RN-Registered Nurse -Long Term Care Infection Preventionist

Overview

The Infection Prevention & Control RN manages the infection prevention program in conjunction with the Infection Prevention & Control Committee and the Infectious Disease Practitioner.  The position is trained in epidemiology principles and is responsible for the prevention, surveillance, interpretation, analysis and reporting of healthcare acquired infections; educating employees, patients and visitors about infection control; and the development of policies and procedures to ensure infection control practices that meet the standards of regulatory agencies, CMS, OSHA, state and local public health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Other duties as assigned. 

Responsibilities

• Provides current, evidence-based practice guidelines to departments related to infection prevention. Uses literature review to make recommendations on performance improvement and interventions. Understands adult education principles and designs educational programs; effective presentation skills. Prepares educational offerings for partners and serves as a resource for all departments

• Evaluates the quality of patient care and outcomes as they relate to healthcare-associated infections. Conducts surveillance through standardized case finding methods and application of HAI definitions. Counsels staff to implement infection control policies.  Oversees process changes and investigations and participates in improvement efforts with departments.  Participates in committee and program support activities related to infection prevention topics. 

• Collects, analyzes and prepares data on healthcare-associated infections including surgical site infections, device-associated infections and multidrug-resistant organisms, and those required for reporting to regulatory agencies such as NHSN.

• Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions, monitors partners compliance with use of PPE, isolation precautions and other infection prevention measures. Possesses knowledge of requirements for investigations and conducts investigations with assistance from departments. Provides information on trends and issues to Leadership and Physicians.

• Reports communicable disease to Public County and State Health Departments as required.

Education and Experience

RN with graduation from an accredited school of nursing

RN License in both IL and WI needed 

BSN preferred or enrolled in an accredited BSN Completion Program.

Certification/Licensure

APIC Basic Training in infection control within 1 year

Certification in Infection Control preferred; required within 4 years of hire

State Nursing License

Special Physicial Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Employee is required talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations