Infection Control Nurse

To plan, organize, develop, coordinate and direct the infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs. In addition, operate an environmental surveillance program in order to maintain a safe environment for facility residents and personnel. PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: Implements under the direction of the Infection Control Committee, standards for surveillance of incidence of nosocomial infections, community acquired infections, conditions predisposing to infections and periodic review of the clinical use of antibiotics. Implements a mechanism for monitoring and reporting infections in residents and environmental conditions with infection potential. Implements control measures including isolation policy, aseptic technique, and a personnel health program. Institutes isolation precautions as necessary. Acts as a resource person for all facility staff in regard to personnel educational needs ad awareness of the importance of infection control. Detects, records, and monitors nosocomial infections/communicable diseases and reports them to the Director of Nursing Services. Maintains Infection Control Policies and procedures and participates in annual review revisions of these in cooperation with the Director of Nursing Services. Attends Medical Staff meetings. Develops written agenda for Infection Control Committee meetings, keeps minutes of meetings and makes reports to the Director of Nursing Services. Conducts environmental surveillance rounds and reports findings in writing to the Administrator. Discusses problematic areas with appropriate department heads. Reports statistics to the appropriate state agency, NHSN. Coordinates Infection Disease Consultant visits. #J-18808-Ljbffr