Infection Control / Quality Assurance Nurse

Job Overview

Do you have critical thinking skills and the ability to stay stable in emergency situations?. We are looking for a detail-oriented person with the ability to communicate disease prevention best practices effectively to ensure the safety of their patients.  Does this sound like you?  If so we invite you to join our team at Sunnycrest Manor.

Job Duties

• Promote the mission, vision, and values of Sunnycrest Manor.
• Strong computer and research skills needed to develop best practices and standards of care.
• Must establish standard methods of care, utilizing evidence-based practice and best practices standards.
• Will work with the Director of Nursing and other department heads to establish and implement infection control programs.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining policies and procedures related to infection control.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Use of epidemiological principles and statistical methods to design, implement and evaluate infection prevention and control strategies.
• Provides consultation and education to staff in Infection Prevention and Control.
• Develop and coordinate the Infection Prevention and Control Committee to determine the direction of the surveillance activities and actively evaluate effectiveness of the Infection Prevention and Control Plan.
• Participate in Quality Assurance meetings.
• Update the Infection Prevention Control plan annually and as needed. Update the infection Prevention Control plan as needed or on an annual basis.
• Conduct risk assessments annually or as needed with consideration of served population and new emerging infectious diseases.
• Notify the County and/or State Health Department of any reportable diseases, adhering to all internal, state, and Federal regulations.
• Develop and implement patient care procedures and control mechanisms relating to quality, compliance, and infectious diseases.
• Participate in infection prevention and control education of all employees during orientation and annually thereafter, including classes and assigning infection prevention and control practices.  Conduct infection prevention and control education to employees during orientation and annually.
• Review and audit 24-hour report for any infections/antibiotic used to ensure proper use according to current guidance.
• Conducts Quality Assurance audits according to our plan of correction for the state surveys.
• Ensure the infection prevention and control procedures meet CMS, IDPH, CDC, and OSHA regulations
• May work direct care as needed. Work schedule will consist of weekend rotations.
• In addition to the job description, the nursing job description for Sunnycrest Manor shall be included for the job.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited RN program
• Must maintain current registration and valid license with Iowa Board of Nursing
• Must maintain certification in BLS.
• Currently maintain or the ability to attain the Infection Preventionist Certificate within 3 months of employment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, skills, abilities

• Must have clinical knowledge necessary to competently perform quality nursing care duties.
• Detail oriented and capable to exploring innovative solutions to solve complex problems and address issues through the use of a combination of delivered and custom-developed tools.
• Ability to compile, code and categorize, or verify information/data.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving residents, families, and physicians.
• Ability to work with and manage a team.

Physical Requirements

• Must complete a pre-employment physical.
• Requires pushing, pulling and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Utilize mechanical lifts and stands.
• Requires standing for a prolonged period of time.
• Requires the ability to walk entire building.
• Requires the ability to reach, squat, bend, stoop, pushing, pulling, twisting and gripping activities.
• Some exposure to slippery surfaces when floor is wet.
• Exposure to chemicals for cleaning at times.
• Exposure to blood and bodily fluids.