RN Infection Preventionist - Manatee Springs Care & Rehabilitation

The primary purpose of this job position is to plan, organize, develop, coordinate, and direct the infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs.  To plan and implement surveillance, prevention and control programs which are designed to enhance quality and standard of resident care, as well as, similar programs to protect facility personnel from acquiring infectious diseases from residents and/or the work environment.

To function in the role of Charge Nurse, as needed, and be responsible for the management of assigned unit on a specific tour of duty.  

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a graduate from a school of  RN approved by the Florida State Board of Nurse Examiners and currently licensed as a  RN by the  Florida State Board of Nurse Examiners.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of all pre-employment and criminal background check as well as Sanction Checks with negative results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, review and revise infection control policies and procedures annually and/or as needed in response to community outbreaks.

Must be knowledgeable regarding all new state and federal regulations regarding Infectious Disease and all relevant regulations. 

Responsible for the direction, implementation, education of and compliance with the Antibiotic Stewardship Program

Establish surveillance activities according to accepted standards.  Identify, record, and report nosocomial infections based on chart review, resident observation (including infection site), and microbiology reports, and input from professional staff.

Perform epidemiological functions by investigating outbreaks, identifying trends and clusters of infections, and evaluating relevant infection control practices.

Provide infection control programming for both staff education and resident education.  Employee health programs will be coordinated as needs are identified.

Be a resource person and consultant in the establishment and maintenance of an environment that will reduce possibility of nosocomial and employee infections.

Work with the appropriate departments to develop employee health screening and immunization procedures as well as guidelines for exposure to infectious diseases, prophylaxis, and management of infectious diseases.

Act as a liaison with employee health, local and State Boards of Health and the Long Term Care Field Office.

Maintain professional competence by continuing education and participation in professional organizations.

Chair Infection Control Committee.

Develop and update, as needed, the Infection Control Plan according to Senate Bill No. 968 specifications.

Responsible for reporting healthcare-associated infection data to the Department of Health and the Patient Safety Authority as stipulated in Senate Bill No. 968.

Comply with department and facility procedures, fire prevention and safety standards.

Conduct annual flu vaccine program for residents and staff.

Assist the Medical Director with pre-hire physicals and coordinate them with the Staff Development Coordinator.

TB surveillance of residents and staff.

Coordinate blood drives for the facility along with the American Red Cross.

Know and support the philosophy, goal and objectives of the Nursing Department.

Assign resident care responsibilities to nursing personnel based on residents' needs, available staff and unit needs.

Collaborate, communicate and cooperate as appropriate with other health care providers to insure quality care, including transcribing physician's orders according to facility procedures.

Continually observe/monitor and evaluate quality, quantity and timeliness of nursing care.

Assess need for modification of medical regimen and/or nursing care plan and ensure the clinical records are properly maintained.

Give resident care in emergency situations to assess complex resident needs or teach nursing techniques to residents, staff and/or family.

Administer medications and treatments as needed according to established policy and procedures.

Report falls, unusual occurrences and significant changes in resident's condition to the supervisor, physician, caseworker and responsible party according to facility policy and procedures for notification.

Document according to requirements of all regulating bodies and facility policies

Maintain strict confidentiality.

Give appropriate report in a professional manner to the nurses on next shift according to requirements of facility.

Seek consultation as needed from supervisor.

Act as role model for nursing assistants, licensed staff and other personnel.

  Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.