The Infection Control Nurse is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, coordinating, and directing our infection control program and its activities in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs, and as may be directed by the Administrator and the Infection Control Committee to ensure that an effective infection control program is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develops, implements and coordinates the infection prevention and control program throughout the facility. Ensure that the facility is in compliance with current CDC, OSHA and local regulations concerning infection control or standard/universal precautions
Develop, maintain and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique that successfully correct problem areas.
Works closely with physicians, administrator, department managers, and supervisors to provide resourceful information regarding the infection program, resolve problems, identify new opportunities to improve service and reduce costs.
Assist all departments in developing procedures for handling clean and soiled laundry/linen, equipment cleaning, etc. and for the disposal and removal of infective and contaminated materials form the facility. Develops and implements policies and procedures in the handling and disposing of needles and other sharp instruments.
Identify, evaluate and classify routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks in which there is potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded and all staff is properly trained in standard operating procedures.
Assist department directors in developing policies and procedures to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Prepare monthly summaries of all patient/personnel infections, corrective action taken, and the results of corrective action. Submit copies to the Administrator and the Director of Nursing and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI)
Visit isolated patients as necessary to ensure that established isolation precautions and aseptic techniques are followed. Maintain a log of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day-to-day needs of the isolated patient.
Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary, or as may be directed.
Other duties as directed by the Administrator, or the Director of Nursing Services.

QUALIFICATONS:

Excellent communication skills and the ability to have difficult conversations while maintaining compassion
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept
Must be self-motivated and have excellent follow-through
Have the ability to multi task and keep a calm demeanor even in chaotic situations
Must be able to maintain confidential information
Be a champion of positivity and high morale
Ability to read and write English

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Must be a RN
Minimum 2 years’ experience in a leadership position in a skilled nursing facility/long term care facility or similar healthcare facility
Must have training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices
Must have a working knowledge of managed care rules, regulations, and guidelines

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Good standing in the state registry is required
Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as an RN