Education/Infection Control Nurse (RN)

Infection Control Coordinator

Exempt

Reports to Director of Nursing & Assistant Director of Nursing

Summary/Objective

In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the Guests we serve, the Infection Control Coordinator plays a critical role in the surveillance, analysis, interpretation and reporting of facility acquired infections. This position provides education to staff and assists with the development, implementation, and enforcement of infection control policies and procedures. The Infection Control Coordinator will safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all guests by following applicable laws, regulations, and established nursing policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Responsible for identifying, controlling, and preventing outbreaks of infections in the facility.
2. Collects and analyzes data infection control data to monitor infectious outbreaks in the facility and surrounding community.
3. Develops, revises and implements infection control policies and procedures.
4. Develops, implements and maintains on-going training and educational programs for all facility personnel in relation to infection control topics.
5. Acts as an infection control educational resource for employees, community members, guest's and their families.
6. Ensures facility compliance with federal, state and local infection control standards.
7. Participates in Federal, State and Local agency annual surveys.
8. Review with appropriate department heads any deficiencies noted by government agencies during inspections.
9. Ensure each Guest receives person centered care.
10. Answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in guest care areas.
11. Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Guests, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
12. Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, accidents/incidents and supply issues to appropriate persons.
13. Attend and participate in departmental meetings and in-services as directed.
14. Recognize your role as part of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts of your organization.
15. Attend trainings to build understanding and capacity to undertake QAPI work.
16. Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned.
17. Follow established policies and procedures in support of QAPI efforts.
18. Any noted opportunities for improvement will be shared with leadership in the organization.
19. Communicate to leadership upon witnessing a positive outcome of a QAPI project or detecting barriers preventing project success.
20. Support QAPI efforts both verbally and non-verbally (i.e., via actions and attitude), including adjusting performance and practice in accordance with QAPI initiatives and findings.
21. Participate in compliance trainings as scheduled and adhere to compliance plan.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has indirect supervisor responsibilities for Certified Nurse Aides and other nursing personnel.

Work Environment

This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to and working in various locations around the facility while pulling or pushing carts. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This position works mostly in the Guest care and office areas as well as occasional outside weather conditions. This role may also come into contact with Guests who may have contagious illnesses.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and stooping on a regular basis. The employee must be able to lift and move items and patients weighing at least 50 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This position is part of a health care facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Travel

Travel to and from locations in the surrounding community will be required.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Nursing, or related field.

Graduate from and accredited nursing program.

Valid, unencumbered Registered Nurse (R.N.) License in the state of practice.

C.P.R. Certified.

Preferred Education and Experience

Five years of experience as an R.N.

One year experience in an infection control position.

Knowledge of Federal, State and Local requirements and regulations.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Located at 1366 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, Avantara Lincoln Park is easily accessible via public transportation and major city routes, offering a convenient commute for staff from across the Chicago metro area.

Join our team today and contribute to a facility that is recognized for its commitment to compassionate care and enhancing the lives of our residents in one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Avantara Lincoln Park is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, expression or orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or reference this information, or any information relating to any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Avantara Lincoln Park never requests or sends money, payment transfers, direct deposit, or Social Security Number (SSN) information as part of their recruitment process.