Infection Control Nurse

Position Summary To provide assistance and guidance to the nursing units and nursing employees regarding infection prevention and infection control practices within CDC recommendations and State and Federal regulations. Coordinate employee health issues within all departments of the facility. General Purpose Under the supervision of the DON and following the direction of the Infection Control Committee, this position is responsible for providing surveillance throughout the facility in order to identify, investigate and record data concerning Healthcare Acquired Infections. Individual is directly responsible for initiating infection control measures as required and directed. Individual is responsible for knowing the State and Federal regulations and ensuring that the facility remains in compliance. Responsible for teaching and managing personnel as it relates to infection control. Responsible for overseeing resident rooms as it relates to infection control, working interdepartmentally to meet this goal. Individual is responsible for working with HR on employee health care issues, policies and procedures. Position Responsibilities EXAMPLES OF WORK: Schedule and act as the Chairperson of the Infection Control Committee, meeting regularly. Conduct daily rounds on the nursing units to monitor compliance with infection control policy and procedure. Identify infection control problems and recommend corrective action. Collect and report on data as related to infections, such as UTI, URI, eye infections, skin infections etc. on a monthly basis. Investigate and monitor HAI. Coordinate the infection prevention program to maintain compliance within CDC recommendations and state and federal regulations. Work in conjunction with the Nursing Administration on joint projects, some of which may not be infection control related. Work in conjunction with other disciplines to effectively manage employee health care issues. Provide assistance and guidance to the nursing units and employees on the importance of adhering to Standard Precautions. Serve as a resource to all departments and personnel. Create interdisciplinary communications to facilitate improved resident care and safety. Communicate with physicians as needed to improve care of residents. Monitor infection control practices and employee compliance, providing education to staff as needed. Initiate follow-up on employee/resident exposures to communicable diseases. Round on the nursing units to act as an additional resource person as needed; such as assisting with IV’s, drawing blood, assisting with medical charts and orders, evaluating emergency situations. Attend meetings as directed by the DON. Prepare routine reports for the DON, ADON and/or Administrator. Report communicable diseases to the state as required by law. Assist with counseling of nursing staff as requested. Coordinate the Pandemic Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Initiate and maintain infection control policies and procedures. Complete documentation either on infection control issues or assisting with required unit documentation. Remain familiar with CDC, State and Federal Regulations, to be a resource to the staff. Other duties as assigned by DON/designee Review medication errors of the nursing department and pharmacy; oversee the disciplinary system related to medications errors Liaison with various contracted groups as directed by DON, such as pharmacy, therapy or laboratory services. Maintain satisfactory attendance, which means six points or less in the attendance and late/leave early tracking systems. Have ability to manage stress tolerance, pressure and anxiety = essential functions Essential Knowledge, Skills and Ability REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: A current license to practice as an RN in Pennsylvania; working knowledge of current nursing practice; 3-5 years’ nursing experience with minimum of 1 year supervisory experience; prefer at least 1 year experience in Infection Control; familiarity with CDC guidelines as they relate to infection control; knowledge of state and federal regulations as related to long term care; ability to educate staff effectively; degree in nursing is beneficial.