Position Summary

In this role, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and implementing health programs, staff educational programs, infection control processes and Quality Improvement projects. The Infection Preventionist/Educator ensures all state and federal mandatory education, infection control, general health, safety training (OSHA), Joint Commission Standards, and community policies/initiatives are fully implemented.

Education Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs the education of associate in the community.
• Coordinates the new hire orientation process and on-going education for all staff.
• Onboarding and training for all new nurses and CNAs
• Coordination with nursing schools, colleges and high schools for clinical programs
• Develop and maintain mentorship program
• Outreach in communities to further develop internship and clinical programs
• Monitors associate participation/compliance with educational requirements using the on-line educational program (Relias), hands on training, and manages all competencies 

Infection Control Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop / implement an ongoing infection prevention/control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset/spread of infections.
• Primary contact for community for all infection control outbreaks, and prevention.
• Staying current and compliant with all State, Federal, IDPH, CMS and CDC guidelines.
• Review/revise the community’s infection prevention and control program, its standards, policies, and procedures annually and as needed for changes to the community assessment to ensure they are effective and in accordance with current standards of practice for preventing and controlling infections.
• Tracking of TBs, compentencies, vaccinations and record compliance 
• Education as needed under direction of DON 

Essential Functions, Key Duties, & Responsibilities

• Organize, plan and implement annual OSHA, JCAHO and State/Federal required in-service training programs to include hazard communication, blood borne pathogens, infection control standards as well as all other mandatory training programs as required by Federal or State regulations.
• Observe and instruct associates in safety policies and procedures.
• Lead all Infection Control related programs and serve as the Infection Preventionist for the community.
• Consistently monitor established policies and procedures pertaining to safety, hazard communications, and universal precautions (proper hand washing, correct usage of personal protective equipment and proper disposal of hazardous materials/waste).
• Serve as a member of the Safety Committee and QAPI Committee by preparing, analyzing and reporting key indicator data.
• Secure and maintain records, reports, instructional manuals, reference manuals, etc. pertinent to educational programs.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to ensure individual associate training records are maintained and in compliance with Federal and State regulations.
• Facilitate in-service training, observing audience response to training, and adjusting delivery and teaching style to maximize participation and retention of material.
• Maintain a good rapport and professional working relationship with all department personnel to enhance appropriate interdepartmental communications.
• Use tact, sensitivity, sound judgement and a professional attitude when working with residents, families, associates, third party vendors and State/Federal entities.
• Serve as a member of the Nursing Administration with on-call responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and procedures and any updates.

Position Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

Licenses/Certifications: active Registered Nurse (RN) license

Experience: 3+ years of clinical experience; preferably in nursing/long term care

Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
• High degree of integrity.
• Strong communicator and capable of leading change.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects and deadlines concurrently.

Travel: Limited travel may be required for training purposes

Hours

• Full time: Days

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