Infection Preventionist
The Nursing Home Infection Preventionist is responsible for implementing and overseeing infection prevention and control (IPC) programs within a nursing home facility. This role involves developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and protocols to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) among residents and staff.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and Implement IPC Programs:
- Create and maintain comprehensive IPC policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Conduct regular IPC assessments and audits.
- Identify and address infection risks within the facility.
- Educate and Train Staff:
- Provide ongoing education and training on IPC practices to all staff members.
- Develop and deliver educational materials and workshops.
- Ensure staff compliance with IPC guidelines.
- Surveillance and Outbreak Management:
- Monitor for the occurrence of HAIs and other infections within the facility.o Investigate and manage outbreaks promptly.
- Implement effective containment measures to prevent further spread.
- Coordinate with External Agencies:
- Collaborate with local health departments, regulatory agencies, and other healthcare providers on IPC matters.
- Report infectious disease outbreaks and other relevant information as required.
- Ensure Compliance:
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to IPC.
- Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and address non-compliance issues.
- Quality Improvement:
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance IPC practices and reduce the risk of HAIs.
- Analyze data and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement corrective action plans.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in nursing or related field.
- Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CICP) preferred.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in infection prevention and control, preferably in a healthcare setting.
- Strong knowledge of infectious disease epidemiology, microbiology, and public health.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Education and Experience:
Minimum Requirements:
- Current nursing license
- Bachelor's degree: In fields such as nursing, public health, microbiology, epidemiology, or a related healthcare science.
- Clinical experience: Several years of relevant clinical experience, especially in a healthcare setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's degree: In nursing, public health, epidemiology, or a related field can enhance expertise and career advancement.
- Certifications:
- Certified in Infection Control (CIC): Granted by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
- Long-Term Care Certification in Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP): Also granted by the CBIC, specializing in long-term care settings.
Additional Skills and Knowledge:
- Understanding of infectious diseases: Knowledge of transmission, prevention, and treatment.
- Epidemiological principles: Ability to analyze data and identify outbreaks.
- Regulatory compliance: Familiarity with infection control standards and regulations.
- Strong communication skills: Effective communication with healthcare staff, residents, and families.
- Leadership and organizational skills: Ability to manage infection prevention programs and coordinate teams.
