Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist

The Infection Preventionist is responsible for coordinating all activities of the infection prevention and control program that meets the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.

Job Duties:

• Setting standards, supporting implementation of and evaluating infection prevention practices such as hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions and environmental cleaning and disinfection;
• Reviewing policies and procedures annually and updating as needed;
• Educating staff;
• Conducting surveillance by identifying and documenting infections;
• Calculating infection rates and analyzing data to inform decision making;
• Developing and implementing process measures to evaluate performance;
• Facilitating outbreak investigations and learning from defects/root cause analysis as needed;
• Ensuring public health is notified of reportable diseases;
• Supporting implementation of influenza vaccination and tracking staff vaccination rates;
• Writing and disseminating reports;
• Active member of the quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) committee and working with QAPI committee/program and other key staff to strengthen infection prevention practices; and
• Supporting antibiotic stewardship initiatives

These responsibilities also include identifying when resident needs to be placed on isolation precautions, working with environmental services to prevent cross-contamination in the care environment, developing action plans to address opportunities for improvement, coordinating with employee health as needed, and implementing an annual infection control risk assessment process. This position also works with community partners and other healthcare facilities to prevent transmission of infection across the continuum of care.

Competencies - Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Organizational Competencies:

• Customer Service
• Expectations Management
• Communication Skills
• Team Player
• Reliability & Accountability
• Functional Knowledge & Learning
• Creative Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution

Functional Competencies:

• Knowledge of infection control
• Knowledge of epidemiology
• Knowledge of quality improvement
• Knowledge of adult education principles
• Knowledge of statistics
• Knowledge of microbiology

Personal Attributes:

• Negotiating skills
• Ability to influence others
• Problem Solving & Decision making
• Time Management skills
• Adaptability & Change Management skills
• Planning and Organization skills
• Integrity/ethical standards
• Results-oriented
• Discretion
• Compassion & Empathy

Qualifications Required:

Education:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Nursing from an approved School of Nursing, or baccalaureate degree in medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology or public health

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse, LPN or baccalaureate degree in medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology or public health

Experience:

• 2 years team management and supervisory experience
• 2 years experience in long term care and in the management of resident care
• 2 years knowledge of and experience in overseeing ODH regulatory compliance
• Technical experience with Patient Care/Management systems

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to: Director of Nursing and Center Administrator

Direct Reports: Nursing Supervisor(s), CQI/In-Service Coordinator RN, Staff Development RN, Unit Manager(s), Staffing Coordinator, Nursing Secretary, MDS Staff, Ward Clerks, Medical Records Clerk(s), Central Supply Clerk(s)

Indirect Reports: RNs, LPNs, and STNAs

Internal Support Partners or Customers: HR, Dietary Team, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Business Office, Admissions, Activity Director, Social Services, Medical Director, Director of Nursing Operations

External Relationships: Hospital Discharge Planners, Ancillary Vendors (i.e., Lab, X-Ray, Hospice)

Working Conditions & Special Requirements:

Working Condition:

• Sitting up to 3 hours
• Standing up to 6 hours
• Walking up to 6 hour
• Lifting Up to 50 lbs
• Driving up to 1 hours/day
• Work evenings Frequently; On call 24/7
• Work weekends 6-8 times per year
• Risk Category for Exposure to Bloodborne Diseases Category III
• Reliable Transportation Required

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, walking and moving intermittently during working hours. Ability to maintain verbal and written communication with co-workers and business associates outside the community. Ability to travel to include local and or scheduled out of town meetings and other professional activities. Good vision to supervise care delivery.

Mental Requirements: Alert and attentive to detail. Ability to remember locations, names and people. Must present a neat, clean, professional appearance and demonstrate a positive, cheerful attitude towards employees and residents.

Environment: Operates office equipment; works often in clean, well-lit, heated and cooled office area; travels often locally. Able to make frequent visits to all areas of the community. Occasionally spends time at outside construction sites with exposure to varying weather conditions. Subject to exposure to hazardous chemicals or infectious substances.