Infection Control Nurse (RN) - Fort Lauderdale Health & Rehabilitation Center

Responsible for facilitating, monitoring, organizing, implementing, recognizing, and reporting the signs and symptoms of infection. Coordinate with Medical Doctor via resident assessment before initiation of antimicrobial therapy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate with Infection Control MD or Attending Physician interventions designed to impose and measure the appropriate use of antibiotic agents by promoting the selection of the optimal drugs regimen including: (dosing, duration of therapy and route of administration)

2. Demonstrates support and commitment to safe and appropriate antibiotic use in facility.

3. Identify physician, nursing, and pharmacy role on overseeing antibiotic stewardship activities in the facility.

4. Monitor Processes measure of antibiotic use and outcomes from antibiotic use in facility.

5. Develops plans to correct and respond quickly to such identified Infection Control problems.

6. Recognizing and Reporting the signs and symptoms of infections.

Working Conditions

· Works in office area(s) as well as throughout the nursing service area (i.e., drug rooms, nurses’ stations, resident rooms, etc.).

· Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies or personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

· May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, and visitors.

· Communicate with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.

· May be required to work beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

· May be subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

· Attend and participate in continuing educational programs.

· May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

· Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the residents’ needs.

Education

· Must possess, at a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university, or graduate from an approved LPN/LVN/RN program.

Experience

· Not applicable. On-the-job training provided.

Specific Requirements

· Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN or LPN/LVN in this state.

· Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

· Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served.

· Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.

· Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

· Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies or personnel, and the general public.

· Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.

· Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

· Must be able to evaluate the performance, initiate disciplinary actions, and prepare and complete performance evaluations for personnel.

· Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing quality care.

· Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

· Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.

· Must possess basic computer knowledge.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without a Reasonable Accommodation)

· Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and bend intermittently throughout the workday.

· Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

· Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.

· Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the Facility, which may include a medical and physical examination.

· Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the Facility.

· May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

· Based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Guidelines for Nursing Homes Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders and the American Conference Governmental Industrial Hygienists' Threshold Limit Values for Lifting the Facility has identified that this job may require the lifting of residents, equipment, or other objects. Accordingly, this job may require a minimum of 5 pounds and a maximum of 45 pounds lifting, periodically and or as needed.