Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) / Infection Preventionist (IP)

Alderwood Manor•Spokane, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The RN Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) / Infection Preventionist (IP) serves primarily as the ADON for the facility as well as works part-time as the designated individual responsible for the facility's infection prevention and control program (IPCP). The RN ADON / IP assists the Director of Nursing (DON) in planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Nursing Services department to assure patient safety and attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each patient in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards. The RN ADON / IP evaluates the quality of resident care and outcomes as they relate to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI) in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards. Collects, prepares, and analyzes HAI data. Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions. Monitors associate compliance with infection control standards through use of barriers and infection prevention measures. Prepares and presents education for the staff, residents, and families. Serves as a resource to all departments and personnel.

Requirements

ASN or BSN from accredited college or university
Currently licensed/registered in applicable State.
Must maintain an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing throughout employment.
Certifications or training per State requirements (e.g., Certified TB Nurse)
Specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education prior to assuming the role. If a facility's resident population changes, the IP should re-evaluate their knowledge and skills and may need to obtain additional training for the change in the facility’s scope of care.
CPR certification upon hire or obtain during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during employment.
Maintains a liaison with patients, families, support departments, etc. to adequately plan for patient needs
Expert knowledge in field of practice
Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
Knowledgeable of nursing administration practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing administration functions in the post-acute care facility
Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the nursing administration department
Serves as designated associate responsible for monitoring Public Health Advisories from local, state, and federal agencies including the CDC
Serves as the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities, in accordance with current CDC recommendations
Works onsite at the physical facility. May not be an off-site consultant or perform the IP work at a separate location such as a corporate office or affiliated short term acute care facility
Holds responsibility for the development and accountability of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Knowledgeable of Infection Prevention and Control practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing functions in the post-acute care facility
Implement and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP)
Perform proficiently in all applicable competency areas
Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
Understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Care's Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training
Promotes a culture of integrity, maintains an "open door" policy, and does not participate in or allow retaliation against those who report good faith concerns
Actively implements the compliance program and Code of Conduct and ensures 100% participation by department staff

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years' geriatric nursing experience preferred, preferably in post-acute care

Responsibilities

Assists the DON in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating and directing the Nursing Services department
Interviews, selects, hires, trains, evaluates, and supervises nursing staff
Assists with overseeing care provided by nursing staff
Oversees infection control responsibilities
Assumes the duties of the DON in his or her absence
Provides direct nursing care as necessary
Performs functions of a staff nurse as required
Plans, develops, organizes, implements, and evaluates facility-wide systems for the prevention, identification, investigation and control of infections of residents, staff, and visitors
Plans, develops, organizes, implements, and evaluates a high quality infection prevention and control program (IPCP) to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of infection to the extent possible
Serves as the educational resource for ensuring the facility is able to properly educate; residents, families, associates, consultants, contractors, and volunteers on information regarding: COVID-19, infectious diseases, outbreaks, and infection control practices the facility uses to mitigate the spread of infection
Monitors usage and burn rate of personal protective equipment
Regularly reviews CDC and State Health websites for Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for current information and ensures associates and residents are updated when guidance changes
Completes on-going monitoring of HAI's (Healthcare Acquired Infections) and CAI's (Community Acquired Infections) including antibiotic use, micro report, line listings, and trending of infections
Serves as a QAPI Committee member, with the responsibility of reporting on infection prevention and control elements
Serves as the chair and prepares the agenda for the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Serves as the PPE coach and completes associate training and competencies related to appropriate PPE use.
Effectively supervises associates' compliance with appropriate usage of PPE in conjunction with leadership.
Serves as a resource for all departments, associates, and licensed independent practitioners on infection prevention and control matters
Conducts outbreak tracking, symptom monitoring, investigation, and reporting in accordance with local health and state agency as required by law
Initiates follow-up on associate/resident exposures to communicable diseases
Coordinates the development, review, and revision of the Annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan
Participates in short- and long-range planning for the Infection Prevention and Control Program
Serves as clinical lead in the facility in the implementation and support of the Antibiotic Stewardship program
Participates in the ongoing review of facility assessment to ensure identification of Infection Control resources necessary to care for its residents competently during both day to day operations and emergencies
Ensures reporting is completed in NHSN in accordance with F885
Serves as the clinical lead for Associate Health, Vaccinations, Safer Sharps, and Post Exposure Coordination
Serves as the RPA (Respiratory Protection Administrator) for the facility and administers respiratory fit testing as needed