Infection Control Nurse

Overview

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.

Administrative Functions:
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 nursing care facilities. Ensure that the facility follows current CDC, OSHA, and local regulations concerning infection control or standard/universal precautions. Develop, maintain, and periodically update infection control precautions and aseptic technique to successfully correct problem areas.

Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary. Maintain a reference library of written infection control material to assist the facility in meeting day-to-day needs of isolated residents. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary, concerning the infection control program. Assist all departments in evaluating and classifying routine and job-related functions to ensure that tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified.

Monitor infection control practices and procedures to ensure that all personnel are implementing standard operating procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Make rounds to nursing units for case findings, environmental sanitation reviews, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices. Visit isolated residents as necessary to ensure that isolation precautions and aseptic technique are followed. Ensure laboratory support is available, including microbiological and serological services.

Review and analyze infectious disease laboratory reports and consult with the Director of Nursing Services in developing the care plan for ensuring that aseptic techniques are implemented. Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility. Perform periodic testing of 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 procedures for disposal and removal of infective and contaminated materials from the facility.

• Prepare monthly summaries of all resident/personnel infections, corrective actions taken, and the results of the corrective actions. Submit copies to the Administrator and Director of Nursing Services.
• Prepare summaries of special investigations on nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Provide the Director of Nursing Services with a report of pertinent findings and recommendations pertaining to nosocomial infection. Maintain a written record of all residents and employees who have nosocomial infections. Participate in surveys of possible carriers among residents and personnel, and in tracing possible sources of infection within the facility.
• Assist the Director of Laundry Services and Director of Environmental Services in developing infection control procedures for handling clean/soiled laundry, equipment cleaning, routine and terminal cleaning, etc. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) by government agencies as necessary. Assist in discharge planning for residents in isolation or on infection control precautions. Assist in developing and implementing a facility-wide TB management control program.
  
  Report all reportable diseases to county and state health departments. Perform administrative duties as necessary (medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc.).

Serve on, participate in, and attend Infection Control Committee meetings. Represent the Infection Control Committee as required. Assist the committee in evaluating and revising infection control practices and aseptic technique to maintain sanitation practices throughout the facility. Establish criteria for classifying routine and reasonably anticipated job-related tasks to identify and record tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Provide written and oral reports to the committee concerning all nosocomial infections.

Ensure major changes in cleaning products or techniques are approved by the committee. Implement recommendations from the committee. Provide TB assessment information and recommendations regarding protocols for isolating TB cases.

Develop and implement a practical system of detecting, evaluating, recording, and reporting infections originating with facility personnel. Assist the personnel director in developing and implementing the employee health services program, including individual counseling. Provide employee counseling as outlined in the…