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Infection Preventionist / Infection Control Nurse (Registered Nurse/RN/ LPN/Licensed Practical Nurse) - Rutland, Vermont

Job Description

Infection Preventionist / Infection Control Nurse (Registered Nurse/RN/ LPN/Licensed Practical Nurse)

 If you are a nurse with a specialty in infection prevention, then Genesis HealthCare, one of the nation's largest providers of skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy needs you! Make a difference in patient care and our staff's nursing skills at the same time in the role of Infection Preventionist. We are in search of an infection preventionist to support our skilled nursing facilities located in the Rutland, VT area. This position is a 32 hour a week, FT position supporting both Rutland and Mountain View Centers.

In business since 1985, Genesis HealthCare provides the resources, tools and support to insure your success along with a comprehensive benefit package that is comprised of but not limited to tuition assistance for nurse formal education, mileage reimbursement, 401K, paid time off, choice of multiple medical, dental and vision plans and more.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Infection Preventionist (IP) serves as the facilities' Infection Prevention and Control Officer and functions as a practitioner, resource, consultant, educator and facilitator for all staff in multiple locations focusing on the following areas:
* Infection Prevention & Control Activities at the center level 
* Outcome & Process surveillance
* Outbreak Management
* Employee Health

RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:
1. Orientation:
1.1 Supports Welcoming program/ general orientation by providing infection control training for all newly hired employees.
1.2 Reviews the immunization documentation/status for all new hires with the center to ensure compliance upon hire
1.3 Ensures necessary TB screening and documentation is completed per regulatory requirements
1.4 Ensures Hepatitis B vaccination is offered, and initiated or declination signed, for new hires, within regulatory requirements
2. Nurse Education:
2.1 Develops education programs in response to identified infection control needs identified through QAPI, rounding, center quality measures, or any other means 
2.2 Teaches staff current accepted patient care and center practices as they relate to infection control
2.3 Performs rounds on units to:
2.3.1 Review & monitor infection control issues
2.3.2 Monitor/observe infection control practices to identify educational needs
2.3.3 Identify environmental issues that could contribute to the spread of infectious diseases and discuss findings
2.3.4 Evaluate compliance with Standard and Transmission based Precautions & provide education regarding appropriate usage when needed
3. Infection Control and Employee Health:
3.1 Provides oversight of the Centers' Infection Control and Prevention Program and activities with the goals of the program being the following:
3.1.1 Preventing,
3.1.1.1 Preventing the spread of infections for both residents/patients and staff
3.1.2 Identifying,
3.1.3 Reporting,
3.1.4 Investigating, and
3.1.5 Controlling
3.1.5.1 Minimizing the risk of infection-related outbreaks within the center
3.2 Completes surveillance and tracking;
3.2.1 Maintains infection control records per policy and regulatory requirements
3.2.2 Analyzes & identifies and presents center trends/variances and develops plans in conjunction with the center QAPI process
3.3 Completes the Infection Control Risk Assessment of the Center's resident population and facility.
3.4 Integrates the Infection Control and Prevention program with the facility's QAPI processes. 
3.5 Oversees the facility antimicrobial stewardship program that includes antibiotic use & prescribing protocols, laboratory communication, and a system for monitoring antimicrobial use.
3.6 Directs implementation of Infection Control and Prevention policies and procedures and periodically reviews and updates the program as needed;
3.7 Provides oversight to Employee Health Program to include:
3.7.1 Tracking of TST administration and interpretation and/or IGRA blood tests for Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis B vaccine series administration and regulatory documentation for all employees;
3.7.2 Training/ Competency testing of all licensed nurses upon hire and annually, who administer and record, in mm of induration, the results, of Tuberculin skin tests
3.7.3 Oversight of Universal Influenza program & tracking of influenza immunizations for all employees;
3.8 Reviews "Initial Health Survey" completed by all new employees and requests appropriate documentation.
3.9 Serves as an ad hoc member and resource for the facility Infection Control and Prevention Committee/QAPI 
4. Puts Customer Service First: Ensures that customers and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights;
5. Performs other duties as requested.


QUALIFICATIONS: 
SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL/VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. The Infection Control and Preventionist must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with current registered nurse licensure by the State Board of Nursing.
2. RN, Bachelor's Degree Preferred.
3. Infection Control and Prevention certification is strongly preferred. Specialty certification is to be obtained within the first 2 years of employment in this role.
4. A minimum of three years full-time or equivalent nursing experience is required and a minimum of two years of nursing experience in long-term care nursing with one year in a management/administrative or supervisory capacity is preferred.
5. Previous experience in infection control is preferred.
6. Must be able to work flexible hours in order to meet with employees working evening and night shifts.


Position Type: Full Time
Req ID: 298765
Center Name: Genesis HealthCare