Infection Control Nurse - Inglewood - Primrose Post-Acute

Description

Overview

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

Administrative Functions: Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct our infection control program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in nursing care facilities. Ensure that the facility follows current CDC, OSHA, and local regulations concerning infection control or standard/universal precautions. Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique to successfully correct problem areas. Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary. Maintain a reference library of written infection control material to assist the facility in meeting day-to-day needs of isolated residents. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary, concerning the infection control program. Assist all departments in evaluating and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified. Monitor infection control practices and procedures to ensure that all personnel are implementing standard operating procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Make rounds to nursing units for case findings, environmental sanitation reviews, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices. Visit isolated residents as necessary to ensure that isolation precautions and aseptic technique are followed. Ensure laboratory support is available, including microbiological and serological services. Review and analyze infectious disease laboratory reports and consult with the Director of Nursing Services in developing the care plan for ensuring that aseptic techniques are implemented. Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility. Perform periodic testing of prepared sterile packs, bundles, and supplies, including sterilization equipment. Monitor the designated shelf life of medical items wrapped and sterilized at the facility. Reprocess as necessary. Ensure that all personnel follow established procedures for disposal and removal of infective and contaminated materials from the facility.

• Prepare monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective actions taken, and the results of the corrective actions. Submit copies to the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.
• Prepare summaries of special investigations on nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Provide the Director of Nursing Services with a report of pertinent findings and recommendations pertaining to nosocomial infection. Maintain a written record of all residents and employees who have nosocomial infections. Participate in surveys of possible carriers among residents and personnel, and in tracing possible sources of infection within the facility.
• Assist the Director of Laundry Services and Director of Environmental Services in developing infection control procedures for handling clean/soiled laundry, equipment cleaning, routine and terminal cleaning, etc. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) by government agencies as necessary. Assist in discharge planning for residents in isolation or on infection control precautions. Assist in developing and implementing a facility-wide TB management control program. Report all reportable diseases to county and state health departments. Perform administrative duties as necessary (medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.).

Committee Functions

Serve on, participate in, and attend Infection Control Committee meetings. Represent the Infection Control Committee as required. Assist the committee in evaluating and revising infection control practices and aseptic technique to maintain sanitation practices throughout the facility. Establish criteria for classifying routine and reasonably anticipated job-related tasks to identify and record tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Provide written and oral reports to the committee concerning all nosocomial infections. Ensure major changes in cleaning products or techniques are approved by the committee. Implement recommendations from the committee. Provide TB assessment information and recommendations regarding protocols for isolating TB cases.

Personnel Functions

Develop and implement a practical system of detecting, evaluating, recording, and reporting infections originating with facility personnel. Assist the personnel director in developing and implementing the employee health services program, including individual counseling. Provide employee counseling as outlined in the infection control and employee health program. Offer information regarding hepatitis B vaccinations. Assist in establishing TB Mantoux testing and recordkeeping protocols for all employees. Orient new employees to infection control policies, personal hygiene, handwashing techniques, and responsibility for exposure to blood/body fluids. Report occupational exposures in accordance with facility policies. Meet with staff to identify and correct problem areas and improve services. Maintain a good working rapport with department directors and personnel to ensure infection control services meet resident needs. Maintain good relationships with medical professionals and health-related facilities. Review complaints and grievances by department personnel. Provide reports to the Administrator/Director of Nursing Services as necessary. Report known or suspected incidents of fraud to the Administrator. Ensure device/workstation security and password-protected screens as per policy.

Nursing Care and Consultation Functions

Participate in interviewing and selecting residents for admission. Ensure nursing personnel follow isolation precautions and aseptic technique, including standard/universal precautions. Place residents with known communicable or infectious diseases in isolation or on infection control precautions. Explain isolation and universal precautions to residents or family members as needed. Make rounds with physicians as necessary and encourage timely documentation. Monitor medication passes and treatments to ensure proper handwashing during handling and administration of drugs. Review nurses notes to ensure care reflects the resident's response and is informative. Provide direct nursing care as necessary. Obtain culture samples according to established procedures.

Staff Development

Develop, implement, and maintain orientation for infection control and employee health. Support in-service training on infection control. Develop OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens standards. Develop a training program for all personnel performing tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids.

Equipment and Safety Functions

Recommend equipment and supply needs for an effective infection control program. Maintain a stock level of medical supplies on premises. Assist in developing preventive maintenance for nursing department equipment. Develop procedures to ensure efficient use of supplies and proper labeling of contaminated equipment for repair or decontamination.

Care Plan Functions

Assist in developing and maintaining a written plan of care for residents in isolation or on infection control precautions. Encourage resident participation in care plan development and review. Schedule care plans for committee meetings. Ensure all involved personnel are aware of the care plan. Review and revise care plans at least quarterly and ensure team coordination for prevention and control of infections.

Budget and Planning Functions

Assist in preparing the department budget related to infection control. Stay informed of economic conditions and adjust as needed. Recommend equipment and supply needs for infection control activities. Report suspected or known fraud related to false billings or costs.

Safety and Sanitation

Identify and classify routine functions with exposure potential to blood/body fluids. Develop policies to prevent and control infectious diseases. Ensure in-service training for exposed personnel and adequate PPE supply. Develop policies for handling needles and sharps. Work with maintenance to manage waste disposal for infectious materials.

Miscellaneous

Assess new or improved resident care products or procedures. Provide counseling for employee HBV/TB testing and maintain exposure records confidentially.

Supervisory Requirements

As Infection Control Nurse you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties. Your immediate supervisor is the Director of Nursing Services.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience: Possession of a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university. 2 years or more experience preferably in a long-term care facility. Must possess working knowledge of epidemiology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and aseptic technique including standard/universal precautions.

Language Skills: Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers and employees.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and interpret various instructions.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must possess a current, unencumbered RN license in this state. Current CPR certification. APIC certification in infection control preferred but not required. PCC knowledge/experience preferred. Must maintain continuing education for licensing. Must remain in good standing with the State Board of Nursing.

Physical Demands

The essential functions require movement throughout the day. Must cope with mental, emotional, and physical stress. Vision and hearing necessary or with aids. Must meet health requirements including medical/physical examination. Must be able to lift and move at least 25 pounds to a height of 5 feet and for a distance of 50 feet. May involve exposure to resident blood/body fluids and evacuation duties in emergencies.

Work Environment

The work environment is usually low to moderate noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities to perform essential functions.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties. Critical features may be changed at any time due to accommodation or other reasons. This description is not a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.