Registered Nurse (RN) Infection Preventionist

Life Care Center of Andover•Andover, KS

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The RN 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 prevention measures; and prepares and presents education for staff, residents, and families. The Infection Preventionist serves as a resource to all departments and personnel. This is an on-site role at the physical facility. The Infection Preventionist monitors public health advisories from local, state, and federal agencies, including the CDC; serves as the on-site infection prevention and control (IPC) lead for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations; and is responsible for developing and overseeing the Antibiotic Stewardship Program. The role maintains current knowledge of infection-control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices, and performs work within the scope of the RN license. The Infection Preventionist makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant, implements and interprets the Infection Prevention and Control Program, and follows applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, company policies, and compliance procedures. The role also requires maintaining professional working relationships, protecting confidential information, adhering to Life Care’s Code of Conduct, and completing required compliance training.

Requirements

Nursing diploma or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Current RN license or registration in the applicable state, maintained in good standing throughout employment.
CPR certification upon hire or obtained during orientation, maintained as current throughout employment.
Specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education before assuming the role.
Certifications or training required by the applicable state, such as Certified TB Nurse.
Knowledge of infection-prevention and control practices and procedures, and of laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing functions in a post-acute care facility.
Ability to perform work within the scope of the RN license and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with geriatrics.

Responsibilities

Evaluate resident-care quality and outcomes related to healthcare-acquired and community-acquired infections.
Collect, prepare, and analyze healthcare-acquired infection data; present the data and recommend actions.
Monitor associate compliance with infection-control standards, barrier use, and infection-prevention measures.
Prepare and present infection-prevention education for staff, residents, and families.
Serve as an infection-prevention resource to departments and personnel.
Monitor public health advisories from local, state, and federal agencies, including the CDC.
Serve as the on-site IPC lead for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations.
Develop and oversee the Antibiotic Stewardship Program.
Maintain current knowledge of infection-control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices.
Make independent decisions when circumstances warrant and perform work within the scope of the RN license.
Implement and interpret the Infection Prevention and Control Program, including its programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Maintain professional working relationships; protect proprietary and confidential information; follow company policies and compliance procedures; and complete required compliance training.