Clinical Educator and Infection Prevention Nurse

Description

Job Summary: The Clinical Educator is responsible for assessing and coordinating the educational needs in all clinical departments along with assisting in roll-out of initiatives and hardwiring them in departments. The clinical educator will also be the Nurse Residency Coordinator. Consults with staff, unit managers, Director of Nursing and the Chief Nursing Officer on nursing needs and interpretation of facility policies to ensure staff education is appropriate based on need and priority. Additionally, responsible for the facility infection prevention program, which is designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment to prevent the transition of communicable disease and infections.

Job Results & Essential Function

• Oversight of the system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all patients, staff, and visitors.
• Written standards, policies and procedures for the program which must include:

o A system of surveillance designed to identify possible communicable diseases or infections.

o When and to whom possible incidents of communicable disease or infections should be reported.

o Standard and transmission-based precautions to be followed to prevent spread of infections.

o When and how isolation should be used for patients to include:

§ The type and duration of the isolation depending upon the infectious organism involved and

§ A requirement that the isolation should be the least restrictive possible for the patient.

• The hand hygiene procedures to be followed by staff involved in direct patient contact.
• Conduct a facility wide annual review of its Infection Prevention program and update as needed.

Skills

• Leadership
• Skilled in medical record reviews and interpretations of care standards
• Strong verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills are required. Knowledge of medical terminology.
• To multitask, critical thinking skills, proficiency in computer software and databases are necessary.
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to problem-solve independently and in group settings.
• Team player skills
• Solid knowledge of PC operations and software (word processing and customized databases i.e., Meditech/EPIC and MIDAS proficiency.)
• Ability to work with a variety of disciplines, cultures, and levels of staff throughout the organization.
• Demonstrates initiative, commitment, and dedication to quality improvement.
• Self-motivation, creativity, and resourcefulness

Clinical Education

• Assesses and works with department leaders to identify educational needs of clinical areas.
• Plans, organizes and implements educational plans based on area needs, regulations and standards.
•  Collaborates with other departments and agencies regarding educational resources.
• Maintains accurate, detailed reports and records.
•  Actively participates nursing leadership committees/meetings.
• Lead in the development and interpretation of nursing policies and procedures and best practices.
• Leads in the development of education surrounding best practices.
• Educates and assists in the roll-out and hardwiring of new processes and initiatives.
• Is the Nurse Residency Coordinator, develops and runs the program for new graduates. 
• Schedules and maintains follow-up with new employees for orientation and competencies
• Assessment and sign-off of required annual competencies and skills.
• Meets with Preceptors and new staff members to review needs, competencies and progress of orientation.

Skills

• Time management skills
• Multitasking skills
• Relationship building
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Teamwork skills, patience, listening skills
• Knowledge of nursing specialties and other clinical area specialties.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interview candidates effectively and to establish good professional relations with college officials and others in the clinical community.
• Willingness to travel to the surrounding areas to help with recruitment efforts.

Education & Experience

• Four-year bachelor's degree in nursing or health related field preferred, Acute Care Hospital experience 5 years required.
• Prior Experience in NYSDOH Code, Joint Commission Accreditation applications and Standards compliance, and CMS regulations/ indicators is preferred.
• Prior experience with Core Measures, use and application of best practices preferred.
•  Previous experience in Infection Prevention and working toward Certification (to obtain within 6 months of hire) required.

Requirements

License and/or Certifications

• NYS Licensed Registered Nurse is preferred.
•  Certified Infection Preventionist preferred.

Physical Demands

•  Must be able to remain in a standing position 50% of the time, move about within the work area, access file cabinets, copier and fax machines, walk to transport specimens, communicate, converse and exchange information and move, transport or position a minimum weight of 50 lbs.

Language Ability

• Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common medical terminology.

Math Ability

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

•  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to bio-hazardous materials, toxic chemicals, and communicable disease.