Infection Preventionist

Infectious Preventionist
Shift : Full-time
Monday - Friday 8AM - 4:30PM
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At The Chesapeake in Newport News, Virginia, residents receive gracious hospitality and exquisite service from a caring and committed team who know they make a difference in the work they perform. Our mission is to empower individuals with choices in purposeful living built on values of faith, servant leadership, stewardship, integrity, peace of mind, innovation and joy.
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The Infectious Preventionist is responsible for the development, implementation, surveillance, monitoring, education for and oversight of the community-wide infection prevention and control program. Also, they are responsible for compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations as well as LifeSpire and internal community policies and procedures. The position has frequently interactions with residents, guests, families, and employees. The position also interacts with local, state and federal regulatory and licensing agencies.
KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees infection prevention and control functions in accordance and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and policies governing their operations.

Develops, in conjunction with facility and LifeSpire clinical leadership, a system of policies and processes related to infection prevention and control for all community departments and all community processes related to infection control and prevention.

Acts as liaison with internal community leadership, staff, medical providers, external local health departments, area hospitals, and other required stakeholders related to infection prevention and control.

Accountable for surveillance, data analysis, documentation, and reporting of internal and external community acquired infections.

Directs and assists in preparing reports and statistical data for community committees and LifeSpire programs.

Active member of the community QAPI committee.

Oversees, monitors, and provides feedback for the community antibiotic stewardship program. Reviews annually and updates the program for any needed changes.

Responsible for oversight and monitoring of the resident and staff influenza prevention program, resident pneumococcal immunization program, and tuberculosis prevention program.

Works in conjunction with department staff to review potential or returning residents for infectious disease and assures that appropriate measures are put into place to prevent the spread of infection.

Responsible for monitoring, investigation, reporting, and oversight for community infectious outbreak occurrences to all applicable local, state, federal, and LifeSpire entities.

Institutes appropriate infection control containment measures (standard and transmission-based precautions and procedures); including communicating required actions to other departments.

Maintains accurate records of all infection surveillance activities.

Provides education to community staff as needed related to infection prevention and control and maintains appropriate records of education.

Provides education to new employees on infection control, OSHA, blood-borne pathogen standards, and the tuberculosis exposure control plan.

Works with human resources, dining services, maintenance, and housekeeping department leaders and staff to assure that infection prevention and control practices are implemented and maintained. Includes determination of ability to work or enter the community for employees, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and visitors who may have an active infection.

Reviews/revises infection prevention policies on an annual basis.

Conducts annual review of the facility assessment to determine needed changes to the infection control program.

Serves as a resource to all levels of staff related to infection prevention and control.

Serves as the community representative on the LifeSpire Infection Prevention and Control Committee.

OUALIFICATIONS

Current and valid RN license with the State of Virginia

Minimum of 2 years' work experience as an infection preventionist, or other RN position that demonstrates progressive leadership experience.

Minimum 5 years' experience in a direct resident/patient care setting, long term care experience preferred

Certification in infection control preferred; if not certified, will be required to complete Infection Prevention Specialized Training (IPCO) through AHCA within 6 months of hire

Maintains membership in APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control). Attends seminars and participates in educational offerings to stay current m knowledge required for role