Infection Preventionist/Wound Care Nurse

Position Summary: Specialize in infection prevention as well as assessing and treating patients with complex wounds, ostomies, or continence conditions. Work closely with members of patient care teams to ensure that personalized treatment plans are followed correctly in order to prevent future infection or injury. Participates with the Director of Nursing and other staff members, implementing specific procedures and programs. Works cooperatively and respectfully with residents, coworkers, families, visitors, and volunteers to create a positive and pleasant environment in the home. All tasks are performed in accordance with current standards, policies, guidelines, and regulations and in a safe and efficient manner.

Role Qualifications:

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing; current Tennessee license to practice as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
• Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics skills; proficient interpersonal relations, and communicative skills; auditory and visual skills; satisfactory completion of post-offer, pre-employment as required.
• Time management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Computer proficiency, including word and excel
• A minimum of one year’s prior experience as a wound care nurse and Wound Care Certification preferred

Position responsibilities:

• Assessing and monitoring wounds
• Provide wound care as needed
• Working collaboratively with other members of the patient care team to determine if additional treatments or changes in care are required
• Educating patients and caretakers on wound care, infection and injury prevention, and pressure ulcer care
• Writing recommendations to expedite wound healing and avoid skin breakdown
• Develop, Implement, and evaluate the facility IPCP and antibiotic stewardship program, to include policies and procedures for surveillance, outbreak preparedness, hand hygiene, standard precaution, transmission- based precautions, Enhanced barrier precautions, and training.
• Manage the process related to resident immunizations.
• Serve as a member of the QAPI committee and routinely report on IPCP and antibiotic stewardship program Performance

Essential skill and experience:

• A minimum of one year’s prior experience as a wound care nurse preferred
• Wound Care Certification preferred
• Effective communication skills
• Have completed specialized training in infection prevention and control

Reporting to this position: Clinical staff will notify of any wound concerns. EBP concerns, and new Infections

Physical demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: See Physical Requirements form

Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to odors, body excretions, and infections. Subject to bruises, scratches etc. from patients. The noise level is usually moderate.

Standard Requirements:

The employee is expected to adhere to all Uplands policies.

Maintain the comfort, privacy, and dignity of each resident in the delivery of services to them. Interact with residents in a manner that displays warmth and promotes a caring environment. Comply with HIPAA regulations.

Fully understand all aspects of residents’ rights, including the right to be free of restraints and free of abuse. Responsible for promptly reporting to the director of nursing, or administrator incidents or evidence of resident abuse or violation of residents’ rights, following abuse procedure.

Comply with current law and policy to provide a work environment from harassment and illegal and discriminatory behavior.

Assist with handling and washing infectious linens and dispose of infectious waste; following policies and procedures.

Must practice with LPN/ RN scope of practice

Must maintain skill necessary to safely and efficiently use various equipment and supplies. Use only supplies that are needed – Do not be wasteful.