Infection Control Preventionist

Purpose of Position
Plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct our facility's infection control programs in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by senior administration, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care and safety can be maintained at all times.

Description
1. Plan, organize, and direct infection control programs and activities.
2. Plan, develop, organize, implement, coordinate, and direct programs designed to enhance infection control practices, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern nursing care facilities. (Hand Hygiene, Vaccines, Blood borne pathogens, FLU Program)
3. Develops infection control training objectives, strategies, policies, and programs, in line with Staff Development of the employees of the facility.
4. Coordinate concurrent review studies performed within the infection control program, and prepare resulting reports as required.
5. Coordinates with the SDC the implementation of policies and procedures related to infection control training and educational programs for the employees of an organization.
6. Establish and maintain tracking systems for recommendations of groups involved in infection control.
7. Heads environmental rounds for infection control purposes.
8. Conducts needs evaluation and designs curricula and courses to meet those needs.
9. Liaison with management to ensure training and educational programs achieves corporate goals.
10. Directs analysis and design of materials and programs and suggests enhancements.
11. Prepares reports for management as necessary. (Bench Marking Infections, Annual PI Report etc.)
12. Serves as chairperson of the infection control committee. Serve on various committees of the facility (e g safety committee, QAPI, RISK etc.).
13. Assists in the nursing care plan function development, implementation, and maintenance of a written plan of care (preliminary and comprehensive) for each resident in isolation or on infection control precautions that identifies the problems/needs of the resident, indicates the care to be given, goals to be accomplished, and which professional service is responsible for each element of care.
14. Assists with budgetary and budgetary planning functions; including but not limited to assisting the Director of Nursing Services in preparing the budget for the department in relation to its infection control program and activities.
15. Must maintain the confidentiality of all resident care information including protected health information. Report known or suspected incidents of unauthorized disclosure of such information; and adhere to Resident's rights.
16. Assists with Safety and Sanitation included by not limited to identifying, evaluate, and classify routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks in which there is potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.
17. Assist Director of Nurses in Narcotic destruction per DEA regulatory guidelines in lieu of SDC.
18. Investigation/report to Federal/State Agencies as needed infection outbreaks.
19. Work with Local Board of Health and State Agencies as needed.
20. Performs other work related duties as assigned in job description or requested.
Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers in a manner that reflects JML's commitment to CARES: compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service.

Qualifications

• Must possess, as a minimum, two (2) years college and a current RN or LPN license current.
• Sufficient previous experience in clinical health care including direct experience in Performance Improvement.
• Certification to meet the CMS guidelines to perform as an Infection Control Preventionist.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action in a timely fashion.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of performance improvement, staff development and infection control procedures.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., for quality management and outcomes.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents and staff.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and meet all other Physical and Sensory requirements.