Infection Preventionist (SNF- Southside) HRC-131

Job Summary
The RN/LVN Infection Preventionist evaluates the quality of resident care and outcomes as they relate to Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI) and Community Acquired Infections (CAI) in accordance with all applicable laws regulations and Life Care standards. Collects prepares and analyzes HAI data. Presents infection data and makes recommendations for actions. Monitors associate compliance with infection control standards through use of barriers and infection prevention measures. Prepares and presents education for the staff residents and families. Serves as a resource to all departments and personnel. Reports to Director of Nursing (DON)

Responsibilities

Attends and participates in continuing education programs (ex. Infection Prevention and Control)
Works in department as well as throughout facility
Subject to frequent interruptions
Involved with patients associates visitors government agencies/personnel etc. under all conditions and circumstances
Subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients family members etc.
Works beyond normal working hours on weekends and holidays and in other positions temporarily as necessary
Subject to falls burns from equipment odors etc. throughout the workday
Possible exposure to infectious waste diseases conditions etc. including exposure to AIDS the hepatitis B virus and COVID-19
Must be able to plan develop organize implement and evaluate facility-wide systems for the prevention identification investigation and control of infections of residents staff and visitors
Must be able to plan develop organize implement and evalute a high quality infection prevention and control program (IPCP) to prevent recognize and control the onset and spread of infection to the extent possible
Must be able to serve as the educational resource for ensuring the facility is able to properly educate; residents families associates consultants contractors and volunteers on information regarding: COVID-19 infectious diseases outbreaks and infection control practices the facility uses to mitigate the spread of infection
Must be able to monitor usage and burn rate of personal protective equipment
Must be able to regularly review CDC and State Health websites for Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for current information and ensure associates and residents are updated when guidance changes
Must be able to complete on-going monitoring of HAIs (Healthcare Acquired Infections) and CAIs (Community Acquired Infections) including antibiotic use micro report line listings and trending of infections
Must be able to serve as a QAPI Committee member with the responsibility of reporting on infection prevention and control elements
Must be able to serve as the chair and prepare the agenda for the Infection Prevention and Control Committee
Must be able to serve as the PPE coach and complete associate training and competencies related to appropriate PPE use
Must be able to serve as a resource for all departments associates and licensed independent practitioners on infection prevention and control matters
Must be able to conduct outbreak tracking symptom monitoring investigation and reporting in accordance with local health and state agency as required by law
Must be able to initiate follow-up on associate/resident exposures to communicable diseases
Must be able to coordinate the development review and revision of the Annual Infection Prevention and Control Plan
Must be able to participate in short- and long-range planning for the Infection Prevention and Control Program
Must be able to serve as clinical lead in the facility in the implementation and support of the Antibiotic Stewardship program
Must be able to participate in the ongoing review of facility assessment to ensure identification of Infection Control resources necessary to care for its residents competently during both day-to-day operations and emergencies
Must be able to ensure reporting is completed in NHSN in accordance with F885
Must be able to serve as the clinical lead for Associate Health Vaccinations Safer Sharps and Post Exposure Coordination
Must be able to serve as the RPA (Respiratory Protection Administrator) for the facility and administer respiratory fit testing as needed
Must be able to participate in regulatory surveys to ensure associates in all departments are being monitored and provide assistance in following appropriate IPC standard
Must exhibit excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards patients
Must be able to assist in the evacuation of patients
Must demonstrate dependable regular attendance
Must be able to concentrate and use reasoning skills and good judgment
Must be able to communicate and function productively within an interdisciplinary team
Must be able to sit stand bend lift push pull stoop walk reach and move intermittently during working hours
Must be able to read write speak and understand the English language
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. floor to waist lift 50 lbs. waist to shoulder lift and carry 50 lbs. and push/pull 50 lbs.

Required Skills/Abilities

Serves as designated associate responsible for monitoring Public Health Advisories from local state and federal agencies including the CDC
Serves as the on-site IPC for COVID-19 prevention and response activities in accordance with current CDC recommendations
Works onsite at the physical facility. May not be an off-site consultant or perform the IP work at a separate location such as a corporate office or affiliated short term acute care facility
Holds responsibility for the development and accountability of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program
Maintains a current knowledge of infection control trends methodologies and employee health practices
Performs work within the scope of his/her license
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
Must be knowledgeable of Infection Prevention and Control practices and procedures as well as the laws regulations and guidelines governing nursing functions in the post-acute care facility
Must have the ability to implement and interpret the programs goals objectives policies and procedures of the Infection Prevention and Control Program
Must perform proficiently in all applicable competency areas
Maintains professional working relationships with all associates vendors etc.
Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information
Must understand and follow company policies including harassment and compliance procedures
Displays integrity and professionalism by adhering to Life Cares Code of Conduct and completes mandatory Code of Conduct and other appropriate compliance training

Education & Experience

Must be currently licensed/registered in applicable State. Must maintain an active RN/LVN license in good standing throughout employment.
Must have CPR certification upon hire or obtain during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during employment.
Must have obtained specialized IPC training beyond initial professional training or education prior to assuming the role. If a facilitys resident population changes the IP should re-evaluate their knowledge and skills and may need to obtain additional training for the change in the facilitys scope of care.
Prior experience with geriatrics preferred
Must have applicable certifications or training per State requirements (e.g. Certified TB Nurse)

Job Type: Full-time Day Shift

Pay: $110000-$140000 annually

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Hollister CA 95023 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hollister CA 95023: Relocate before starting work (Required)

You can access the application form here: you may submit your completed application directly to .

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check physical exam drug test and verification of education qualifications and credentials.

San Benito Health Care District is an equal opportunity accordance with applicable law we prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees applicants for employment individuals providing services in the workplace pursuant to a contract and volunteers based on their actual or perceived: race religious creed color national origin ancestry physical or mental disability medical condition genetic information marital status (including registered domestic partnership status) sex (including pregnancy childbirth lactation and related medical conditions) gender (including gender identity and expression) age (40 and over) sexual orientation status military and veteran status and any other consideration protected by federal state or local law (sometimes
referred to collectively as protected characteristics).