Infection Control Nurse

The Infection Preventionist is accountable for decreasing the incidence and transmission of infectious diseases between residents, staff, visitors and community. Through strategic planning, leadership and consultation, you will lead and direct a robust team in the identification and implementation of infection prevention goals and objectives throughout the facility.

The Infection Preventionist reports to the Director of Nursing, QAA Committee and partners with the Medical Director to develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices.  Work with the facility to meet regulations for infection control.  Attends and participates in continuing educational infection control programs.  Could be subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and conditions.Responsibilities

• Partners with the Medical Director to develop, implement and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plan.
• Partners with facility leaders, physicians, local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention
• Accountable for surveillance of healthcare acquired and community acquired infections
• Manages goal setting process for system, facility and physician goals related to healthcare acquired infections and conditions
• Participates in external reporting to CDC NHSN system, and other post acute-care specific quality organization
• Authority and responsibility for ensuring appropriate intervention and education occurs with staff, volunteers and medical staff when healthcare infection trends, outbreaks or non-compliance to infection control/OSHA are identified.
• Ensures that education and counseling on infection prevention is available for staff, volunteers, medical staff and residents.
• Support and participate in interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement process.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal, state and local regulations and ensures that the facility leaders are informed of appropriate issues. Understands and complies with infection control, safety and OSHA procedures and regulations.

Required Skills

• Must be a licensed nurse with a current license.
• Must have completed Specialty Training in Infection Prevention and Control through accredited continuing education such as:  CDC or APIC Infection Preventionist.
• Sufficient previous experience in long term care including direct experience in infection control.
• Must possess the ability to make decisions when circumstances warrant such action in a timely manner.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, analyze, develop, implement and interpret the goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., of the Infection Control Program.
• Must possess the ability to provide educational presentations on the Infection Control Program.
• Must be able to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them in to existing infection control practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning the Infection Control Program.