Infection Preventionist

Infection Preventionist / Education Coordinator

The Infection Preventionist/Education Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing health education programs and infection control processes in a healthcare setting. This role involves training and onboarding staff, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and leading initiatives to prevent and control infections within the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, develop, and implement health programs, staff educational programs, infection control processes, and Quality Improvement projects.
• Ensure all state and federal mandatory education, infection control, general health, safety training (OSHA), Joint Commission Standards, and community policies/initiatives are fully implemented.

Education Duties:

• Direct the education of associates in the community.
• Coordinate the new hire orientation process and ongoing education for all staff.
• Onboarding and training for all new nurses and CNAs.
• Coordinate with nursing schools, colleges, and high schools for clinical programs.
• Develop and maintain a mentorship program.
• Outreach in communities to further develop internship and clinical programs.
• Monitor associate participation/compliance with educational requirements using an online educational program, hands-on training, and manage all competencies.

Infection Control Duties:

• Develop/implement an ongoing infection prevention/control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset/spread of infections.
• Primary contact for the community for all infection control outbreaks and prevention.
• Stay current and compliant with all State, Federal, IDPH, CMS, and CDC guidelines.
• Review/revise 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.
• Track TBs, competencies, vaccinations, and record compliance.
• Education as needed under the direction of the DON.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing.
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• 3 years of clinical experience; preferably in nursing/long-term care.
• 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.