Infection Preventionist RN

The primary purpose of your job position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct all in-service educational programs throughout the facility in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the administrator, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained always.

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

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Plan, develop, direct, evaluate, and coordinate educational and on-the-job training programs.
• Incorporate commercially produced instruction material and training aids into existing in-service programs as deemed necessary.
• Provide leadership in formulating the goals and objectives of the in-service educational programs of this facility.
• Develop, evaluate and control the quality of in-service educational programs in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Secure, develop and maintain records, reports, instructional manuals, reference materials, etc., pertinent to in-service educational programs.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, class attendance and subject records, etc.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the administrator concerning in-service training programs.
• Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of directing the in-service educational programs.
• Work with the facility's consultants as necessary and implement recommended changes as required.
• Assist department directors in obtaining and scheduling of speakers to present in-service training programs.
• Ensure that in-service training classrooms or areas are properly prepared before training classes begin.
• Delegate authority, responsibility, and accountability to other personnel.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished.
• Develop, direct and schedule refresher training, as necessary, for assigned staff and licensed professional personnel.
• Remain current on new developments by attending professional institutions, reading professional journals and attending professional seminars.
• Attend and participate in your professional association’s activities and programs, etc., to assure that you keep abreast of current regulations and guidelines, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the administrator.
• Develop and participate in the planning, conducting, and scheduling of orientation programs that orient newly hired personnel to their position, the facility's policies and procedures, resident rights and responsibilities, etc.
• Assist licensed nursing personnel (i.e., RNs, LPNs, and Nurse Aides) in obtaining in-service training to keep their license current in accordance with state law. Provide in-service training as necessary/required.
• Assist the administrator in developing the Nurse Aide Training curriculum used by the facility. Submit to state agency as required, if applicable.
• Ensure that all personnel attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens standard.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.
• Assist in the development of the in-service training budget.
• Ensure that copies of lesson plans, instructor's qualifications, etc., are filed in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.
• Partners with the Medical Director to 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, industrial hygiene, 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.
• Lead industrial hygiene program to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, mitigate and control workplace conditions.
• 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 identified.
• Ensures that education and counseling on infection prevention is available for staff, volunteers, medical staff, patients and parents.
• Support and participate in interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement process.
• 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 regulations.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the administrator.

Personnel Functions

• Develop and direct orientation programs for all personnel, in accordance with our established policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular or special in-service training sessions for staff to ensure they remain current on new procedures, changes in policies, etc.
• Coordinate in-service activities and programs with all departments in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Encourage personnel to get involved in planning programs, trying new ideas, etc., to enhance our educational in-service programs.
• Maintain a productive working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
• Promote the morale of all personnel and maintain a spirit of cooperation.
• Assist in setting standards for department personnel.
• Conduct departmental performance evaluations in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.
• Ensure that individual employee training records are maintained and filed in the employee's personnel record.
• Schedule in-service training programs according to the needs of each department.
• Post notices of in-service training classes in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing
• Specialty training in Infection Prevention and Control through accredited continuing education

Experience

• Must have, as a minimum, one-year experience in a health-related facility.
• Must have experience in supervision and principles, practice of teaching, etc.
• Must possess skills in leadership and communication.
• Must possess creativity, integrity, and initiative.

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