Special Services - Infection Prevention R.N. @ Skilled Nursing Facility

Performs professional and administrative work directing and supervising the compliance with Infection Control policies and the Quality Assurance policies, in accordance with Federal and/or State laws and regulations and Department policy. Provides extensive program development and accurate statistical record keeping, from which required reports are compiled on a regularly scheduled basis.

 

Position carries a Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Risk Level I. Reports to the Director and Associate Director of Nursing.

RN diploma or Associates degree from an accredited college, university or hospital training program, Connecticut RN License and 5 years of RN experience including 2 years in a SNF, convalescent or nursing home, hospital or related health care facility.

 

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS:

 

Must have training in Infection Control or Quality Assurance.

Examination:  100% Training & Experience Assessment 
The examination to determine a candidate's eligibility for the position will be a Training and Experience Assessment. This type of examination requires that you completely fill out the application, adding pages for additional relevant information where needed, and attaching any documentation of certificates, degrees, other significant documents, etc. A candidate's eligibility to be interviewed will be based solely on material submitted at the time of application. Once the Eligibility List is prepared no further information may be submitted and no adjustments will be made.
 

 

Monitors and investigates causes of infections. Maintains records of antibiotic use, nosocomial and community acquired infections. Identifies, investigates and monitors unusual infections, changes in prevalent organisms, increase in infection rate, cluster outbreaks and institutional outbreaks.

 

Communicates information, observations and concerns to nursing administration, and appropriate health departments.

 

Coordinates and chairs the Infection Control Committee as Infection Control Officer. Assists in the development, evaluation and revision of Infection Control Policies. Assists all departments in following established Infection Control policy/procedures. Implements measures to prevent infections in Residents and staff.

 

Evaluates resident care needs and the quality of nursing care through observation, concurrent and retroactive nursing studies as necessary.

 

Identifies educational needs of nursing staff and designs in-service training, developing course content to meet those needs in the areas of nursing in-service and infection control applies to the Connecticut State Nurses Association for continuing Education Credits for symposiums presented to staff and outside health care providers.

 

Designs and teaches the theory component of the intravenous Therapy Course and evaluates R.N. performance of insertion of intravenous catheters in compliance with approved policies and procedures.

 

Develops, conducts and oversees the orientation program of nursing department employees. Monitors Certified Nursing Assistant in-service hours to assure compliance with the 12 hour educational requirement.

 

Participates in the Continuous Quality Improvement Program, and serves as a member of the Nathaniel Witherell Wound Care Team.

 

Meets daily with multi discipline team to create or review individual care plans and CNA assignments for each resident. Review MDS and quarterlies for accuracy. Tracks of significant change of condition, updates current care plans daily with changes that have occurred and if further assessment MDS is required.

 

Attends outside conferences and committee meetings; maintains records and reports as required.

 

Performs other related duties as required.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

 

Considerable knowledge of applicable local, State and Federal regulations applying to resident care in a skilled nursing facility.

 

Considerable knowledge of geriatric residential care and infection control in a skilled nursing facility.

 

Knowledge of the principles of adult learning theories and staff motivation principles.

 

Skilled in the use of a personal computer and related software to develop tracking mechanisms, audits, and special studies. Skilled in verbal and written communication, leadership and initiative.

 

Ability to collect, organize, coordinate and utilize extensive compilations of data.

 

Ability to comprehend and develop policies based on complicated legalistic reading material.

 

Ability to utilize a variety of office and training equipment, and moving equipment as necessary. Ability to move throughout the building, climbing stairs to the fourth floor in the event of a mechanical lift failure, assist in lifting, turning, or transferring residents as needed.

 

Ability to work effectively and courteously with facility residents, families, other employees, colleagues, and the public.