IP NURSE LVN

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
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  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 that successfully correct problem areas.
  
  Interpret infection control policies and procedures as necessary. 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. Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Administrator, as necessary/required, concerning the infection control program of this facility. 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 our standard operating procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Make rounds to nursing units for the purpose of case findings, review of environmental sanitation procedures, and supervision of isolation precautions/practices. Visit isolated residents as necessary to ensure that established isolation precautions and aseptic technique are followed.
  
  Ensure that 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 assuring that aseptic techniques are implemented. Assist in developing and implementing guidelines for the decontamination and sterilization activities performed in the facility. Perform periodic testing of our 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 the disposal and removal of infective and contaminated materials from the facility.
• Committee Functions
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  Serve on, participate in, and attend Infection Control Committee meetings. Represent the Infection Control Committee as required. Assist the Infection Control Committee in evaluating and revising our infection control practices and aseptic technique to ensure continued sanitation practices are maintained throughout the facility. Assist the Infection Control Committee in establishing the criteria for classifying all routine and reasonably anticipated job related tasks to ensure that tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.
  
  Provide the Infection Control Committee with written and oral reports concerning all nosocomial infections within the facility. Ensure that major changes in our cleaning products or techniques are approved by the Infection Control Committee. Assist in evaluating and implementing recommendations from the Infection Control Committee. Provide information relative to TB assessment and make recommendations concerning the protocols to follow in isolating TB cases.
• Personnel Functions
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  Develop and implement a practical system of detecting, evaluating, recording, and reporting infections that originate with facility personnel. Assist the personnel director in developing and implementing our employee health services program, to include individual counseling. Provide employee counseling as outlined in our infection control and employee health program. Provide personnel with information concerning the facility's policies governing hepatitis B vaccinations.
  
  Assist in establishing the TB Mantoux testing and recordkeeping protocols for all employees. Orient new employees to the importance of infection control policies and procedures, personal hygiene, handwashing/hand hygiene techniques, etc., as well as the employee's responsibility in following our established procedures for tasks involving exposure to blood/body fluids. Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.
  
  Meet with the staff to assist in identifying and correcting problem areas, and/or the improvement of services, as necessary. Develop and maintain a good working rapport with all department directors and…