Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist/Education Coordinator at Franciscan Ministries

The Infection Preventionist/Education Coordinator is responsible for planning and implementing health programs and infection control processes within a community setting. This role includes coordinating educational programs for staff, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and serving as the primary contact for infection control matters. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and an active RN license, along with extensive experience in nursing and long-term care.

Overview:

This role involves planning, organizing, developing, and implementing health programs, staff educational programs, infection control processes, and Quality Improvement projects. The Infection Preventionist ensures all state and federal mandatory education, infection control, general health, safety training (OSHA), Joint Commission Standards, and community policies/initiatives are fully implemented.

Responsibilities

Education Duties:

• Directs the education of associates in the community.
• Coordinates the new hire orientation process and on-going education for all staff.
• Onboards and trains all new nurses and CNAs.
• Coordinates with nursing schools, colleges, and high schools for clinical programs.
• Develops and maintains a mentorship program.
• Reaches out to communities to further develop internship and clinical programs.
• Monitors associate participation/compliance with educational requirements using the online educational program (Relias), hands-on training, and manages all competencies.

Infection Control Duties:

• Develops and implements an ongoing infection prevention/control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset/spread of infections.
• Serves as the primary contact for the community for all infection control outbreaks and prevention.
• Remains current and compliant with all State, Federal, IDPH, CMS, and CDC guidelines.
• Reviews and revises the community's infection prevention and control program, its standards, policies, and procedures annually and as needed for changes to the community assessment to ensure they are effective and in accordance with current standards of practice for preventing and controlling infections.
• Tracks TBs, competencies, vaccinations, and record compliance.
• Provides education as needed under the direction of the DON.

Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities:

• Organizes, plans, and implements annual OSHA, JCAHO, and State/Federal required in-service training programs to include hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, infection control standards, as well as all other mandatory training programs as required by Federal or State regulations.
• Observes and instructs associates in safety policies and procedures.
• Leverages expertise to lead all Infection Control related programs and serves as the Infection Preventionist for the community.
• Consistently monitors established policies and procedures pertaining to safety, hazard communications, and universal precautions (proper hand washing, correct usage of personal protective equipment, and proper disposal of hazardous materials/waste).
• Participates in the Safety Committee and QAPI Committee by preparing, analyzing, and reporting key indicator data.
• Secures and maintains records, reports, instructional manuals, reference manuals, etc., pertinent to educational programs.
• Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure individual associate training records are maintained and in compliance with Federal and State regulations.
• Facilitates in-service training, observing audience response to training, and adjusts delivery and teaching style to maximize participation and retention of material.
• Maintains a good rapport and professional working relationship with all department personnel to enhance appropriate interdepartmental communications.
• Utilizes tact, sensitivity, sound judgment, and a professional attitude when working with residents, families, associates, third-party vendors, and State/Federal entities.
• Participates in the Nursing Administration with on-call responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and procedures and any updates.

Position Requirements:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Licenses/Certifications: Active Registered Nurse (RN) license

Experience: 3 years of clinical experience; preferably in nursing/long-term care

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
• High degree of integrity.
• Strong communicator and capable of leading change.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects and deadlines concurrently.

Travel: Limited travel may be required for training purposes

Hours: Full-time: Days