Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (RN)

Setting: Long-Term Care Facility
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)

About the role

The Staff Development Coordinator / Infection Preventionist (SDC/IP) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating staff development and infection prevention programs. This role ensures that all staff members are well-trained and that infection prevention policies are effectively integrated into daily operations, maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

Staff Development

• Develops and conducts orientation programs for new employees.
• Plans, coordinates, and provides ongoing in-service training for staff to maintain and enhance competency levels.
• Ensures training programs meet state and federal requirements.
• Assesses and evaluates staff competency through observations and skills assessments.
• Identifies learning needs based on performance evaluations, quality indicators, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintains accurate records of all training sessions, attendance, and competency evaluations.
• Prepares reports related to staff development activities for leadership and regulatory agencies.

Infection Prevention

• Develops, implements, and maintains the facility's infection prevention and control program.
• Ensures compliance with CDC, OSHA, CMS, and state regulations.
• Conducts regular infection control surveillance, audits, and risk assessments.
• Monitors infection rates, investigates outbreaks, and recommends corrective actions.
• Provides infection prevention training to staff, residents, and visitors.
• Ensures staff understands proper infection control practices, including hand hygiene, PPE use, and isolation procedures.
• Develops, updates, and enforces infection prevention policies and procedures.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers and leadership to ensure best practices in infection prevention are followed.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serves as a resource and mentor for staff, promoting continuous learning and improvement.
• Communicates infection control updates and provides guidance to staff and families.
• Participates in committees related to quality improvement, safety, and infection control.

Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of nursing experience in a long-term care setting.
• Previous experience in staff education, infection control, or leadership roles preferred.
• Infection Prevention certification (e.g., CIC) preferred or willingness to obtain.
• CPR and First Aid certified.

Skills

• Strong communication, teaching, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and implement improvement plans.
• Proficiency in using computer systems for documentation and training purposes.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in an office setting but frequently interacts with residents and staff throughout the facility.
• Must be able to move around the facility and occasionally lift or move equipment.
• May be required to respond to infection control emergencies outside regular hours.