Infection Prevention Nurse (SNF)

Coalinga Regional Medical Center•Coalinga, CA

4h•$34 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

This job description outlines the essential functions of the Infection Prevention Nurse role in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). The position focuses on evaluating patient care quality and outcomes related to healthcare-associated infections. The nurse will collect and analyze infection data, present findings, and recommend actions. Key responsibilities include monitoring employee compliance with infection prevention measures, developing and delivering staff education programs, and implementing initiatives to protect healthcare workers, visitors, and others in the facility. This role also involves planning, organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating employee education programs in accordance with facility policies and relevant regulations to ensure high-quality resident care.

Requirements

Current state license as LPN/LVN.
Experience in long-term care or geriatric nursing.
Understanding of nosocomial infection definitions.
Chart review skills.
Functional understanding of sterilization, disinfection, and sanitation.
Adult teaching techniques.
Clear oral and written communication skills.
Project management skills.
Policy management skills.
Working knowledge of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards.
Working knowledge of OSHA Tuberculosis Protection.
Working knowledge of Title 22.
Working knowledge of State and Federal laws related to communicable disease.
Working knowledge of DNV Standards.
Ability to develop policies and procedures.
Ability to teach and evaluate clinical performance.
Ability to interpret state and federal regulations and apply them in specific settings.
Ability to collect and interpret data.
Demonstrated ability to maintain good rapport and effective working relationships with medical staff, nursing staff, and other ancillary department personnel throughout the facility.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years of nursing supervision in the long-term care setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct infection control programs in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines for nursing care facilities.
Ensure facility compliance with current CDC, OSHA, and local regulations concerning infection control or standard/universal precautions.
Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control policies and procedures in consultation with health professionals and administration.
Act as a resource for maintaining and implementing written policies and procedures.
Monitor the quality and appropriateness of patient care.
Maintain current copies of all Skilled Nursing Facility regulations and make them available to all nursing personnel.
Notify staff of additions, deletions, and changes to Skilled Nursing Facility regulations.
Notify the California Department of Public Health of unusual occurrences as specified in T22 75241.
Provide guidance and leadership for performance improvement initiatives related to infection control.
Participate in the Infection Control Committee.
Support staff in implementing infection control practices.
Address emergency patient care needs related to infection control.
Assess infection control problems and make recommendations for corrective actions.
Prepare the agenda for the Infection Control Committee meetings.
Monitor infection control practices and employee compliance.
Initiate and revise infection control policies and procedures.
Conduct outbreak investigations and initiate control measures.
Report communicable diseases to the state as required.
Consult with department heads and medical providers as needed to improve infection control.
Collaborate with Nursing and other ancillary departments to develop a quality management and patient safety plan for Long-Term Care (LTC).
Coordinate with the Director of Nursing (DON) on reviewing Nursing department policies and procedures, ensuring consistency with state and federal guidelines and current best practices.
Assist other department managers in developing policies and procedures that meet state and federal guidelines and current best practices.
Provide direct patient care as needed.
Orient all new, temporary, and traveling staff on infection control and patient safety protocols.
Regularly communicate with all staff about current quality status and goals, promoting a positive work environment that recognizes input and cooperation.
Meet regularly with the MDS coordinator to review quarterly nursing home quality indicators.
Provide monthly written reports to administration.
Perform other additional duties as assigned.