ADON - Infection Control Nurse

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)/ Nurse Manager

Job Summary:

As directed by the Director of Nursing, the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)/Infection control Nurse manager plans, organizes, develops, and assists with the direction of the overall operation of the Nursing Services department to ensure the highest degree of care in accordance with all laws, regulations, and Company standards. Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of the care plans for each resident in accordance with other health care providers and physicians. Assists in maintaining a physical, social, and psychological environment which will be conducive to the best interest and welfare of the resident. Infection Control nurse is responsible for supporting the facilities systems for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and others in the facility. 

Schedule: This position is a part of the Nursing Management Team and will regularly work Monday through Friday with rotating on-call and Manager on Duty. This position must be willing to work the floor as needed as well.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements and coordinates quality management, utilization review and discharge planning programs.
• Coordinate the infection prevention and control program of the facility.
• Provide training and education related to infection control.
• Facilitate compliance with standards established that, at a minimum, include surveillance, reporting, precautions, isolation, hygiene, and when to prohibit staff from having direct contract with residents/food.
• As directed by the Director of Nursing, administers special programs and training of staff such as infection control, staff development, nursing quality improvement and utilization review.
• Monitors accrediting/surveying/regulatory body criteria to maintain compliance.
• Assumes duties and accountability for DON in his/her absence.
• Establishes and maintains scheduling for nursing staff to ensure adequate coverage to meet resident and facility needs.
• Monitor compliance with influenza, pneumococcal, RSV, and COVID-19 immunizations per facility policy and CDC guidelines.
• Effectively plan, direct and coordinate assessments and care plan services.
• Complete health assessments on all residents at time of admission to establish initial care plan and then mini-assessments quarterly thereafter. Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of the care plans for each resident in accordance with other health care providers and physicians.
• Organize, plan and lead care plan conferences quarterly for each resident, including family, physician and care plan team.
• Develop, implement and coordinate quality management, utilization review and discharge planning by consulting with other health care providers on resident care problems and needs. Track discharge and re-entry of residents to facility.
• Monitor accrediting/surveying/regulatory body criteria to maintain compliance.
• Demonstrate initiative, responsible behavior and attention to detail.
• Leads by example, fosters open communication and resolves conflict in a constructive manner. Manages and coaches nursing staff; facilitates a culture that supports the mission/vision of the organization and facility.
• Perform duties of staff nurse whenever and wherever required including but not limited to completing health assessments, developing and evaluation of care plans, and reviewing, implementing and evaluating residents’ medication, treatment and other charting requirements.
• Sets high standards of excellence for meeting resident needs, builds and maintains relationships with residents, communicates with residents in a genuine manner using appropriate verbiage, and establishes good rapport with the residents.
• Communicates effectively with family members regarding the condition and progress of the resident, including in-person and telephone discussions.
• Attends conferences and plans in-services as required. Actively participates in the in-service program in an effort to advance knowledge and skills.
• Ensures department employees are appropriately recruited, selected, provided effective onboarding and training. Holds employees accountable to clear performance expectations.
• Completes performance reviews and provides timely and effective feedback to employees. Takes appropriate action to address performance and attendance problems.
• Schedules appropriate staffing levels in department to meet facility needs.
• Actively participates in QAPI (Quality Assurance Process Improvement) program, taking a proactive approach to quality care and services on a continuous basis with engagement of residents, family members and staff.
• Demonstrates high standards of excellence for meeting resident needs. Communicates effectively, establishes rapport and maintains relationships with residents.
• Meets requirement of regular attendance to perform job duties.
• Has fun in creating a positive atmosphere for residents.
• Follows instructions and completes daily assignments as assigned and is proactive to change.
• Possesses understanding and compassion for the elderly population.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• One year full-time supervisory/management nursing experience (required).
• Understands and appreciates different opposing perspectives, demonstrates adaptability in approach to changing situations in the organization or job requirements.
• Displays high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards the goals of the organization.
• Works independently, demonstrates responsible behavior and strong attention to detail.

License/Certifications

• State of Iowa RN licensure by Iowa Board of Nursing (required).
• BSN (preferred).
• CPR Certification (preferred).

Additional Responsibilities:

Continuing Educational Requirement

• Required to complete annual 12-hour in-service training programs (as well as supplemental online education). Failure to complete the 12-hour in-service training program, or any other requirement under internal policies, local, state, or federal law may result in termination.

Physical Activity Requirements

• Lifting – May be called upon to lift equipment or supplies weight up to 50 lbs. and to assist with lifting and moving residents. Frequently required to life over 50 lbs. while transferring a non-ambulatory residents weighting between 100 and 160 lbs. Assistive devices are required for resident lifts. Push/Pull requirements of 40 lbs. are common. Frequently required to carry objects up to 30 lbs.
• Other physical requirements – Frequently required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and to talk or listen. Significant fine finger dexterity is required. Will be called upon to perform twisting, bending, squatting, kneeling or crouching when assisting the resident needs. Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.