JOB DESCRIPTION- Infection Control Nurse

                                            JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title        :           Infection Control Nurse

Reporting To:           Quality Manager

Job Summary:

BASIC FUNCTIONS: The infection control nurse is responsible for the training of new staff in infection control principles and the yearly in servicing of current employees, monitoring compliance with infection control policies and practices. He/She is also responsible for keeping records of trends in resident illnesses

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed as a nurse in Massachusetts

• Membership in Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

• Experience and/or certification as infection control practitioner

SCHEDULE: Full time position with varying hours as required by the facility.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The following description of duties is intended to outline the essential responsibilities of the person in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties and responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBJECTIVES:

• The ICN will act as a resource person to staff around specific infection control issues concerning specific patients or groups of patients.

• The ICN will be responsible for reviewing and updating infection control policies in conjunction with the Infection Control Task Force.

• The ICN will identify need areas for education of staff and work with Staff Development Coordinator to implement in servicing.

• The ICN will act as a resource person during the admission and/or readmission process

The ICN will track rates and types of infections through surveillance systems and report information to the Performance Improvement Committee, Administrator, Director of Nursing and Medical Director.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Assumes responsibility for own self evaluation and learning.

• Is self-directed and responsible for completing all required documentation.

• Participates in implementing nursing department or facilities goals as needed.

• Works with team members in order to ensure effective communication of the changing infection control needs of residents.

• Must be able to communicate infection control principles in a concrete manner that is appropriate for all learners

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQIREMENTS:

• Must be able to move about the nursing facility to monitor infection control practices