Infection Control Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Responsible for the Infection Prevention Program. The Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) evaluates quality of resident care and resident outcomes as they relate to healthcare associated infections. Collects, prepares and analyzes healthcare associated infection data, presents this data, and makes recommendations for actions. The Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) monitors employee compliance in use of barriers and infection prevention measures. Prepares and presents educational offerings for the staff and serves as a resource to all departments and personnel. Implements policies to protect the healthcare workers, visitors, and others in the healthcare environment and prevent adverse events. Provides internal and external reporting of information and data and promotes compliance with regulations, guidelines, and accreditation requirements.

INFECTION CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors healthcare-associated infections and any requisite additional precautions

• Assesses infection prevention problems and makes recommendations for corrective action

• Monitors infection prevention practices for all departments and personnel

• Initiates and reviews infection prevention policies and procedures

• The Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) conducts outbreak investigation and initiates control measures

• Provides educational offerings for orientation and ongoing in services

• Consults with department heads and physicians as needed to improve care

• Initiates follow-up on employee/resident exposures to communicable diseases.

• Serves as a resource to all departments

• Participates in performance improvement activities

• Participates in short- and long-range planning for the infection prevention department

• Performs other duties as directed

• Ensures resident and staff vaccination programs are completed timely

• Maintain all aspects of the employee health program are completed and timely

• Calculate infection rates each month and communicate rates to the Administrator and Director of Nursing

• The Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ensures the surveillance program is completed in a timely manner and maintain records appropriately

• Ensure maintenance of the resident health program including but not limited to the tuberculosis testing and the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines

• Conduct in services and competency assessment annually and as indicated

PSYCHOTROPIC RESPONSIBILITES:

• The Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) gathers consent from residents for psychotropic medication

• Round with Psychiatrist whenever they are in the building

• Document changes in behavior in residents, especially if medication is changed by the doctor

• Produce a monthly report on facility psychotropic medication

 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Licensed RN or LPN

• Experience Point Click Care preferred