Registered Nurse (RN) Infection Preventionist

Life Care Center of Athens•Athens, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse 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. It monitors associate compliance with infection control standards, including use of barriers and infection 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 onsite role at the physical facility. The Infection Preventionist monitors public health advisories from local, state, and federal agencies, including the CDC, and serves as the onsite IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations. The role is responsible for developing and ensuring accountability for the Antibiotic Stewardship Program and maintaining current knowledge of infection control trends, methodologies, and employee health practices.

Requirements

Nursing diploma or associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing.
Licensed or registered in the applicable state, with an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing throughout employment.
CPR certification upon hire or obtained during orientation; certification must remain current during employment.
Specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education before assuming the role.
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 proficiently in all applicable competency areas.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional working relationships.
Ability to adhere to company policies and Life Care's Code of Conduct.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with geriatrics is preferred.
Certifications or training required by the state, such as Certified TB Nurse.
Additional training may be needed if the facility's resident population changes and its scope of care changes.

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, including the use of 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 onsite IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations.
Develop and maintain 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 license and make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
Implement and interpret Infection Prevention and Control Program programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Maintain professional working relationships with associates and vendors.
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary and confidential information.
Follow company policies, including harassment and compliance procedures, and adhere to Life Care's Code of Conduct.
Complete mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training.