Infection Preventionist

GENERAL PURPOSE:  Under the direction of the Director of Nursing and/or Administrator, the Infection Preventionist is responsible for the oversight of the Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Provide information to managers/directors regarding changes in policies, new procedures, etc. to keep staff current on new practices.
2. Collaborate with the facility’s leadership and the Medical Director to develop, implement, and evaluate the annual infection prevention goals and action plan.
3. Perform surveillance of infections and diseases and conduct outbreak investigations.
4. Maintain a system for reporting possible incidents of communicable diseases to appropriate agencies as required.
5. Manage Tuberculosis and Influenza immunization administration, documentation, and tracking for all employees.
6. Oversee the Antibiotic Stewardship Program and monitor Residents’ antibiotic use.
7. Coordinate and implement an employee health program.
8. Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting the TONCA (Tohono O Odham Nursing Care Authority) operations.
9. Ensure that the facility’s leadership is informed, understand, and comply with infection control, safety, and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) procedures and regulations.
10. Attend and/or report to assigned meetings.
11. Perform any supportive functions based on the organization's requirements.
12. Recognize your role as part of the QAPI (Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement) efforts of your organization.
13. Attend training to build understanding and capacity to undertake QAPI work.
14. Carry out QAPI roles and responsibilities as assigned.
15. Follow established policies and procedures in support of QAPI efforts.
16. Look for and share leadership ideas for improvement in the organization.
17. Communicate with leadership upon witnessing a positive outcome of a QAPI project or detecting barriers preventing project success.
18. Support QAPI efforts both verbally and non-verbally (i.e., via actions and attitude), including adjusting performance and practice in accordance with QAPI initiatives and findings.
19. All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Licensed Practical Nurse (minimum) or Registered Nurse (preferred); must have a current, active and unrestricted license as a professional nurse. TONCA will also consider applicants with a bachelor's degree in epidemiology, medical technology, microbiology, or public health (minimum).

Preference:  Registered Nurse and/or A.S.N. or B.S.N./ Certified in Infection Control

Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant bedside nursing experience (for professional nurses). Three years qualifying Infection Control experience.