Infection Prevention/Quality Assurance Nurse

Located in Danville in the scenic East Bay Area, The Reutlinger Community provides comfortable accommodations and personalized care for up to 180 seniors. Newly renovated to better serve residents, The Reutlinger Community currently offers room and board in specialized Assisted Living, Enhanced Care, Memory Care and Rehabilitation.

The Reutlinger Community is staffed by seasoned specialists with decades of experience in senior care and skilled nursing. We offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as the opportunity to make a positive contribution in the lives of our residents and our community.

I.

The infection preventionist plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, coordinates, and directs the infection prevention and control program in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long-term care facility. This position keeps abreast of current CDC, OSHA, CMS, CDPH and local regulations concerning infection prevention and control practices and guidelines. He or she will provide relevant education or training to new and current employees and will lead the antibiotic stewardship program. The infection preventionist has the autonomy to make recommendations and implement facility policies to support infection prevention and control adherence. This is a Full Time position- may be divided between two employees so long as the combined work hours equal 40.

II.

Infection Prevention and Control Program Management

A. Consult in the development and implementation of the infection prevention program in accordance with current rules, regulations and guidelines that govern such requirements in the long term care facility.

B. Ensures the facility is in compliance with current CDC, OSHA and local regulations concerning infection control practices.

C. Evaluate the effectiveness of the IP program and modify as needed.

D. Provides reports (oral or written) or recommendations to the Executive Director and/or Director of Nursing concerning the infection control program of the facility.

E. Prepares and reports on monthly summaries of all residents/personnel infections, corrective actions taken and the results of the corrective action. Provides copies to facility leadership as part of the QA meeting.

F. Actively participate on the IPC committee.

Surveillance

A. Develop an annual surveillance plan based on the population served, services provided, and analysis of surveillance data.

B. Conduct surveillance using epidemiological principles.

C. Evaluate and modify the surveillance plan as necessary.

IPC policies and protocols

A. Consult in the development and assist with the implementation of IPC policies and protocols.

B. Communicate IPC information and data to various committees within the facility and HCP.

Infection Prevention and Control Education

A. Develop IPC training

a. Assess learning needs and develop training for SNF residents and HCP.

b. Create educational goals, objectives, and strategies using learning principles and available educational tools and technology.

B. Conduct training for SNF residents, HCP, engineering staff, housekeeping staff, food service staff, volunteers, and others who enter the SNF on a regular basis.

C. Conduct adherence monitoring to:

a. Provide feedback to HCP and reinforce training concepts.

b. Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and modify as needed

D. Ensures isolation precautions are appropriately carried as required/needed according to the residents’ medical condition.

Regulatory Requirements

A. Consult in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that meet the criteria below:

a. Ensure compliance with regulatory and mandatory reporting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels.

b. Ensure compliance with COVID-19 and other testing requirements

c. Facilitate compliance with regulatory standards among residents and HCP

B. Consult in the modification of policies and procedures as needed to meet the criteria above and/or to incorporate current infection control standards

Performance Improvement (PI)

A. Use various PI methodologies as a means of enacting change

B. Develop policies and procedures for PI measures

a. Consult in the development of policies and procedures that define and investigate PI measures

b. Ensure that resident needs and rights are considered in the development of processes

c. Incorporate IPC process and outcome measures into the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.

d. Modify policies and procedures for PI measures as needed

C. Participate in PI committees, teams, and initiatives as needed

Occupational Health

A. Provide consultation to occupational health personnel in the following areas:

a. Occupational health policies and procedures related to IPC

b. Risk of occupational exposures to infectious disease

c. Rates and trends of occupational exposures

d. Work restrictions and recommendations related to communicable diseases or following an exposure

B. Assist with immunization and screening programs as needed

Other Functions

A. Ensures all HCP receive infection prevention and control training on an annual basis

B. Ensures that antibiotic stewardship program is implemented and coordinates with nursing staff, physicians and pharmacists as needed.

C. Completes the monthly infection control report timely and communicates significant findings with the infection control committee.

D. Works with state or federal surveyors during annual or complaint surveys and provides requested documents and information in a timely manner.

E. Completes 10 hours of continuing education in the field of IPC and stays abreast of current news and training sources through a nationally recognized infection prevention and control association

III.

a. Models and embodies Eskaton’s core values, including:

· Creating a sense of warmth, welcoming and belonging for all

· Fostering excellence in everything we do

· Seeking consistent improvement, learning and sustainable growth

· Stepping up, taking ownership and leading with initiative

b. Fully complies with all provisions in Eskaton’s Corporate Compliance Policy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

c. Maintains attendance as outlined in Eskaton policy.

d. Follows required dress code and Eskaton’s Community Appearance Standards. Maintains a professional image to the public and residents.

e. Works in accordance with established safety guidelines; uses proper body mechanics; follows safe work practices; wears appropriate safety gear.

IV.

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current RN or LVN license with the California State Board of Nursing.

At least one year experience of direct nursing care in acute care or nursing facility is preferred.

It is important that IP have training in fundamental IPC principles to effectively perform the IP duties. Ongoing education is necessary to remain aware of new information, trends, best practices, and to refresh existing knowledge. The designated IP (or both IPs if there are two part-time staff designated) should complete their initial IP training within 90 calendar days of hire. If the IP is an existing SNF employee who was recently designated to this role, initial training should occur within 30 calendar days of designation.

Possesses an in-depth knowledge of comprehensive nursing care and infection prevention and control practices.

V.

Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Notify the Human Resources team to request any accommodation(s) to perform any of the essential functions of this position.

Medium Work

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical Requirements

☐ Climbing ⮽ Balancing ⮽ Kneeling ⮽ Standing ⮽ Walking ⮽ Crouching

⮽ Pushing ⮽ Pulling ⮽ Lifting ⮽ Tactile sense ⮽ Repetitive motions ⮽ Grasping

⮽ Seeing ⮽ Hearing ⮽ Talking ☐ Other: ________________________________________

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $38.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person