Infection Prevention Nurse-RN

PACS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Infection Prevention Nurse plans, develops, implements, evaluates, coordinates, and directs the facility’s infection control program in accordance with applicable regulations and guidance, including CDC, OSHA, and local requirements. The role monitors infection prevention practices, investigates and reports infections, oversees isolation precautions and aseptic technique, supports sterilization and contaminated-material procedures, and collaborates with nursing, environmental services, laundry, maintenance, and other departments. The nurse also contributes to employee health services, staff training, resident care planning, equipment and supply planning, and the department budget. The position provides nursing care and consultation as needed, including direct care, obtaining culture samples, monitoring medication passes and treatments for proper hygiene practices, and helping ensure care plans and nursing documentation address infection precautions. The Infection Prevention Nurse reports to the Director of Nursing Services and is responsible for maintaining confidentiality of resident and employee exposure information and for carrying out assigned administrative duties. The position requires a nursing degree from an accredited college or university, an active and unencumbered state Registered Nurse license, current CPR certification, and at least two years of experience, preferably in long-term care. Candidates must have working knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and aseptic technique, including standard/universal precautions. APIC infection control certification and experience with PCC are preferred but not required. The role includes physical movement throughout the workday, possible exposure to blood and body fluids, and the ability to lift, push, pull, move, or carry at least 25 pounds as described in the posting.

Requirements

Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.
At least 2 years of experience; long-term care facility experience is preferred.
Working knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and aseptic technique, including standard/universal precautions.
Current, unencumbered, active Registered Nurse license in the state.
Current CPR certification.
Maintain all required continuing education for licensure and remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers and employees.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday and cope with mental, emotional, and physical stress.
Ability to see and hear, or use prosthetics that enable these senses to function adequately.
Must meet facility general health requirements, including medical and physical examination.
Ability to push, pull, move, and/or lift at least 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and carry or move that weight at least 50 feet.
Willingness to perform tasks that may involve exposure to residents’ blood and body fluids.
May need to assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

APIC certification in infection control is preferred but not required.
Knowledge and experience with PCC is preferred.
Experience in a long-term care facility is preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct the facility infection control program in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and guidelines.
Ensure the facility follows current CDC, OSHA, and local infection control requirements and standard/universal precautions.
Develop, maintain, update, and interpret infection control policies, procedures, isolation precautions, and aseptic techniques.
Monitor infection control practices, conduct rounds, visit isolated residents, and ensure personnel follow procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood or body fluids.
Review infectious disease laboratory reports, coordinate laboratory support, and consult with the Director of Nursing Services on care planning and aseptic technique.
Assist with guidelines for decontamination and sterilization; test sterile packs, supplies, and sterilization equipment; and monitor the shelf life of sterilized items.
Ensure proper disposal and removal of infectious and contaminated materials.
Prepare monthly infection summaries and special investigation reports, maintain infection records, and report reportable diseases to county and state health departments.
Participate in surveys and investigations to identify infection sources and possible carriers, and participate in inspections by authorized government agencies.
Collaborate with laundry, environmental services, maintenance, discharge planning, and other departments to develop infection control procedures and plans.
Serve on and support the Infection Control Committee, provide reports and recommendations, and help evaluate and revise practices.
Develop and implement employee infection detection, recording, reporting, health counseling, vaccination information, and TB testing protocols.
Orient employees and support training on infection control, hygiene, handwashing, hazard communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens.
Report occupational exposures and complaints or grievances as required, and report known or suspected fraud to the appropriate facility administrator.
Participate in resident admission selection and explain isolation and standard/universal precautions to residents or families as necessary.
Monitor nursing care practices and documentation, assist nursing personnel, obtain culture samples, and provide direct nursing care as necessary.
Assist in developing and maintaining care plans for residents in isolation or under infection control precautions, and review and revise plans as needed, at least quarterly.
Recommend infection control equipment and supplies, maintain appropriate stock levels, assist with preventive maintenance and safe equipment practices, and support efficient use of supplies.
Assist the Director of Nursing Services with department budgeting and recommend adjustments or resource needs related to infection control.
Maintain confidential resident and employee exposure reports and counseling information.
Perform administrative duties and other assigned duties related to the position.