INFECTION PREVENTIONIST

Riverside Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Infection Preventionist to join our Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) team in Kankakee, Illinois. The Infection Preventionist is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring infection prevention and control programs within the facility. This role involves assessing infection risks, ensuring compliance with infection control policies, providing education to staff, and leading efforts to prevent and manage infections to safeguard residents and staff. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties:

Infection Prevention and Control Program

• Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's infection prevention and control program, including policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and surveillance to identify potential infection risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Monitor and analyze infection rates, trends, and outbreaks, and develop action plans to address and control identified issues.

Compliance and Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local infection control regulations and guidelines.
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections and audits, addressing any deficiencies or areas for improvement identified.
• Stay current with updates and changes in infection control standards and best practices.

Education and Training

• Provide ongoing education and training for staff on infection prevention and control practices, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and infection prevention techniques.
• Develop educational materials and conduct training sessions to ensure that all staff are knowledgeable about infection control policies and procedures.
• Offer guidance and support to staff regarding infection prevention and control concerns or questions.

Surveillance and Data Management

• Conduct regular surveillance of infection rates and related data, including monitoring and analyzing trends and patterns.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of infections, outbreaks, and infection control interventions.
• Prepare and present reports on infection control activities, outcomes, and compliance to facility leadership and regulatory bodies.

Outbreak Management

• Lead investigations into infection outbreaks, including identifying the source, implementing control measures, and coordinating with public health authorities as needed.
• Develop and implement outbreak response plans and protocols to manage and contain infections effectively.
• Communicate with residents, families, and staff regarding outbreak status and infection control measures.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop and revise infection control policies and procedures to reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that infection control policies are communicated to staff and adhered to in daily practices.
• Review and update infection control protocols periodically based on feedback, new evidence, and changes in regulations.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Collaborate with healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and other staff, to ensure infection control practices are integrated into patient care.
• Consult with facility leadership on infection prevention and control issues and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and committees to contribute to the overall infection control strategy.

Organization Compliance

• Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including those related to infection control, safety, abuse, neglect, and resident privacy (HIPAA).
• Mentor and guide less experienced nursing staff and assist with training new employees.
• Promote a positive and supportive environment for both residents and staff.
• Regularly complete all assigned training modules and courses within the Learning Management System (LMS) to stay up to date on required skills, policies, and industry standards.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of nursing experience

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in infection control, public health, or a related healthcare field. Experience in a healthcare facility setting is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of infection control practices, excellent analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to promoting a safe and healthy environment.

Required Licensure/Education

• Active nursing license required, Nursing Home infection Prevention Training Course completion within 1 year of hire, BLS

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Alcohol wipes
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Some potential for exposure during injection and blood draws and during employee assessment of injuries. However, appropriate usage of needle disposal, standard precautions, and protective equipment should minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Possible exposure to employees during daily interactions. However, use of protective wear and standard precautions reduces risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required for employee interaction.
• Vision: Needed for patient assessment, data entry and reviewing patient results.
• Smell: Helpful to note presence of electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Needed for telephone communication and patient interaction.
• Touch: Needed to write, drawing blood and patient assessment.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 44%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 10%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 3%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 1%
• Reach above shoulders: 0%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting employee charts, approximately 5-10'. Lifting cases of chart forms, approximately 5-10'.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 0
• Stand: 15
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 5
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 1
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 0
• Reach above shoulders: 0

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: 1lb often
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: occasionally
• Fine Manipulation: Injections, blood draws.
• Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal range
• Atmosphere: Normal range

Special Hazards: None

Protective Clothing Required: Gloves and various other PPE as needed.