Infection Control Nurse (RN)

Infection Control Nurse (RN)

24 Hour Part-Time Position

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for the daily routine operation of an environmental surveillance program to maintain a safe environment for facility residents and personnel.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS - Education / Experience

• Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Massachusetts.

• Minimum of one year of education or experience in geriatric nursing or rehabilitation preferred.

• CPR certified.

• Works in close cooperation with all department heads and facility personnel as appropriate.

• Ability to read, write and comprehend English; ability to follow oral and written instructions.

• Fluent knowledge of the MS Office suite and other office equipment.

• Ability to work hours as scheduled based on the requirements of the position assignment.

Working Conditions: Works in an appropriately lighted and ventilated environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day, proper body mechanics required. Ability to perform physically demanding work involving frequent bending, stooping, turning, stretching, and reaching above the shoulders are involved.

• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics/equipment that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure meeting the requirements of this position.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

1. Accountability

The demonstrated ability for ownership of all actions and behaviors in fulfilling job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the organization’s Mission and values. Includes attending all required and mandatory annual in-services.

2. Communication

The demonstrated ability to present ideas and information in a concise, effective, and interpersonally appropriate manner, through written and oral forms. Recognizes emergency situations and responds and / or communicates appropriately. Willingly discusses any problems, needs, or concerns which arise with Supervisor.

3. Customer Service

The demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with both internal and external customers, including coworkers, residents, families, and physicians. Effective customer service behavior is striving to exceed all customer expectations. Service is responsible and caring stewardship, which assures the dignity of all individuals and the effectiveness of the organization.

4. Leadership

The demonstrated ability to proactively envision and implement organizational goals and to align resources to achieve those goals. Leadership is by the ability to effectively communicate, utilize critical thinking skills to enhance positive performance by others while assuming the responsibility in supporting the Organization in promoting and maintaining positive employee relations and effective communications among facility staff and the awareness for continuous self-development.

5. Teamwork

The demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships with both internal and external customers including coworkers, residents, families, and physicians. Willingly assists other personnel if requested. Teamwork is by working with others toward a shared purpose or goal by collaboration, partnering, and cooperation.

6. Trust and Respect

The demonstrated ability to be both trustworthy and trusting of others while respecting the needs of all residents, family, and coworkers. Modeling the goals and philosophies expressed in the organizations Mission and Code of Ethics. This competency represents actions and behaviors that contribute to creating an environment where right of individuals is respected and upheld with equitably and with dignity.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

1. Follows all health, sanitary and infection control policies and maintains established standards of practice set forth by the facility's administration and Nursing policies and procedures.

2. Demonstrates competence of I.V. related infections and preventions.

3. Understands and upholds responsibilities concerning safety, accident, and fire prevention.

4. Understands and upholds the Resident’s Bill of Rights and holds all resident information confidential.

5. Follow and comply with all State and Federal regulations as well as established Personnel Policies and Procedures.

6. Maintain all pertinent records in a timely, efficient, and confidential manner.

7. Project a professional image always.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Detects, records, and monitors nosocomial infections/communicable diseases and reports them to the Director of Nursing Services.

2. Manages outbreaks of disease within the facility and ensures appropriate communication with outside agencies.

3. Acts as a resource person for all facility staff regarding personnel educational needs and awareness of the importance of infection control.

4. Provides staff education and assures staff competencies as it relates to infection control policies and procedure. i.e., handwashing, isolation precautions, PPE, IV etc.

5. Implements, under the direction of the Infection Control Committee, standards for surveillance of incidence of nosocomial infections, community acquired infections, conditions predisposing to infection and periodic review of the clinical use of antibiotics.

6. Implements and Manages the Antibiotic Stewardship Program in accordance with current regulations.

7. Implements a mechanism for monitoring and reporting infections in residents and environmental conditions with infection potential.

8. Implements control measures including isolation policy, aseptic techniques, and a personnel health program.

9. Institutes isolation precautions, as necessary.

10. Maintains Infection Control Policy and Procedures in accordance with current regulations standards of practice. Participates in annual review revisions of these in cooperation with the Director of Nursing Services.

11. Attends Medical Staff meetings and participates in QAPI.

12. Develops written agenda for Infection Control Committee meetings, keeps minutes of meetings and makes reports to the Director or Nursing Services.

13. Conducts monthly environmental surveillance rounds and reports findings in writing to the Administrator. Discusses problematic areas with appropriate department heads.

14. Manages the IV program and acts as the IV Coordinator.

15. Manages the Wound Program and conducts weekly wound rounds, completes weekly tracking reports, identifies trends, and provides education on an ongoing basis.

16. Assumes any duties assigned by the DNS to provide optimal quality resident care.

17. Attends meetings as assigned by the DNS.

18. Performs other related duties and attends meetings as deemed necessary by Supervisor / Administrator and or Director.