POSITION SUMMARY The Infection Preventionist works directly with all employees, patients, medical providers, and pharmacists to fully implement all aspects of the healthcare center’s Infection Prevention and Control Program which is designed to comply with all aspects of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), and other federal and state guidelines for skilled nursing and long-term care providers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Plans, implements, directs, and coordinates the healthcare center’s Infection Prevention and Control Program. Conducts compliance audits; provides supervision and training as necessary. Implements action plans to resolve areas of deficient practice. Perform daily, weekly, and monthly infection control rounds and accurately record findings. Collect and analyze infection surveillance information for patients and employees. Manage the healthcare center’s Tuberculosis program. Ensures applicable transmission-based precautions are initiated, implemented, and communicated with the interdisciplinary team. Conducts, attends, and participates in orientation, training, and in-service programs. Coordinates and manages vaccine programs for patients and employees. Plans, implements, directs, and coordinates the healthcare center’s Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Participates in and provides appropriate reporting to the Quality Assurance committee as it relates to the healthcare center’s Infection Prevention and Antibiotic Stewardship Program. Attends corporate level education programs as indicated. Ensure compliance with company policies as well as all federal, state, and local regulations. Performs other duties as necessary for the successful operation of the healthcare center.
PREREQUISITES, SKILLS, & ABILITIES One year of experience in Infection Preventionist or related role. Infection Control Practitioner Certification (CIC) preferred. Active, unencumbered licensure as a Nurse in the state of employment. Completion or willingness to complete specialized training in infection prevention and control. Thorough knowledge of standard methods and criteria for identifying health care associated infections using an approach that consists of surveillance, data collection, and trending for identification. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong ability to make independent decisions and work without direct supervision. Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government personnel, and the public. Must be knowledgeable of computer systems and applications. Excellent customer service focus