The primary purpose of your position is to plan, organize, coordinate and direct our Infection Control Program and its activities in accordance with current Federal, State, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern such programs.

Essential Job Functions:

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, coordinate, and direct our infection control program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long-term care facility. Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique that successfully correct problem areas.
• Make rounds to nursing units for the purpose of case findings, review of environmental sanitation procedures, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices.
• Review and analyze infectious disease laboratory reports and consult with the Director of Nursing in developing the care plan for assuring that aseptic techniques as implemented.
• Provide the Director of Nursing Services with a report of pertinent findings recommendations pertaining to nosocomial infections.
• Maintain a written record of all residents placed in isolation or on infection control precautions, as well as those residents and employees who have nosocomial infections.
• Monitor infection control practices and procedures to ensure that all personnel are implementing our Standard Operating Procedure for Universal Precautions Categories I and II.
• Ensure that laboratory support is available, including microbiological and serological services.
• Visit isolated residents daily to ensure that established isolation precautions and aseptic techniques are followed.
• Perform periodic testing of the facility prepared sterile packs, bundles, and supplies, including sterilization equipment.
• Monitor the designated shelf life of medical items wrapped and sterilized at the facility. Reprocess, as necessary.
• Ensure that all personnel follow established procedure for the disposal and removal of ineffective and contaminated materials from the facility.
• Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility.
• Assist the Director of Laundry Services in developing infection control procedures for the handling of clean and soiled laundry/linen, equipment cleaning, etc.
• Assist the Director of Housekeeping Services in developing infection control procedures for the routine and terminal cleaning of isolation rooms and areas, equipment cleaning, etc.
• Interpret infection control policies and procedure, as necessary.
• Prepare summaries of special investigations on the occurrence of nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
• Prepare monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective action taken, and the results of the corrective action.
• Submit copies to the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.
• Maintain a reference library of written infection control material that will assist the facility in meeting the day-to-day needs of the isolated resident.
• Assist the Discharge Planning Coordinator in developing and implementing discharge plans for the resident in isolation or on infection control precautions.
• Report all reportable disease to the County and State Health Department.
• Participate in surveys of possible carriers among residents and personnel, and in tracing possible sources of infections within the facility
• Work on-call shifts as required.

• Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university
• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a bachelor’s degree RN or LPN in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to long-term care.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc.,
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Job Snapshot