Infection Prevention/Educator RN - Skilled Nursing Facility

The SNF Infection Prevention/Educator RN is a professional whose knowledge of nursing procedures, aseptic techniques and good communication skills assists in the ability to educate physicians, nurse and other Arnot Health personnel in the prevention and transmission of infections. This position is an assistant to the Infection Prevention System Director and requires working closely with the daily implementation, surveillance, reporting of infections, evaluation of isolation guidelines and policies and participation in performance improvement and best practice compliance.


**This position will also be responsible for traveling to both the St. Joseph's campus in Elmira, NY and the Ira Davenport campus in Bath, NY to split time between both campuses.


Reports to the SNF Director of Nursing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Is the leader of the SNF infection prevention and control program (IPCP).
2. Formulates educational/staff development programs utilizing total age appropriate criteria which meets the needs of individual patients.
3. Utilizes theories of teaching and learning to meet identified patient/family and staff educational needs.

1. Coordinates the orientation process of new employees and serves as a resource for preceptors.

1. Collaborates with the Director of Nursing to identify educational needs within the unit/department, and formulates a written goal-directed plan of education to address priority areas.

1. Is responsible for providing staff development, educational programs, and inservicing, as appropriate, to cover all staff/all shifts. Maintains appropriate documentation of orientation activities and on-going educational programs including objectives, class content, evaluations, and employee attendance.

1. Maintains appropriate documentation of the following on the unit: Competency completion, Inservice/Staff Development programs, and Certification. Forwards necessary information to the Education Department.

1. Assesses learner needs and incorporates adult learning principles in the planning, implementation and evaluation of education programs through multiple venues including bedside, e-learning, didactic class presentations and simulation scenarios.

1. Identifies education/training needs and establishes programs with measurable student objectives.

1. Remains flexible in staffing to meet the educational /staff development needs of the unit.

1. Partners with the SNF Medical Director and SNF leaders to complete an annual infection prevention risk assessment.

1. Partners with the SNF Medical Director and SNF leaders to utilize the risk assessment to develop, implement and evaluate an annual IPIC plan and goals.

1. Utilizes a system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment.

1. Utilizes a system for recording incidents identified under the facility's IPCP and the corrective actions taken by the facility.

1. Investigates and reports suspected outbreaks to DOH by completing NORA reports.

1. Is responsible for written standards, policies, and procedures for the program, which must include, but are not limited to:
   • A system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections before they can spread to other persons in the facility
   • When and to whom possible incidents of communicable disease or infections should be reported
   • Standard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infections
   • When and how isolation should be used for a resident
   • Responsibility for the SNF Influenza/ Pneumococcal Immunization Policy and Procedure

1. Educates and mentors staff on evidence based infection prevention practices.

1. Makes rounds of all patient care areas for purpose of observing environmental infection control and standard precaution/isolation practices.

1. Has oversight of ongoing education and in-services on infection control.

1. Maintains communication with SNF team members.

1. Works closely with the Medical Director and Medical Staff on adherence to the facility's Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Utilizes antibiotic use protocols and a system to monitor antibiotic use.

1. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.
2. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with Arnot Health.

1. It is understood that this job description lists typical duties and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

BSN required.

EXPERIENCE:

At least 2 years clinical experience, Knowledge of infection control, quality improvement, and regulatory requirements required. Computer knowledge recommended.


QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have primary professional training in one of the following: nursing, epidemiology, microbiology, medical technology or a related field
• Be qualified for this role through education, training, certification or experience
• Have completed specialized training in Infection Prevention and Control
• Work at least part-time at the facility.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

CPR required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Light physical effort required.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category I. Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

** ADA Essential Functions