Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Infection Preventionist

Life Care Center of Andover•Andover, KS

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The LPN Infection Preventionist evaluates the quality of resident care and outcomes related to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI), in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Life Care standards. The role collects, prepares, and analyzes HAI data; presents infection data and recommends actions; monitors associate compliance with infection control standards and preventive measures; and prepares and presents education for staff, residents, and families. The Infection Preventionist also serves as a resource to all departments and personnel. The position serves as the designated associate responsible for monitoring public health advisories from local, state, and federal agencies, including the CDC, and is the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations. The role must be performed at the physical facility, not remotely or from another location. The Infection Preventionist is responsible for the development and accountability of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program and must maintain current knowledge of infection control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices. The role performs work within the scope of the LPN license, makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant, and implements and interprets the Infection Prevention and Control Program’s programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. The Infection Preventionist is expected to demonstrate proficiency in applicable competency areas, maintain professional working relationships, protect confidential information, follow company policies and compliance procedures, and adhere to Life Care’s Code of Conduct and required compliance training.

Requirements

Attend an accredited LPN program.
Hold a current LPN/LVN license or registration in the applicable state and maintain an active license in good standing throughout employment.
Have CPR certification upon hire or obtain it during orientation, and keep it current throughout employment.
Complete specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education before assuming the role.
Obtain additional training if a change in the facility’s resident population and scope of care requires it.
Complete certifications or training required by the state, such as Certified TB Nurse training.
Have knowledge of infection prevention and control practices and procedures, and of laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing functions in a post-acute care facility.
Perform proficiently in applicable competency areas.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with geriatrics.

Responsibilities

Evaluate resident care quality and outcomes related to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI).
Collect, prepare, and analyze HAI data; present infection data and recommend actions.
Monitor associate compliance with infection control standards through barriers and infection prevention measures.
Prepare and present infection prevention education for staff, residents, and families.
Serve as a resource to all departments and personnel.
Monitor public health advisories from local, state, and federal agencies, including the CDC.
Serve as the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations.
Develop and ensure accountability for the Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
Maintain current knowledge of infection control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices.
Perform work within the scope of the LPN license and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Implement and interpret the Infection Prevention and Control Program’s programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Maintain professional working relationships with associates and vendors.
Maintain confidentiality, follow company policies and compliance procedures, and adhere to Life Care’s Code of Conduct and required compliance training.