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Infection Preventionist Nurse

Employer
Camellia Gardens Care Center
Location
Pasadena, CA
Closing date
May 18, 2021

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Profession
Nurse
Specialty
Medical Management
Camellia Gardens Care Center - INFECTION PREVENTIONIST
Job Description
Position Overview
The Infection Preventionist reports to the Director of Nursing and partners with the Medical Director, the Administrator or Quality Officer, and other stakeholders to develop a system of care that promotes sound and scientific infection prevention principles and practices.

This individual is accountable for decreasing the incidence and transmission of infectious diseases between patients, staff, visitors and the community. Through strategic planning, leadership and consultation, you will lead and direct a robust team in the identification and implementation of infection prevention goals and objectives throughout the facility.

Position Responsibilities and Qualifications

In this key position, essential job duties and responsibilities include:
Partners with the Medical Director for Epidemiology/Infectious Disease to develop, implement and evaluate annual infection prevention goals and action plan
Partners with facility leaders, physicians, local, state, and national agencies on activities related to infection prevention
Oversees the operations of the infection prevention, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, and relevant safety programs
Accountable for surveillance of healthcare acquired and community acquired infections
Manages goal setting process for system, unit and physician goals related to healthcare acquired infections and conditions
Lead industrial hygiene program to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, mitigate and control workplace conditions
Participates in the national collaboratives and external reporting to CDC NHSN system, and other post acute-care specific quality organizations

REQUIREMENT:
New Infection Preventionist specialized training requirement finalized by CMS in the Reform of Requirements of Participation for Long Term Care Facilities. Infection Preventionist Specialized Training (IPCO) course, individuals will be specially trained to effectively implement and manage an Infection Prevention and Control Program at their center.
A thorough explanation of the impact of infections on the people who live, work and visit nursing centers.
Definitions of essential components of an effective infection prevention and control program. Identification and management of common infections.
Strategies to prevent the spread of infections.
Identification and description of the steps necessary for infection surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, investigating, tracking and reporting infections
Successful implementation strategies.

It addresses both clinical and organizational systems, processes and cultural aspects of infection prevention and control which are fundamental to effectively leading and administering a center's Infection Prevention & Control program.
CMS/State Survey- Regulation Requirements
Provide evidence within 4 hours
Infection Prevention and Control Program Standards, Policies and Procedures, and Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Influenza/ Pneumococcal Immunization Policy and Procedure

Unique Role of the IP
"There are two pieces that are unique to what IPs and healthcare epidemiologists bring to the table: 1. Data --- knowing what is happening in your institution.
2. Knowledge--- knowing what needs to be done to prevent infections.
"Those are the reasons people will invite you when discussing problems related to healthcare safety --- because it's something the others don't know. It's what gives us the power."

ROLES
IP as Evaluator

• Annual Risk Assessment
• Infection Prevention Plan
• Unit rounding
• Perform surveillance
• Investigate suspected outbreaks
• Educate based on prevention needs/problems

IP as Healthcare Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Expert

• Use epidemiology and microbiology skills
• Analyze, interpret, and feedback surveillance data
• Frequent review of HAI surveillance findings with healthcare providers and leadership:
• Identifies areas for prevention focus
• Spurs new prevention efforts
• Measures progress and sustainability of prevention efforts over time

IP as Educator
Teach others: staff, visitors, and patients Evidence-based infection prevention practices Infection risk, prevention and control methods Annual Bloodborne Pathogens and Aerosolized Transmissible Diseases (ATD) classes Updates on Pandemics
• Influenza, Pertussis, Measles New Employee Orientation Volunteers Community Classes

IP as Mentor and Leader

• IPs are role models and leaders
• Staff watch your behaviors
• You make decisions related to ethics and regulations
• You are responsible for IP policies and procedures
• IPs should identify needs/desire for mentorship
• Staff nurses interested in IP
• Students needing a preceptor
• Begin an IP Liaison team

IP as Consultant and Influencer

• Family and visitor issues
• Dietary, EVS, Lab
• Pet Therapy
• Pandemic!
• Construction
• Floods, Fires

IP as Customer Service

• Who are infection prevention customers?
• Residents/Family Members
• Staff
• Physicians
• Visitors/Community
• Public Health
• Anyone who calls for your consultation services!

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