- Job Title: Nursing Home Infection Preventionist(IP) and Nurse EducatorDepartment: Nursing/AdministrationReports to: Director of NursingGeneral Purpose:The facility designee isresponsible for the facility infection prevention and control program. The IPis responsible for coordinating activities in the facility to promotecompliance with CMS regulations and CDC guidelines for infection controlpractices. Qualifications: •Must possess a certificate of completion for the 16-hour or 20-hourInfection PreventionProgram/Education approved by CMS -OR- have Certification in Infection Controlby the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).•Knowledge of infection control practices in a nursing home setting.•Must have a valid CPR certification and maintain active CPRcertification throughout employment.•Ability to prepare and present educational material to various audiences.•Ability to formulate reports, disseminate information, interpret data,and coordinate multi-department initiatives.•Detail-oriented with strong organization and prioritization skills.•Must have knowledge of computer systems, systems applications, andother office equipment.•Must be able to meet all local health regulations, and pass pre/post-employment physical exam if required. Thisrequirement also includes drug screening, criminal background investigation,and reference inquiry. •Must have the ability to promote positive interpersonal relationshipsthrough the use of tactful, direct and sensitive interaction. Must be able tocommunicate verbally in a positive and professional manner. •Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents, families,co-workers, and to work cooperatively with others.Duties and Responsibilities:1) Establish infection control standards (including who to notify),evaluate the effectiveness of these standards, and implement change as neededto address deficient practices.2) Annually and as needed, evaluate facility infection control policiesand process measures of staffperformance in areas such as: transmission-based precautions, environmentalcleaning and disinfection, hand washing, isolation precautions, and use ofpersonal protective equipment.3) Oversee antibiotic stewardship initiatives by developing and utilizinga system to track antibiotic ordering, indication for use, duration of use, and appropriateness.4) Prepare and present educational trainings on relevant infection controlprevention, identification, tracking, reporting, or topics as assigned tofacility staff, residents, families, physicians, visitors, etc.5) Conduct facility surveillance by identifying, tracking, and trendingfacility infections- both admittedwith and facility acquired.6) Facilitate and lead outbreak investigations by gathering data and usingroot cause analysis.
7) 7) Ensure the Health Department is notified of any reportable diseases.8) 8) Support implementation of Influenza vaccination and tracking staffvaccination rates. 9) Support implementation ofHepatitis B vaccination program and tracking for staff. 10) Determine when residentisolation is needed and the specific type of isolation required. 11) Develop action plans,changes in policy or practice standard to address opportunities forimprovement. 12) Work with community partnersand other healthcare facilities to help prevent transmission of infectionacross the continuum of care. 13) Customer Service-Promote andmaintain positive relationships with co-workers,residents, visitors, volunteers, vendors, and regulatory representatives. 14) Resident Rights-Understandand promote resident rights. Have positive interactions with residents, families and caregivers. Maintain aprofessional appearance. Ensure confidentiality of all resident information,compliance with HIPPA regulations and policies, Encourage resident autonomy in decision-making. 15) QualityImprovement-Participates in and attends Quality Assessment and AssuranceCommittee Meetings. Collects infection control data for tracking and trending. Interprets the data and reportsroutinely to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee. 16) Documentation-Completedocumentation in the individual clinical record per policy. Complete any other documentation as assigned. 17) Other-Complete all otherduties as assigned.#INDAH123