Infection Preventionist

Section I – Position Role Statement
The Infection Preventionist is responsible for coordinating all activities of the infection prevention and control program that meets the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.
Section II – Essential Activities & Tasks
Job Duties
Setting standards, supporting implementation of and evaluating infection preventionpractices such as hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions and environmentalcleaning and disinfection;
Reviewing policies and procedures annually and updating as needed;
Educating staff;
Conducting surveillance by identifying and documenting infections;
Calculating infection rates and analyzing data to inform decision making;
Developing and implementing process measures to evaluate performance;
Facilitate outbreak investigations and learning from defects/root cause analysis asneeded;
Ensuring public health is notified of reportable diseases;
Supporting implementation of influenza vaccination and tracking staff vaccinationrates;
Writing and disseminating reports;
Active member of the quality assurance performance improvement (QAPI) committeeand working with QAPI committee/program and other key staff to strengthen infectionprevention practices; and
Supporting antibiotic stewardship initiatives
These responsibilities also include identifying when resident needs to be placed on isolation precautions, working with environmental services to prevent cross-contamination in the care environment, developing action plans to address opportunities for improvement, coordinating with employee health as needed, and implementing an annual infection control risk assessment process. This position also works with community partners and other healthcare facilities to prevent transmission of infection across the continuum of care.

Section III – Competencies - Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Organizational Competencies
Customer Service
Expectations Management
Communication Skills
Team Player

Reliability & Accountability
Functional Knowledge & Learning
Creative Problem Solving
Conflict Resolution
Functional Competencies
Knowledge of infection control
Knowledge of epidemiology
Knowledge of quality improvement
Knowledge of adult education principles
Knowledge of statistics
Knowledge of microbiology
Personal Attributes
Negotiating skills
Ability to influence others
Problem Solving & Decision making
Time Management skills
Adaptability & Change Management skills
Planning and Organization skills
Integrity/ethical standards
Results-oriented
Discretion
Compassion & Empathy

Section IV – Qualifications Required
Education
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Nursing from an approved School of Nursing, orbaccalaureate degree in medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology or public health
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse, LPN or baccalaureate degree in medicaltechnology, microbiology, epidemiology or public health
Experience
2 years team management and supervisory experience
2 years experience in long term care and in the management of resident care
2 years knowledge of and experience in overseeing ODH regulatory compliance
Technical experience with Patient Care/Management systems

Section V – Organizational Relationships
Reports to:
Director of Nursing and Center Administrator
Direct Reports:
Nursing Supervisor(s), CQI/In-Service Coordinator RN, Staff Development RN, Unit Manager(s), Staffing Coordinator, Nursing Secretary, MDS Staff, Ward Clerks, Medical Records Clerk(s), Central Supply Clerk(s)
Indirect Reports:
RNs, LPNs, and STNAs
Internal Support Partners or Customers:
HR, Dietary Team, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Business Office, Admissions, Activity Director, Social Services, Medical Director, Director of Nursing Operations
External Relationships
Hospital Discharge Planners, Ancillary Vendors (i.e., Lab, X-Ray, Hospice)
Section VI – Scope, Goals & Accountabilities
Goal Structure:
Corporate Goals that link to Department/Individual Goals
See current KPI Scorecard
Department/Individual Goals
See current KPI Scorecard
Project Goals
Will be determined and agreed upon with your manager as appropriate during evaluation and development discussions.

Section VII – Working Conditions & Special Requirements
Working Condition
Requirement
1.Sitting
up to 3 hours
2.Standing
up to 6 hours
3.Walking
up to 6 hour
4.Lifting
Up to 50 lbs
5.Driving
up to 1 hours/day
6.Travel % / Overnight Travel
Infrequently or None
7.Work evenings
Frequently; On call 24/7
8.Work weekends
6-8 times per year
9.Risk Category for Exposure to Bloodborne Diseases
Category III
10.Reliable Transportation
Required
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, bending, reaching, stooping, walking and moving intermittently during working hours. Ability to maintain verbal and written communication with co-workers and business associates outside the community. Ability to travel to include local and or scheduled out of town meetings and other professional activities. Good vision to supervise care delivery.
Mental Requirements: Alert and attentive to detail. Ability to remember locations, names and people. Must present a neat, clean, professional appearance and demonstrate a positive, cheerful attitude towards employees and residents.

Environment: Operates office equipment; works often in clean, well-lit, heated and cooled office area; travels often locally. Able to make frequent visits to all areas of the community. Occasionally spends time at outside construction sites with exposure to varying weather conditions.
Subject to exposure to hazardous chemicals or infectious substances.