term care.
• Must possess current CPR certificate or become certified within 90 days of employment.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Leads and supervises to create a positive working atmosphere.
• Committed to improving the quality of life for those we serve and possess the ability to work in a team environment that is resident centered.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and advanced customer service skills.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with patients, family members, hospital and facility personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/ hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to relate well and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to comply with facility Covid19 testing requirements
• Prolonged standing/walking is required.
• May be required to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of 50 lbs throughout the day.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to the (HIV) AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure that all infection control procedures are followed in accordance with established company policies and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with all disciplines within the facility.
• Maintain current, accurate, and updated infection log
• Oversee Antibiotic Stewardship Program
• Ensure McGreer's criteria is followed through completion of the infection report form.
• Tracking and trending transmission based precautions & antibiotic usage
• Daily observation on facility infection control process in all departments.
• Ensure active surveillance and education on infection control practices on all shifts.
• Assist nursing leadership with completing competencies for staff on infection control practices.
• Evaluate and assess all new and re-admissions for active infections
• Oversees compliance of antibiotic tracking forms while residents are on antibiotics.
• Ensure care plans related to infection control are completed and updated
• In-service and educate staff on Infection Control Program
• Follow current established standards of nursing practices and assist staff with implementation of practices
• Collaborate with non-nursing departments on infection control awareness
• Work with facility to ensure XDRO registry is being checked prior to admissions and readmissions.
• Participate in staff meetings, QA meetings, team meetings, in-services and other meetings as requested or needed.
• Maintain a professional, cooperative relationship among facility staff through communication, cooperation and teamwork.
• Collaborate with Director of Nursing in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the Infection Control Program.
• Educate patients, families or responsible parties about the facility infection control program and facility practices.
• Accept and support the Alden Mission, Our Promise, Customer Service Values and Motto.
• Accepts and supports the Clinical Leadership & Administrator
• Directly collaborates with employees and instruct staff providing education and training to promote job knowledge related to Infection Control program and services.
• Identify problems, develop and implement solutions with the assistance of the DON and Administrator.