Infection Preventionist, RN Required

Responsibilities

• Collects, analyzes, and provides infection data and trends to nursing staff and health care practitioners.
• Consults on infection risk assessment, prevention, and control strategies.
• Provides education and training.
• Implements evidence-based infection control practices.
• Captures and monitors infection surveillance and line listing throughout the building.
• Identifies staff roles and responsibilities for the routine implementation of the infection control program.
• Collaborates with public health nurses for reporting situations.
• Participates in the review and development of infection control policies and procedures.
• Maintains and updates the Infection Prevention and Control Program annually.
• Maintains compliance with State and Federal guidelines.
• Maintains and audits resident and staff immunization records.

  Administrative Functions

  • Communicates shifts concerns to appropriate staff via email or voice mail.
  • Serves as administrative authority for the smooth function of assigned unit.
  • Notifies Administrator, DON, or ADON of urgent concerns during the shift.
  • Performs rounds at least twice each shift to monitor conditions and care of acutely ill residents/clients on weekends.
  • Assists RNs in assessing residents experiencing acute changes on weekends.
  • Provides clinical expertise in managing medical and psychiatric emergencies on weekends.
  • Responds to Code Blue, Medical Assist, and Code Green situations.
  • Supervises staff and ensures survey compliance on a daily basis.
  • Provides guidance and support to staff to improve work flow on weekends.
  • Initiates investigations for all alleged incidents of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident belongings.
  • Maintains administrative records.
  • Reports to the State per regulation.
  • Receives employee, resident, and family grievances.
  • Refers information to appropriate supervisors.
  • Works with NHA to resolve grievances.
  • Directs staff response to emergencies such as severe weather, fires, or bomb scares.
  • Participates in fire drills.
  • Directs disaster evacuation plans as needed.
  • Participates in QAPI, Behavior meetings, and Care conferences.

  Professional Clinical Guidance

  • Serves as a professional role model.
  • Collaborates with resident care staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating resident care programs.
  • Provides clinical expertise in managing medical, psychiatric, and behavioral emergencies.
  • Provides clinical expertise in behavior management techniques.
  • Provides clinical expertise in the care of clients with cognitive disabilities.
  • Maintains competence with State and Federal nursing home regulations.
  • Maintains competence with Medicare and Medicaid regulations.
  • Provides clinical expertise and management of wound rounds weekly or as needed in collaboration with unit managers.

  Public Relations

  • Completes tours of the facility for families.
  • Reviews referral forms for inquiries and tours.
  • Affirms medical and nursing needs for new admissions with complex needs.
  • Represents the facility at community events.
  • Collaborates with community and governmental policy-making bodies.

  Qualifications

  • Current Registered Professional Nurse license in Wisconsin.
  • Supervisory experience as a Head Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, or Director of Nurses.
  • Work experience as a professional nurse, preferably in related fields (long-term care, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, or nursing supervision).
  • AED/CPR certification.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MDS software, email, and scheduling systems.
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise reports.
  • Knowledge of client populations and treatment sources.
  • Ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of others.
  • Effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of issues.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, residents, families, professionals, and the general public.
  • Ability to work well as a team leader/member.
  • Ability to review clinical work of others according to professional standards and practice guidelines.
  • Current knowledge in the field of infectious disease and epidemiology.