Infection Prevention/Staff Development (RN) - Brookwood Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Required Qualifications

Minimum requirements include one of the following:

• A professionally-trained nurse that has earned a certificate/diploma or degree in nursing;
• A professionally-trained medical technologist (or clinical laboratory scientist) that has earned at least an associate’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science;
• A professionally-trained microbiologist that has earned at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology;
• A professionally-trained epidemiologist that has earned at least a bachelor’s degree in epidemiology;
• Other related fields of training such as physician, pharmacist or physician’s assistant.

Must also meet state requirements for relevant licensures or certifications and have no disciplinary action in effect against professional license.

Education, training, experience, or certification in infection control and prevention.

Completed specialized training in infection prevention and control through accredited continuing education.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Develops and implements an ongoing infection prevention and control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of infections in order to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment.

Establishes facility-wide systems for the prevention, identification, reporting, investigation, and control of infections and communicable diseases of residents, staff, and visitors.

Develops and implements written policies and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice and recognized guidelines for infection prevention and control.

Oversees the facility’s antibiotic stewardship program.

Oversees resident care activities that increase risk of infection (i.e., use and care of urinary catheters, wound care, incontinence care, skin care, point-of-care blood testing, and medication injections).

Leads the facility’s Infection and Prevention Control Committee.  Develops action plans to address opportunities for improvement.

Participates on the facility’s QAA Committee.  Performs duties as assigned.

Implements an annual infection control risk assessment process and participates in the facility’s annual facility assessment review process.

Reviews and/or revises the facility’s infection prevention and control program, its standards, policies, and procedures annually and as needed for changes to the facility assessment to ensure they are effective and in accordance with current standards of practice for preventing and controlling infections.

Provides education related to infection prevention and control principles, policies, and procedures to staff, residents, and families (where appropriate).

Ensures public health is notified of reportable diseases.

Collaborates with other departments in fulfilling requirements related to occupational health and safety. (I.e. employee health).

Maintains documentation of infection prevention and control program activities.

Additional Assigned Tasks

• Treats all residents with dignity and respect.  Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures.  Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
• Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel.  Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.
• Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator.  Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations.  
• Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.  
• Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings.  Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.
• Remains current on new developments related to infection prevention and control by attending professional institutions, reading professional journals, attending professional seminars, or reading new laws, rules, and regulations.
• Serves as resource for staff regarding infection prevention and control, including the identification of when a resident needs to be placed on transmission-based precautions.
• Works with environmental services to prevent cross-contamination in the care environment.
• Works with community partners and other healthcare facilities to help prevent transmission of infection during care transitions.
• Assists with admission, discharge, or care of residents as needed.
• Uses proper lifting and body mechanics while delivering care to residents.
• Performs administrative duties as assigned.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/Physical Requirements

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work.
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff. 
• Must be able to relay information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.
• Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.
• Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.
• May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, tobacco smoke, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.
• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.
• Ability to work independently, and to organize, plan, and manage time effectively to complete assignments.
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices, and ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate care to meet resident needs.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to exercise judgement.
• Strong listening skills and ability to deal with conflict with professionalism and courtesy.
• Intermediate computer skills, including ability to create documents in various programs (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Adobe), and navigate electronic medical record systems.